American Idol Winners

American Idol' Hasn't Been Kind To Male Winners -- But Can The Davids Break The Curse?

2008-05-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Be careful what you wish for. While "American Idol" fans (and certainly producers) have been itching for what they hope will be the epic showdown between the Davids for months, now that the last woman standing, Syesha Mercado, has been tossed from the locker room, it's worth asking: Do we really want a male "Idol"? Or, better yet, is there a jinx on male "Idol" winners?

Since season-one winner Kelly Clarkson took the mantle, two-thirds of "Idol" winners have been female and, to date, they have all managed to have very respectable (Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks) if not superstar (Carrie Underwood, Clarkson) careers. The men, on the other hand, have had a less-stellar path. In fact, so far, the two male winners, season two's Ruben Studdard and season five's Taylor Hicks, are the only top vote-getters to be dropped from their major-label deals.

The tale of the tape tells it all: Underwood and Clarkson are the undisputed "Idol" champs, with debuts that sold 6.4 million and 5.9 million copies, respectively, according to SoundScan. Studdard nudges Fantasia by just more than 20,000 copies with his 1.78 million-selling debut, but he was dropped from J Records last year after his third album, The Return, sold just over 230,000 copies.

Fantasia, on the other hand, received three Grammy nominations for her second album and is working on her third while prepping to play Celie in the upcoming film adaptation of "The Color Purple" musical. Hicks, who was dropped from J Records in January after just one album, brings up the rear with just more than 700,000 copies of his debut sold, which made him the first "Idol" winner not to go platinum. In fact, his debut sold 40,000 copies less than Sparks' first effort, which was released in November and is currently getting a second wind thanks to the top-five single "No Air," which will likely further boost her album sales.

While it might be too early to say that there's some sort of bad mojo for the top "Idol" men, Michael Slezak, senior writer for EW.com, said it is becoming clear that America is more willing to embrace a female winner singing the traditionally gooey career-launching ballad. "Somehow, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson singing the cheesy 'Idol' anthem as their first single didn't seem to harm their credibility quite as much," he said. "America has a history of embracing their divas singing cheesy ballads, but it's a bit harder for male artists to get radio play with that schlock."

Slezak said he didn't think the career arcs of the two men who've won "Idol" to date are indicative of what might happen to Cook or Archuleta, but he did wonder if the latter's preference for squishy, adult-contemporary ballads might make him a square peg with radio. "[Archuleta] falls into that Clay Aiken sort of square, which is a tough sell at radio," he said. "And when he was doing the Chris Brown song ... he clearly doesn't have it when it comes to contemporary music."

Cook, on the other hand, has proven he can handle rock songs by acts like Switchfoot and Our Lady Peace and even put his own unique spin on tunes by Dolly Parton and Mariah Carey that are out of his comfort zone. "I think it's better for 'Idol' if David Cook wins," Slezak said. "They do need a male artist to win who can sell records."

Geoff Mayfield, Billboard magazine's director of charts/ senior analyst, said he's not willing to go so far as to call male "Idol" winners cursed but rather sees their struggles as part of the traditional hit-or-miss nature of the music business. "I think it might be a coincidence, but it's always down to how much talent does this person have once they've won," he said. "And that's true for any of [the winners]. I believe Jordin Sparks has the wherewithal to hang in there longer than Taylor Hicks because there's more to work with than what Taylor had."

But still, he said, it's a case-by-case call, whether the winner is male or female. For Studdard, who came out of the gate strong, the rapidly declining returns on his second and third albums would likely have gotten him booted from any label, "Idol" crown or not, and the call on Hicks was much easier given the difficulty he had in connecting with a mainstream audience.

"Idol" hasn't been particularly kind to male runner-ups, either, from season-one also-ran Justin Guarini and season two's once-shining star Clay Aiken to season-four former major-label rocker Bo Bice and last season's beatboxing flame-out, Blake Lewis. Though Aiken is back with his fourth studio album and just finished a well-received run on Broadway in "Spamalot," it does seem as if "Idol" fans love voting for the boys but aren't nearly as hyped on buying their records.

And perhaps it's also a coincidence, and likely a function of "Idol" being seven seasons in and ratings being down across the board due to the strike-impacted season, but the numbers for the show this year have consistently been down from previous highs. Though it is still the #1 show on TV, during last week's Tuesday night episode, 21.8 million people tuned in, which was the lowest audience total for the show since season two, the Studdard/Aiken year.

