Thursday, December 3, 2009

Past Idols Bring The Christmas Spirit


Kellie Pickler recently took a break from recording Studio 330 Sessions on CMT to record her own version of the popular song Santa Baby. The track is to be featured on to compilation albums, which are the Now That’s What I Call A Country Christmas, and A Very Special Christmas, Volume 7, which includes a variety of today’s most influential artists and proceeds the Special Olympics.
Kellie will be keeping the Christmas spirit alive by presenting the 2009 CMA Music Festivl's "Keep The Music Playing" organization with a check donation. The organization works to help music education in Davidson County, TN.
Click the link below to watch Kellie deliver a fun performance of the classic song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujb432bUNao



Season 7 runner up David Archuleta released his Christmas cd on October 13th. The CD includes great classics such as "Joy to the World" "Ave Maria" and "Silent Night"; along with an original song, "Melodies of Christmas"; and his favorite track, the traditional French song, "Pat-a-Pan."
David Archuleta ,who said that Christmas music is among his favorite type of music, will be performing at Genesee Theatre on Decmeber 11th. He wil be performing mostly Christmas songs off his new CD.
The concert will be at 8p.m. at the Genesse Theatre, 203 N. Greene St., Waukegan. The tickets are priced at $35 or $42.50. Call 1-800-982-2787 or visit www.geneseetheartre.com for more information.




Katharine Mcphee not only just released a new CD titled Unbroken and unveiled her new blond hair but she also did a wonderful cover of the Christmas "I'll Be Home For Christmas". Her rendition is available now on iTunes. Just click the link below to get it:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ill-be-home-for-christmas-discovery/id342541535

Ruben Studdard's AOL Interview




AOL recently caught up with the former Idol winner Ruben Studdard to talk about his latest album"Love Is" and how this CD is the public's first view of a brand new Ruben! Click the link below to watch:
http://www.popeater.com/2009/11/19/ruben-studdard-talks-love-sings-poker-face-for-us/



Vh1 had announced that Fantasia Barrino's reality show titled Fantasia For Real is slated to premiere on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 10pm. The show will follow Fantasia as she juggles singlehandedly caring for her child, her busy singing career, and supporting her large family.
Be sure to check it out!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Album Review: Carrie Underwood's thrid album

Play On

Unlike Underwood's previous two albums, her name appears on seven tracks as a co-writer. It gives the album a much more personal edge to her music. Her voice is as strong as ever and her music is also as Country as it has always been. This is truly the best of her albums and it shows why it has sold as much as it has.

One of the best songs would be the first single off the album would have to be Cowboy Casanova. A smooth, smoky vocal gives it a true country feeling. It gives Underwood an edgier side, and yet stays true to who she is as an artist. Another highlight would be Someday When I Stop Loving You. A ballad of heartbreak and a love lost. It shows off Underwood's massive range and displays the emotional tenderness she can reach. Another good song would be Unapologize. An emotional love song about telling someone you love them. It, much like Someday When I Stop Loving You, gives a sweet and very emotional take on love.

Underwood's album is a success, another album under her belt that proves she deserves every amount of fame and success she has achieved when she won American Idol in 2005. If she continues on in the vein of Play On she will no doubt 'play on' in her majorly successful path.

IdolWood Spotlight


Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood has quickly made her name in the music industry providing America with true Southern charm and a smoky, country voice. She has made her mark as one of the best selling female country artists and is one of the top selling Idol alumni.

Upon the release of her third studio album Play on she has once more sold her usual mass of albums and will certainly continue to do so. Never once has she strayed from her country roots and Southern roots.

Since her Idol win in 2005 Underwood hasn't looked back from stardom. Continuing towards becoming a mainstay on both the billboards and the world of country, Underwood can never be forgotten. It is a surprise if Carrie's name doesn't appear on an awards ballot or isn't listed as a performer on the biggest shows on prime time. Underwood will never fade from the public or the music scene and neither will her music. She is truly a unique Idol winner and it isn't a surprise at all to see that she has become one of the best Idol winners since the show began in 2001.

You can see Underwood in on of her other endeavors this Dec.7th on FOX where her Holiday special will air. A two hour long special of music and skits, Underwood will be joined by artists such as Brad paisely, Dolly Parton, and David Cook. Also make sure to read IdolWood's review on her current release Play On.

Kris Allen on Bonnie Hunt


Recently Kris stopped by Bonnie Hunt's show for a performance of his single Live Like We're Dying and for an interview! Click the links below to watch the videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD2LtGfzVQA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbaBaZc2Gnw



Recently David Cook canceled his upcoming show on December 2nd in Norfolk, VA. He recently tweeted about it saying:
FYI I'm sorry to any and all who were planning on Norfolk. I was caught off guard with the news tonight, as well.
I hate having shows canceled for any reason. Please know that.



His reason for canceling has not yet been released. It is said that ticket holders will obtain a full refund at the point of purchase. And that a make up concert will be rescheduled for a later date.

Adam Lambert on Barbra Walter's 10 Most Fascinating People!


Adam Lambert has received the honor of being on Barbra Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People Of 2009. Adam earned the honor by his theatrical and unique performances on Idol and the controversy he stirred with his recent AMA performance. But it is not only the shock factor that had gained Adam a spot on this prestigious list -other previously on the list include President Obama, Tom Cruise, and Sarah Palin- but also his amazing talent that first wowed America on the Idol and will be sure to wow us for years to come!
The one hour long special will be airing on December 9th at 10pm on ABC.



Yesterday on December 1st Adam Appeared on Ellen. He performed a sure to be hit song Whatya Want From Me and also talked about his controversial AMA performance. Click the links below to watch the interview and performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGu3odurAX8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eejCaIkGNTc




Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Album Review: Daughtry's sophomore release

LEAVE THIS TOWN

After having a top selling debut album, chart topping band Daughtry returned this year with their anticipated follow-up Leave This Town. The bands second release consists of deeply written lyrics and the genuine rock sound that Daughtry has never strayed from. Once more Daughtry proves that this is why they have become one of the top bands of recent years.

Frontman Chris Daughtry's name appears as a co-writer or sole writer on each of the twelve tracks which explains the depth to which the songs reach. His lyrics cross emotional barriers and express a world of both sorrow and yet also hope. The band has proven that the sophomore slump is only myth- at least in there case.

One of the best tracks would be Open Up Your Eyes, written by both Chris Daughtry and Ben Moody. It is an emotional journey with a tone of desperation and an absolute height of expression towards the emotions written in the form of lyrics. Every Time You Turn Around is also a highlight giving a hard rock edge as well as a strong vocal. But the best track of the whole album would have to be Call Your Name. The way he sings the lyrics so emotionally is gripping and the music which heightens mid-way creates the atmosphere more thoroughly.

Leave This Town is the kind of album most modern "rock" bands never achieve and the lyrical depth is what's lacking from most songs on the radio. It isn't a wonder that Daughtry has proven to be so successful.