14 August
2008
McPhee, Hicks and Studdard shown the door
CALL it the "Industry of Hard Knocks" and three American Idol finalists can tell you what it's all about.
Season 5 champ Taylor Hicks parted ways with J. Records. The rumour mill has it as "mutual consent" and Hicks described it as "artistic freedom and control was exciting for him".
Hicks' debut album barely reached 700,000 in sales. So that could be another reason for the mutual parting of ways.
This silvered hair people's champion has the dubious honour of being the first Idol winner to fail to make it to the millionth mark with his first album.
Next on the hit list was Season 2 victor Ruben Studdard. He was shown the door by J. Records following his 2006 release of his album The Return.
That album just skimmed the surface of 236,000 copies.
Hot on the heels of Idol finalists who were shown the door was Katharine McPhee.
Her record label, Sony BMG had reportedly cut her loose after the poor showing of her Eponymous Effort which came out in late 2006.
The album almost didn't make it pass the 365,000 sales mark. Meanwhile, there's no official word from RCA Records about McPhee's departure.
Word has it that McPhee may be compelled now to concentrate on her acting career.
This pretty lass is currently involved in two flicks: I Know What Boys Like and The Last Caller.
We wish all three, Hicks, Studdard and McPhee all the best in their future undertakings.
It's a tough world out there, as the trio have found out in a hurry.
18 July
2008
Chris Daughtry will be at One Utama on July 26
NEXT Saturday (July 26), American Idol Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry and his boys will be making an appearance at One Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
If you haven't heard of Chris and his band Daughtry, it's time to stop reading this. Anyway, the venue for this big, unprecedented bash is Central Park Avenue at One Utama.
According to my sources, only those who buy the Sony Ericsson mobile W350i are allowed to come within shouting range of Daughtry and friends.
I suppose that means most of us have to watch it from binoculars distance.
This is the first time that an American Idol of Daughtry standards is here. I believe prior to this, Elliot Yamin also came.
He was in KL last year for the Live & Loud Music Festival. Certainly, Daughtry is perhaps Season Five's most successful finalist. His debut album topped a million in sales.
Actually, I suspect quite a lot of youth don't know that Chris Daughtry is about to set foot on our shores. Only recently, have the props and other advertisements have been put up to announce the main event.
Sony Ericsson which is calling the shots for this event has labelled it as Traffic Jam. I am sure it will be.
So what else can I say? Be there or be square!
09 July
2008
Idol tour is now in San Jose, California.
In case anyone is curious, the Season 7 Idol tour is now in San Jose, California. There are some hardcore fans waiting for them.
Technically, the group of singers are there right now.
Sorry, Kuala Lumpur is a bit far away but not to worry, Chris Daughtry is coming to One Utama in a few weeks' time. That's better than nothing.
Here's the bad news: Attendance is by invitation only. Wow, talk about knowing people and being part of the inner circle!
Hope the guys and gals are nowhere near the fires that are raging over in California right now.
The weather has been quite unpredictable the last 12 months. And it has become increasingly so.
But never mind, you can't stop people from listening to good music.
03 July
2008
Kristy Lee Cook signs up with 19 Recordings
Fans of Kristy Lee Cook who may be worried about her fortune and prospects after the latest season of the American Idol can now breathe a sigh of relief.
This attractive lass has just signed a recording contract with 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville.
Kristy Lee's single 15 Minutes of Shame will be heard on American radios sometime around August. Fall as they call it.
This 24-year-old lass from Oregon has publicly admitted that she was absolutely thrilled to be given an opportunity to be a country singer.
In fact, it was Simon Cowell who told her that she has got the makings of a genuine country vocalist.
Helping her to put her debut album together is producer Brett James.
Sony BMG Nashville head honcho Joe Galante sees big things happening for Kristy Lee. "She's destined to have hits," Galante said.
That compliment should perk up Kristy Lee's confidence for the rest of this year.
Naturally, I am rooting for Kristy Lee. Why I almost consider myself to be a great buddy of hers, though she will be hard put to place my face and name together.
Never mind, she got a fan in me.
Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks at July 4 events
Day after tomorrow is July 5. Not that it is any special day for us but over in America it's the 4th of July - Independence Day!
Celebrating the event at Macy's Fireworks Spectacular are Jordin Sparks and my favourite girl Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee.
McPhee is about to launch her second album Save the Last Dance For Me. This pretty girl will be singing the single One Step At A Time from her latest album.
Meanwhile over in Washington DC, Taylor Hicks will be at West Lawn for the July 4 concert.
The silver-haired American Idol champion has been making the most of his exalted status as a singer since Season 5 ended.
The last time I saw him was when pictures of him and a female companion were displayed in a gossip magazine, sun-bathing at a beach somewhere.
Paris Bennet is going to be a mummy
Here's a piece of news for those fans of Paris Bennet. She came fifth in Season 5 of the American Idol.
Bennet is going to be a mother in several months' time. Right now, only close friends and family members know who's the father is.
Others will have to get that bit of information from E! later on.
Paris Bennet is 20 years old and there were some people who had expected her to reach at least the last three during Season 5.
According to The Minneapolis-Star Tribune, Paris' baby is due in October. Last year, Bennet released her debut album entitled Princess P.
Queen Latifah is a close friend of Bennet.