"Winning 'Idol' has never been a [guarantee of future success]," Mayfield said. "It gives any artist who comes from there a familiarity with their fanbase in the comfort of their living rooms, but whether they can parlay that into something bigger depends on how much talent they have at the right time, right place."
By : Gil Kaufman

Source : http://www.mtv.com

LYRIX Selects "American Idol" Sweepstakes Winner

2008-05-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - April 18, 2008) - Lyric Jeans, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: LYJN), the parent company behind the LYRIX brand for girls, today announced that 9-year-old Dakota Prado from Brooklyn, New York, was selected the winner of its "Be An 'American Idol' for a Day" sweepstakes held at Macy's Herald Square in New York City.

Dakota's favorite "American Idol" contestant this season is David Archuleta, and she loves songs by past "American Idol" winners such as "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson and "Dream Girls" by Jennifer Hudson.

This will be her first trip to Los Angeles from her native New York, where she attends the 3rd grade at a magnet school specializing in media and the arts.

As the winner of the sweepstakes Dakota will be flown to Los Angeles with her grandmother and will receive a LYRIX wardrobe to wear to the season finale of "American Idol."

LYRIX is a rock n' roll apparel line for girls based on popular song lyrics and imagery made famous by the hit television phenomenon "American Idol." The line is available at select Macy's nationwide.

LYRIX is an extension of the Lyric Culture brand, a premium adult contemporary apparel and accessories line driven by the music of such legendary artists as The Beatles, David Bowie, Marvin Gaye, Janis Joplin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bee Gees, Steppenwolf and many more.

About Lyric Culture

Lyric Culture is a music-driven apparel company involving lyrical content on jeans, denim wear and accessories. Each item reflects the song through its design. As the innovator and manufacturer of groundbreaking fashion, Lyric Culture employs a cutting-edge design strategy which allows the wearer to express themselves through the words of their favorite song -- a modern twist to wearing your heart on your sleeve (and pant leg)! Lyric Culture. has deals in place with the largest music publishing companies in the world including Warner Chappell, EMI, Universal, Sony/ATV and BMG to name a few and has secured the rights to utilize lyrics made famous by The Beatles, Janis Joplin, David Bowie, Marvin Gaye, The Bee Gees, Rod Stewart, Steppenwolf and many more.

The company currently produces Lyric Culture, a premium rock 'n' roll apparel and accessories line available at over three hundred specialty boutiques nationwide. www.LyricCulture.com

Included in this release are certain "forward-looking" statements, involving risks and uncertainties, which are covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Lyric Jeans, Inc. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to or implied by such statements. In addition, actual or future results may differ materially from those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including continued maintenance of favorable license arrangements, success of market research identifying new product opportunities, successful introduction of new products, continued product innovation, sales and earnings growth, ability to attract and retain key personnel, and general economic conditions affecting consumer spending, Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Lyric Jeans, Inc. does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law.

Safe Harbor: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approvals for anticipated actions.

Source : www.marketwire.com

‘Idol’ winners to appear on postage stamps

2008-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Fans of “American Idol” will get a chance to lick all seven winners of the hit Fox reality show — in the form of a stamp, that is.

Fox has announced a partnership between “Idol” and Photostamps.com to release unique collectable postage stamps of past “Idol” winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks, along with the upcoming season seven champ.

All 50 U.S. states will get an exclusive design. Every week, Photostamps.com will print 100,000 sheets of each winner, with each state having its own design featured on 2,000 of the sheets.

A stamp of season one champ Kelly Clarkson is already available for purchase on Americanidol.com and Photostamps.com. Past season winners stamps will be available for purchase online every Tuesday for the next six weeks.

Proceeds from the “Idol” stamps will benefit the “Idol Gives Back” charity organization, which benefits Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children, and the Children’s Health Fund.

Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com

The most popular American Idol winner

2008-03-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Right now, I would say it's currently a toss up between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood as to who is the most popular American Idol winner. Over time, though, I believe that it will more than likely end up that Carrie Underwood becomes the most popular American Idol winner.

