Season 8’s American Idol, Kris Allen, celebrates his big 25th birthday today! He’s only been around for a quarter of a century, but Kris has lived a lot of life over the past two years. Since the husband from Conway, Arkansas became the 2009 American Idol, he’s traveled the nation on tour with the Season 8 Top 10, released an album, volunteered with Idol Gives Back in Haiti, toured the country to promote his self-titled album, and scored three No. 1s on the Billboard charts.

How will Kris celebrate his 25th birthday? By playing music, of course! He will be performing at Sunshine Theatre in Albuquerque, NM tonight. Later this week he’s off to Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Yankee Stadium, and Northern California. In July and early August, Kris will hit the road with the Barenaked Ladies, and then from mid to late August he’ll be on tour with Maroon 5. View the tour dates and locations.

Kris’ fans showed their appreciation for the birthday boy by raising over $25,000 for the Heifer International charity, a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance and sustainability. Several cows were purchased in Kris’ name and the fundraising team, “Alright With Moo” (playing off the title of Kris’ upbeat single “Alright With Me”), is now the third place team in the history of the organization! To thank Kris and his fans for the amazing support, Heifer International put together a great video card honoring Kris’ charitable work. Check it out.

We wish the American Idol a very happy birthday!!

View photos of Kris performing “The Truth” on the Season 9 finale of American Idol.