Kris Allen: Record will have urban elements!

As the most recent winner of "American Idol," Kris Allen isn't just expected to record a debut album -- he's supposed to make chart-topping hits and live up to the sales of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and David Cook before him.

For his fall debut on 19/Jive, the 23-year-old has a wealth of songwriters and producers to choose from: David Hodges (Clarkson, Daughtry), Salaam Remi (Nas, Amy Winehouse) and Claude Kelly (Akon, Leona Lewis) have all submitted material for the record. Allen also collaborated with Joe King of the Fray in June at Timbaland's Virginia Beach, Virginia, recording studio.

"Each writing session has been a learning experience," says Allen, who adds that his record will sound similar to John Mayer and Jason Mraz, with possible traces of the urban sound that he's been exploring with some collaborators. "I think that we are trying to figure it out and that it's going the right way, and I'm really excited about it. I can't wait."

-ashu