While Carrie may have only recently released her second album (Carnival Ride), her debut album (Some Hearts) has sold at a faster rate than Kelly Clarkson's first album did. Also, I think Carrie is more likely to have crossover appeal (not only can Carrie appeal to the country audience, she can also appeal to pop and adult contemporary audiences as well). Kelly, while she may have the pop and adult contemporary appeal, is much less likely to find any real success on the country charts. And it also doesn't help that Kelly's third album, My December, didn't sell as well as her previous efforts.

So far, it looks like Jordin Sparks won't be much of a contender for the title of the "most popular American Idol winner." Her self-titled debut album recently debuted at number ten on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. This debut position was not only the lowest debut for an American Idol winner's album, it also sold the least amount of copies its opening week compared to other albums released by American Idol winners. Taylor Hicks, the American Idol winner in 2006, is now without a record label, after only selling 690,000 copies of his debut album. And second season winner Ruben Studdard is now also without a label, after J Records reportedly dropped him near the end of 2007.

The seventh season of American Idol has just started, so its way too early to tell how successful the winner of this season will be. However, from what information we have at the time of this writing, it appears that Carrie Underwood will have the greater potential to maintain her popularity and be the most popular American Idol winner.

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2008-03-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

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American Idol winner performs at Mullins

2008-02-24T21:47:00.001-08:00

Former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood performed at the Mullins Center last night as part of her first headlining tour. She focused on most of the songs from her newest album, "Carnival Ride," along with some older fan favorites from 2005's "Some Hearts."

The three years since her "American Idol" win have transformed the Oklahoma native into a completely different performer. Her stage presence has evolved, focusing more on pumping up the crowd than on showcasing her vocal talents.

Underwood started off shakily with the first track off her new CD, "Flat on the Floor." She rose out of the stage from underneath, which made for an exciting entrance, but the vocals through her first few songs were mediocre as she began her set.

Following the first five songs, she changed into a floor-length blue dress and transitioned into Grammy award-winning song "Jesus Take the Wheel." The song was one of her earliest singles and the first of the night from her first album. The crowd instantly recognized the song, and Underwood let them sing the first chorus on their own.

The crowd's reaction to the song gave her an obvious confidence boost and energy for the middle of her performance. She followed "Jesus Take the Wheel" with powerful ballad "I Know You Won't."

This song and the ones that followed finally showcased Underwood's true vocal abilities, creating a different stage presence than earlier in the show. She shifted to a series of more upbeat songs with "I Ain't In Checotah Anymore" and "Crazy Dreams."

Towards the end of the show, Underwood seemed to lose momentum a bit. "All-American Girl" was well-received, but she seemed to have lost some of her energy by the time she got to "So Small," one of her newer songs.

Underwood's encore started with a ballad and moved on to an unlikely choice, a Guns 'N Roses cover. As more of a ballad performer, '80s metal is not where her strengths lie. It wasn't her best song vocally, but gave her band a chance to have fun and do something different onstage. She ended her set with her latest and most successful hit, "Before He Cheats." This was a definite crowd favorite.

Although Underwood's catchier songs carry her albums, her ballads were where her voice really shone in a live performance. She seemed most comfortable with the slower songs, during which she gave herself a chance to belt out the strong notes and showcase her talent.

Josh Turner opened for Underwood with a simple set that featured his deep, crooning voice. "Would You Go With Me" from his 2006 album "Your Man" was especially popular with the female portion of the Mullins Center crowd.

Meghan Murphy can be reached at mmurphy@dailycollegian.com

Source : http://media.www.dailycollegian.com

Kellie Pickler has advice for new Idol contestants - VIDEO

2008-02-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Kellie Pickler gained infamy for her dim-witted charm on Season 5 of American Idol, and has since gone on to some success in the country music field. She had a memorable return to the show that launched her career last year, facing off against Ryan Seacrest who wondered if she'd picked up a new pair of ... oh, anything with the money she'd made since leaving the show.

Now, she's offering sage advice through People magazine, to this year's crop of Idol-wannabes. I'm sorry, but there's plenty of people I'd gladly take advice from, but "Pick Pickler" is hardly one of them. I still can't decide if the bumpkin idiocy is a farce, in which case she's brilliant, or real. If it's real then ... wow!

Pickler's words of wisdom are pretty much the same that anyone would give about celebrity or success. Hell, lottery winners go through the same problems she mentions. "It's not necessarily you that changes but it's the people around you that change," she says. "No one that I was close with before am I even remotely close to now. I have maybe three people in my life now that have been amazing through the whole process."

