The American Idol Live! 2018 Tour recently announced its summer schedule that will feature the top seven finalists and “special guest” Allen, who won in 2009. “It’s happening,” confirms the Jacksonville native who now lives in Nashville, Tenn. And it’s the only time an Idol alum has been part of the tour, he says, adding with a laugh, “It’s just me. Maybe I was option nine, and I’m the only person who said yes.” Allen, 32, says it will be “interesting” spending July through September touring with the finalists whose ages range from 18 to 21: “First of all, I’ve been in their shoes, obviously, and I’ve also been on the road a bunch. … I kind of am hoping to impart some wisdom, but I also am probably going to learn a lot from them myself.”