Allison Iraheta on the Idols Tour

Allison Iraheta and her fellow Top 9 Idols kicked off the American Idol 2009 Tour on July 5 in Portland. When we caught up with Allison on July 8, the Idols were hot off the Portland and Tacoma shows and heading to Vancouver. With two shows down and 48 to go, Allison opened up about life on the road and performing for huge crowds.

Describing her first two shows as "amazing, fun, and great," Allison said she couldn't believe how awesome the crowds were. Tacoma was especially energetic and loud, according to Allison.

On Allison's AmericanIdol.com contestant profile page, she lists Michael Jackson as her favorite male artist. She didn't watch the memorial service on the bus because she thought it was best for her not to, since she knew it would make her very emotional. Michael Jackson inspired Allison musically, and she received rave reviews for her take on "Give In To Me" during the Top 13's Michael Jackson theme week on American Idol.

Allison shares a tour bus with Lil Rounds, Megan Joy, and Allison's mom, since Allison is still a minor. She describes life on the road as "a lot of fun. I love road trips!" ... read more