But her most deep and profound revelation? "Stay away from mean people!" You tell 'em Kellie! Stay away from those mean people ... like Simon. Wait, that won't work.

To relive one of Kellie's more recent moments of genius, and why you should have her guiding the path you take in life, here she is on FOX's Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?.

Source : www.tvsquad.com

'American Idol' Recap: Atlanta Auditions Draw Beauty Queen, Homeless Teen

2008-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night's ~~900th~~ seventh "American Idol" audition episode of the season, Ryan Seacrest brought the gang back to his hometown, Atlanta. There was talent, there were tears, there were Ryan's parents. (If Dennis Kucinich became a televangelist, he'd look exactly like Papa Seacrest.) And of course, there were awards to be given. Giddy-up...

The Scooter Girl Prize for Proof That We Shouldn't See More "Good" Singers in These Audition Episodes: Joshua Jones

For a couple of seasons, die-hard "Idol" fans (myself included) have been begging for less William Hung and more Paris Bennett in the audition episodes. But after seeing glass worker Josh Jones score a golden ticket, I think I speak for many when I say, "We were wrong." Aside from the fact that the dude had to sing with his back to the judges so as not to distract them with his crazy "demonic" eyes, his Queen audition sounded a tiny bit too Tiny Tim for my taste. Watching mediocrity get rewarded made me frustrated for the talented people who made it on the show, and angry about the talented people who didn't make it on the show.

The EJay Day "I Sat Near an Idol Once Too!" Plaque: J.P. Tjelmeland

Joshua "J.P." Tjelmeland talked about sitting next to Carrie Underwood at "Idol" auditions three years ago the same way I talk about once riding on an airport escalator behind Tyra Banks. That is, in a really pathetic and quasi-creepy manner. Desperation was added to the mix when his deranged theater-geek interpretation of a Rascal Flatts song left Joshua begging for a second chance: "I really, really, really want this. I don't wanna do four years of school!" Turns out this kid is a music major, in singing no less. He never mentioned where he's going to college, which is good because that school would distance itself from J.P. like an "Idol" runner-up dodges pesky Internet hookup rumors. Speaking of Broadway, J.P.'s audition ended with a silly montage devoted to Paula Abdul's indecision. But anyone with a basic knowledge of musical theater knows that Paula's showtune theme isn't "I Can't Say No." It's anything from the second act of "Grey Gardens."

The "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" 50 Kleenex Trophy: Asia'h Epperson

Of all the sad stories we've heard on "Idol," I think Asia'h's "my dad died in a car crash two days ago, right after I told him I was coming to audition" takes the proverbial cake. Her brave rendition of "How Do I Live" was absolutely gut-wrenching, but avoided any Jim Verraros cheap sympathy schmaltz by showcasing a fantastic set of pipes that should keep her around through Hollywood week. That being said, I couldn't help but notice that the silent "h" at the end of her first name kept making cameo appearances in her singing, as the husky-voiced 18-year-old added a "hhhh" sound to almost every other word.

The Least Desirable Pageant Crown: Brooke Helvie

Brooke Helvie spent most of her preliminary interview boasting about her pageant experience, but once she gave us bullet points from her résumé as Miss South Florida Fair, I was far less impressed: "I kissed a pig, and I milked a cow and got kicked by him, oh, well, I guess it would be a her. Ha." This got me thinking. I wonder if there are any tranny cows out there. But also, what the hell kind of backwoods pageant prize package is that? (Although, I suppose Miss USA has to kiss swine too.)

The "I Think Nigel Lythgoe Is Spying on Me" Award: Eva Miller

For as long as I can remember, my wife has been amusing me with a hilarious mock "Idol" audition in which she attempts to sing "A Thousand Miles," Vanessa Carlton's ode to being a White Chick. She shouts the lyrics as quickly as possible, she awkwardly moves her body back and forth, and nine times out of 10, she falls on her ass. Imagine our shock (and dismay) when Eva Miller waltzed onscreen Tuesday night and copped my wife's shtick for all of America to see. Seriously, you guys. I spent a good hour checking my apartment for bugs.

