Kristopher Neil "Kris" Allen (born June 21, 1985) is an American singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas, and the winner of the eighth season of American Idol. Prior to Idol, he self-released a 2007 album entitled Brand New Shoes. Kris Allen was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, to Kimberly and Neil Allen. He is the elder of two sons; his younger brother, Daniel, is a college cheerleading coach. Allen is a Christian and served as assistant music director at the non-denominational New Life Church in both Conway, Arkansas, and Little Rock, Arkansas. "Live Like We're Dying" is the first single from American Idol season eight winner Kris Allen's as yet untitled major label debut album, which is scheduled for release on November 17, 2009. The song was written by Andrew Frampton, Steve Kipner, Danny O'Donoghue, and Mark Sheehan. "Live Like We're Dying" was originally recorded by Irish band The Script as a B-side for the Japanese release of their self-titled debut album. Kris Allen's version of the song was released via New York's Z100 on September 21, 2009. When it was played, it was the first time that Allen had ever heard one of his songs on the radio. It.