Be thankful that you're not one of the many who are queuing up at Mid Valley Megamall's Centre Court right now trying to score a chance to meet and greet American Idol Kris Allen. We were lucky enough to get invited for the press conference, so here are some preliminary pics and soundbites to tide you over until the showcase tonight!

The pocket-sized Idol was all smiles and schoolboy charm. Sadly, us media peeps were only allowed 6 questions in total so we couldn't get in a question about General Larry "Pants on the Ground" Platt. Or about his bromance with Adam Lambert. Or about Ellen DeGeneres. So in retrospect, we got nothing. Booo. But when asked about who he thought would be a good replacement for Simon (it is his final season), Kris responded, "The people who produce the show know exactly what they're doing. Whoever they chose to replace him will do a good job." 

Make what you will of that answer but until tomorrow's report of the showcase, here are some pics from the press conference. Oh yes - a highlight from the PC. He was presented with a keris, prompting the new nickname: Keris Allen.

That's it today. Check back tomorrow for more pics and a showcase review!