The "Oh Dear God, One Jordin Sparks Is More Than Enough, Thank You Very Much" Honorary Mention: Alexandrea Lushinton

Alexandrea had a big voice, a big smile and a big entourage. She's been performing since she was barely out of kindergarten. And, as Randy pointed out, she's only 16! That could only mean one thing: There's another Jordin among us. Alexandrea, or Miz Alex as the showbiz veteran normally goes by, has a leg up on Sparks, however. In addition to a MySpace page overflowing with music (which isn't half bad, by the way), Miz Alex has the ultimate secret weapon: an adorable great-grandmother. When the 93-year-old granny referred to TV production as "taking pictures," she officially replaced Ruby Dee as my favorite sassy old bitty.

Proof That Simon Cowell Would Make a Killer Eighth-Grade Teacher: Nathan Hite

After squeezing out a chorus of Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer," eighth-grade repeater Nathan Hite was none too happy with Simon's "bedroom audition" critique. And Simon was none too happy with Nathan's "too cool for school" attitude. "Do you want to listen or do you want to be a smart-ass?" Face! I have a feeling that if Nathan's teachers adopted the Cowell Curriculum of Discipline, the 16-year-old middle-schooler would become a much better learner. By the end of the awkward and angsty audition, it was no shock that "Idol" left this child behind.

The Sundance Head "Early Fan Favorite Most Likely To Deliver a Red-Faced and Sweaty Moody Blues Disaster During the Semi-Finals" Commemorative Bobblehead: Amanda Overmyer

The rock 'n' roll nurse (who rides a Harley, duh) is too good to be true. While Paula called her the "female Chris Daughtry," I'm thinking she's more like last season's Sundance Head, who won over America with his offbeat looks and quirky story but eventually sank in the semifinals. Until her early elimination comes to fruition, however, I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot of Janis Joplin. (You think longtime "Idol" sponsor Ford will put the kibosh on Amanda singing "Mercedes Benz"?)

Most Likely to Get Mocked by Kurt Loder: Josiah Leming

Seacrest promised "an emotional end" to Tuesday night's episode, but after Asia'h's touching audition early on, what could top that? Enter Josiah, the baby-faced homeless kid who lives in his car. Honestly, I had a hard time feeling for a young guy who just decided to pick up and leave his family on a whim (maybe that's why I've avoided "Into the Wild" like the plague). Josiah talked a lot about "going where the wind blows," but later promised the judges "more ambition and more motivation" than any other 18-year-old. Really? This coming from a high school dropout who lives in a van down by the river? (Yet still somehow maintains a MySpace page? Hmmm ...)

Which isn't to say I wasn't rooting for him. I actually quite liked Josiah's quivering singing voice. I think Simon and Randy's criticisms about him crooning in a fake British accent are totally unfair considering they never said a thing to Blake Lewis during last year's never-ending Moz impression. And the little we heard of Josiah's original song, "To Run," whet my appetite for more whiney-but-in-a-good-way young-love anthems. Who knows? If other homeless-people-turned-singer-songwriters are any indication, Josiah is destined to become a VH1 staple, write a book of poetry that Kurt Loder will hate, and then inexplicably release a dance album. I wonder if he'll yodel during Hollywood week.

Did you agree with Simon when he said that pageant queen Brooke Helvie was the most annoying person ever? Did anyone else notice that Paula's hairdresser wasn't her best friend Daniel who is always, always, ALWAYS with her? And will these audition episodes ever end? [Ed. note: Actually, yes. Wednesday's "Hollywood or Bust" show is the last audition show of the season.] Oh. Well, leave your comments anyway!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Source : www.mtv.com

American Idol "Winners" Latest Prize

2008-01-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the seventh-season kickoff of American Idol comes word that Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks and Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard have been dropped from J Records thanks to lackluster album sales. (Studdard is still represented by Idol creators 19 Management.) Meanwhile, Season 5 third-place finisher Chris Daughtry continues to steamroll over the top-40 playlists and big-box music sections of America. Why is this making me wonder if fans of the upcoming season's contestants will withhold their votes en masse in the show's second-to-last week?

Source : www.idolator.com

Idol winner Taylor Hicks loses record deal

2008-01-25T22:49:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK - Taylor Hicks might have won “American Idol,” but he doesn’t have his record deal anymore.

The soul singer, who claimed the “Idol” title in 2006, has apparently been dropped by J Records, a label within Sony-BMG, which signs the show’s singers.

