‘American Idol’ Alum Jimmie Allen is Preparing to Bowl Professionally
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Reading Time: 3 minutes
Aside from being a country singer, Jimmie Allen has gotten serious in pursuing a professional career in bowling. The American Idol alum is currently training to become an expert in the league.
Jimmie Allen Calls Bowling his “Pandemic Passion”
When former National Football League (NFL) player Cortland Finnegan introduced Allen to bowling, he was instantly hooked. According to the Professional Bowling Association (PBA), the sport has become Allen’s “pandemic passion.” It doesn’t matter whether he’s in cities for a concert or at home to rest, he spends his spare time in the bowling alley.
Allen has been a fan of PBA for years as a viewer. Today, as a professional bowler aspirant, he intends to “make bowling a worldwide sport” in equal footing with basketball. At present, Allen belongs to five bowling leagues. The “Best Shot” singer also plans to take a month off January 2023 to compete in PBA tournaments and officially become a part of the association.
What Would it take for Allen to Go Pro?
The country star’s ultimate goal to go pro is not at all easy. Basically, he needs to score at least 200 on average across a season. There will be bowling seasons during summer and fall. However, the multi-platinum recording artist will most probably try his luck in PBA in January short-season.
The singer also confesses on bragging his knowledge about the sport, calling himself a “snob” when it comes to bowling.
“I’ll ask for, like, their house pattern, what’s their shot, what’s their oil,” he shared. “And then when I go to a bowling alley now and I see people next to me bowling with house shoes on and a house ball, I’m like, ‘what are you doing having fun!? No.'”
Clearly, Allen has done his research about this possible career. He knows that professional bowlers can earn a good amount money in tournaments, not to mention dollars-worth of sponsorships.
He Will Host Self-Titled PBA Tournament
Allen isset to open for American Idol winner Carrie Underwood’s tour, Denim & Rhinestones next month. However, before the singer heads back to the road, he will host The Jimmie Allen PBA Challenge on October 5, 2022.
The event will feature country music stars including Chuck Wicks, Chris Young, and Neon Union. These talents, along with Allen, will compete with PBA Tour stars Pete Weber, Kyle Troup, Sean Rash, and more.
In a doubles competition, each artist will team up with a PBA player. The former American Idol contestant will bowl the odd-numbered frames while the PBA player bowling the events. Apart from the main tournament, a Celebrity Super Clash will occur.
Fans can watch The Jimmie Allen PBA Challenge live on FOX Sports and FOX Now apps. The same will air on October 16, 2022, on FOX.