“Taylor is going to record on his own for the next album,” said J Records publicist Liz Morentin, who did not give further details regarding Hicks.

Another “Idol” winner — Ruben Studdard of season two — left his contract with J Records late last year, but continues his contract with 19 Entertainment, the company managed by “Idol” creator Simon Fuller.

Studdard is now at work on an upcoming album, but it will not be distributed by J Records, Morentin said. Studdard’s previous album, 2006’s “The Return,” has sold only 236,000 copies.

Roger Widynowski, spokesman for 19 Entertainment, did not immediately return phone and e-mail messages seeking comment on Hicks’ situation.

Hicks’ self-titled, post-“Idol” album, released in December 2006, debuted at No. 2 on the charts. In the weeks after it was issued, however, the disc slid down the charts. While it sold a respectable 699,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan data, it did not reach the 1 million mark, unlike all the other debuts from previous “Idol” champs. It also did not register a hit song, unlike other “Idol” winners.

Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com

'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks finally signs record deal

2008-01-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Better late than never. Nearly three months after her crowning, sixth-season American Idol champion Jordin Sparks has officially signed a recording contract.
The 17-year-old Glendale, AZ native -- who was the youngest Idol winner in the show's history -- will cut her debut album with 19 Recordings/Jive Records. Jive is part of the Zomba Label Group, a division of Sony BMG. 19 Recordings is part of 19 Entertainment, the company founded by Idol creator Simon Fuller.

"We're thrilled to welcome the partnership with 19 Recordings and Jordin Sparks as the first Idol winner to make her home at Jive," said Barry Weiss, CEO and president of Zomba. "Her poise, her amazing vocal ability, her relentless optimism has been apparent to millions of fans all around the world. We're honored to have this burgeoning worldwide superstar on Jive Records."
Idol's five first winners had all signed with Arista Records, J Records, or RCA Records -- three labels that are part of Sony BMG's RCA Label Group.

Jive is scheduled to launch Sparks' first single "Tattoo" on August 27 for radio airplay, with plans to drop her debut album in November.

"American Idol has truly been a life altering experience," said Sparks. "Signing with 19 Recordings/Jive and Barry Weiss and his great team is hopefully the beginning of another dream opportunity for me to deliver the kind of meaningful music I love. I can't wait to share this next chapter of my story with all the fans that have supported me so far."

While Sparks is obviously elated to have signed her record deal, its announcement has come much later than that of previous Idol finalists.

Idol 5 winner Taylor Hicks saw his deal with 19 Recordings Limited and Arista Records announced less than a week after his victory over runner-up Katharine McPhee, who had her own deal with 19 Recordings only two weeks after the fifth-season finale. The year before, Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice's deals were announced in early June.

But the delay could be worth the wait for Sparks, as Jive was responsible for signing the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and N'Sync during the late 1990s and helping them achieve pop stardom. In addition to Spears, Zomba Label Group's roster currently includes Ciara, Justin Timberlake, Nick Lachey, Pink, R. Kelly, and Usher.

"Jordin is a terrific young singer who has found a great home at Jive," said Sony BMG chairman Clive Davis. "[Weiss] and his successful team know how to patiently nurture career artists, and Jordin Sparks hints of a legacy and longevity waiting to be fulfilled."

Sparks can currently be seen performing on Idol 6's summer tour, which is scheduled to come to an end September 22 in Manchester, NH. In addition, she's also scheduled to appear on Fox's The Teen Choice Awards on August 26.

Source : www.realitytvworld.com

Jordin Sparks becomes youngest "Idol" winner

2008-01-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

"It just turned out pretty cool, I guess," she said, giggling and brushing back her long dark hair.

In addition to transforming nobodies into stars, "Idol" has become a coveted forum for established artists to be seen. Wednesday's star-studded event included performances by Gwen Stefani, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Green Day.

Sparks, who is from Glendale, Arizona, and is the daughter of former National Football League player Phillippi Sparks, started singing as a toddler and auditioned for "American Idol" as soon as she could after becoming eligible at the age of 16.

"She sings so good it's hard to believe that she's 17," music legend Robinson told reporters after the show. "To sing like that you would have to have lived for a long time."

Heading into the competition's final week, many thought the show's top title was up for grabs, with "Idol" judge Simon Cowell saying viewers would have to decide between the better singer, Sparks, and the better entertainer, Lewis.

Throughout the season, Lewis, a Bothell, Washington, native, delivered energetic performances in which he put an original twist on classic songs using a vocal percussion technique known as beat-boxing.

Following Tuesday's final performances, however, all eyes were on Sparks. At the end of that show, judge Randy Jackson told Sparks that she had "wiped the floor" with Lewis and both he and Cowell on Wednesday's show predicted she would win.

After the show, Lewis told reporters backstage that he had pegged Sparks as the next "American Idol" weeks ago.

"I feel great," he said. "I was trying to wear a 'Vote For Jordin Sparks' T-shirt last night but they wouldn't let me."

Source : www.reuters.com

American Idol winner makes satisfying debut

2007-12-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Jordin Sparks didn't win the sixth season of "American Idol" because she was the most consistent performer - that was pro ace Melinda Doolittle - or the showiest entertainer - hello busy beat-boxing runner-up Blake Lewis. The 17-year-old won, in part, because she lived up to her surname by applying the kind of bright-eyed "why not?" enthusiasm that only an overachieving teenager could to everything from moldy, aged melodramatic ballads to spunky contemporary rock songs. Even as she floundered through Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" she was obviously having fun and the most dial-happy viewers of "Idol" - teens likely doing a little vicarious living - rewarded her moxie.

On her self-titled debut, out today, Sparks and a cast of au courant pop producers combine that sense of sparkle, striving, and her powerful pipes for an age-appropriate, uniformly pleasant release that shouldn't disappoint those voters.

Unlike many of her "Idol" predeces sors, Sparks eschews the all-things-to-all-people approach. Instead her handlers wisely have her rotating on a dance-pop-soul axis in the vein of Beyonce, Nelly Furtado, and Christina Aguilera. It's going to take Sparks a little while longer to establish a creative identity in a way those women have - she's a little too formless vocally here - but the potential is obvious.

As has been the case for a few years, the Norwegian songwriting/production team billed as StarGate shows a real flair for wedding analog instrumentation to digital cool on "Just for the Record," which should be a ubiquitous smash on the order of "Irreplaceable." The songs share a formula: a sing-song melody that adheres instantly to the brain, a leisurely groove punctuated by clap-beats and twitchy percussion, and an almost country-style guitar riff. "Record" has the added bonus of a winding whistle in the background that adds to the sunny day, forward momentum. It may be a template, and one they use to less shiny effect on first single "Tattoo," but it's a cookie cutter that offers reliably pleasing shapes.

Considering the magic wielded by Bloodshy and Avant on Britney Spears's latest album, it's no surprise that the duo's work sounds even more buoyant here with a gifted vocalist working the lite funk-disco numbers - copping swagger and stomp from Prince and Giorgio Moroder - that is their trademark. The only gripe is they could've allowed Sparks the vocal room Moroder afforded Donna Summer because, although a certain chill is necessary for these synth-driven tracks, she skews to the robotic side on songs like "See My Side."

The Underdogs provide Sparks and duet partner Chris Brown a polished platform for the wistful ode to teen heartache "No Air," and "High School Musical" songsmith Robbie Nevil offers the curlicue pep of "One Step at a Time."

The album deflates quickly at the tail end as two sore thumb ballads, the cringe-inducing "empowerment" anthem "God Loves Ugly" and her mediocre "Idol" song "This Is My Now," offer vocal gymnastics and nothing else.

On "Just for the Record" Sparks declares that she's "smart enough to stay right where I belong." This debut backs up that statement.

Source : www.boston.com

Mia Michaels is a Genius and Lacey Schwimmer Should Win So You Think You Can Dance

2007-08-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Full recap to come, but I gotta say...

Mia Michaels' genius knows no boundaries. She is almost single-handedly responsibile for my newly discovered love of dance, by creating pieces that allow real and honest emotion to come through on the stage, in a way that is different from music or theater. I didn't know I could love her more than I already did after season 1's finale dance for Melody and Ashley, last year's park dance with Travis and Heidi, and the number she created earlier this season for Lacey and Kameron. But then she went and upped the ante. I love her. I love her. I love her.

Yeah, I'm a little obsessed. Sue me.

And while I'm at it, Lacey Schwimmer should win So You Think You Can Dance. She is ridiculously versatile, she can be both sexy and funny, and she has been a part of two of the season's best dances (tonight and Mia Michaels' Top 20 piece for her and Kameron). Sabra is amazing, Danny is a ridiculously gorgeous dancer, and Pasha and Sara have proven to be remarkably versatile, but Lacey is what this competition is all about. And she's done something her brother Benji was never asked to do -- conquer contemporary. Benji was the king of the ballroom, and surprisingly adept at hip hop, but Lacey is so good in every style that it's easy to lose sight of what her background actually is.

I will remain open to Sabra or Danny perhaps sneaking into my winner's circle, but right now I'm on Team Lacey. All the way.

Full recap, rankings, and predictions of who is going home to come...

Rise of the South

2007-07-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

RALEIGH, N.C. - As its third season draws to a close, “American Idol” has taken on a distinctly Southern-fried flavor.

When North Carolina’s Fantasia Barrino and Georgia’s Diana DeGarmo perform Tuesday and Wednesday in the TV talent show’s season finale, they’ll be following footsteps that have most often walked south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Past winners of the Fox contest include Kelly Clarkson of Texas and Alabama’s Ruben Studdard. Last year’s runner-up, Clay Aiken, is from North Carolina. Even season one’s second-place finisher, Justin Guarini of Pennsylvania, actually grew up in Georgia.

“I think it’s an honest realism,” said Latimer Alexander, mayor pro tem of Barrino’s hometown of High Point. “Their character seems to come forward. People are drawn to others who are real...You can say that’s a Southern trait.”

Jerry Oberholtzer, mayor of DeGarmo’s hometown of Snellville, Ga., was born in Allentown, Pa., raised in New Jersey, and has lived in the South for 23 years. He also believes Southern character has helped the “Idol” contestants.

“A lot has to do with being in the South and being conservative, the respect they both show to the judges,” Oberholtzer said. “You can look at them and say they were brought up well and they respect their elders. It’s not all about them.”

Last year’s runner-up, Aiken, made such a positive impression during his “Idol” run that he headed the National League of Junior Cotillions’ list of the “Ten Best-Mannered People of 2003.”

Southern charmers
Contestants Barrino and DeGarmo attribute their success to native charm.

“I think Southern people are peppy, happy people no matter what and I think people like to grasp onto that,” said 16-year-old DeGarmo. “Southern people are fun, they like to have a good time.”

Barrino says she’s loved just “for being crazy-old, loud-old, chitlin-eatin’ Fantasia.”

Asked to respond to the theory that the South is rising again — this time, on the wings of its crooners — Robert Thompson of Syracuse University’s Center for the Study of Popular Television chuckled, then conceded “there may be some things happening.”

He cited the Grand Ole Opry and Southern churches as reasons why Southern singers may have an advantage. “Right up to the final 32, contestants are singing a capella that goes maybe 30 seconds,” Thompson said. “Certain types of singers when backed up by loud bands can sound good, but make no impression when singing a capella...The tradition of modern church gospel singing is great training for a capella.”

Southern humorist and frequent National Public Radio commentator Roy Blount Jr. agrees, noting that most popular music — blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll — has Southern roots.

“Southerners can sing the way they talk,” he said. “They don’t have to force it.”

American Idol Winners

2007-07-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Less than a week after kicking off his 25-city “Jukebox Tour,” Clay Aiken performed in Greenville, South Carolina. After performing an energetic review of hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, he concluded with a few original songs, including “When You Say You Love Me,” which was on his first album, “Measure of a Man.”

As he began to sing, he stumbled, arriving at the wrong words at the wrong time. The music kept playing but Clay turned to the singers on stage with him and said, “That’s the third night in a row!” He laughed. “I don’t know the words to this song!” Then Clay pretended to sulk off stage, letting one of his back-up singers take over, but he quickly came back to give it another try.

Then, in the front of the Peace Center’s auditorium, near stage left, a fan held up a sign. But she wasn’t proclaiming her love for Clay; instead, she was offering assistance. “Are those the cue cards for that song?” he asked, walking over toward her. In her hands were, in fact, homemade cue cards with the lyrics to “When You Say You Love Me.” Having known of his tendency on this barely week-old tour to have trouble with the song, someone had constructed cue cards to help him out and passed them to the front of the auditorium. His fans knew he was going to mess up before he did.