Lee DeWyze Had No Idea His Former Label Was Releasing An Album

By On 01/12/2012 · 49 Comments · In American Idol, Lee Dewyze

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Lee DeWyze has been hard at work writing and recording music for a brand new album.  That’s why, when I was recently tweeted  a link to a “new” Lee DeWyze album, I was really really confused.

How could Lee be releasing his a new album in February?  Isn’t he still writing and recording?  It took me a bit (with help from twitter peeps) to figure out the album wasn’t really new at all,  but a compilation of pre-Idol music from Lee’s old label, Wuli.

Guess who else was confused? Lee DeWyze! The American Idol 9 winner says he had no idea Wuli was releasing an album. Lee tweeted his fans today.

This “What Once Was”, never heard I it. Just n FYI, this is not my album. My REAL new album, will be out sometime this year, hopefully sooner than later. Got more writing this week, love you all and thanks.

Everything, works itself out. And I could not appreciate the support and love from all of you more. I know you got my back, and I have yours. In the studio right now, really excited about this one.

I wasn’t aware of what that album was called. All those songs are mine yes. I didn’t know that it was available for pre order, or the title. So when I was getting messages about my album being available, I was under the assumption people were referring to my current. Currently writing. It wasn’t until after I researched it that I found out it was from my old label. I never heard that album title before.

So naturally, I wanted to clear that Up. So let me say this. A. I would never deter fans, from listening to my music, or be against getting my music out there, especially to all the fans who have shown so much support. I would never knock something that I was involved it, or turn my back on something I wrote. I stand by what I say and do.

This was a simple case of, me not knowing what was going on, and having no input on something that was being released. That’s all it is. And the last thing I want to do, is lead anyone to believe that I was involved in releasing something tht I wasn’t.

I hope this clears things up a bit. I appreciate, and love all the support. I am for music. Period. Thank you for everything. And to really clear things up, no. I did not have a say in any album that was being released. The title, artwork, song choice etc. That does not mean, I don’t appreciate your support, new, old, future music. I’m Just being honest with you, because that’s what I’m about.

So if I don’t say it enough. Thank you for your support, and I can’t wait for all the things to come in 2012. I truly love what I do. And you, the friends and fans I do it for. Lots of love. Talk to you soon.

You’d think Wuli would have at least given Lee the heads up? The existence of pre-Idol music can help a contestant during the competition. I think the availability of two fairly solid albums from Lee helped spread the word that he had some talent. But once the Idol is out–and especially if they land a major label deal, the existence of such material can be a major pain in the ass. It’s called: A double edged sword.

UPDATE: Ha ha Check out what Lee’s fiance, Jonna Walsh is tweeting,

Lee has the greatest fans in the world. Would really appreciate all of you getting the word out that this “what once was” album isn’t His new album. It’s very upsetting when people try to take advantage of someone. He’s my fiancé, and I will stand by him and make sure he Isn’t taken advantage of. No matter what.

Please let all fans know that they are full of shit and trying to make money off of lee !!

Er. Nobody was complaining when Wuli was pimping his music during the competition. If they own the music, they have the right to release it. They LET HIM out of his contract, from what I understand, to compete on Idol. Every action has its price.

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  • http://twitter.com/KWOnlyDreaming Karen W.

    Wuli has always tweeted their fondness for Lee and I think it would have been nice if they at least let him know as a courtesy that they were releasing old music.  Only because of the fact that he is working on a new album and it might create confusing.

    Jonna was defending her man, like we all defend our favorite idols.  Many of us do get emotional, lol!

  • Anonymous

    Twisting words…. Gg made accurate and positive statements about how Lee learned and handled the release. This was not an opportunity for your bashing agenda

  • Anonymous

    Lee doesn’t seem to be disparaging them. He merely clarified that he wasn’t associated with the release of the album, nor was aware it was being released. Nowhere in his statement does it seem that he is claiming they were wrong to do so.

  • Anonymous

    It looks to me as every song has already been released or out there available in some form with the exception of 2 so why is everyones panties in a wad?
    Has Lee announced a release date for his NEW album yet that I missed ?
    Explain how timing is unfortunate and what is confusing? the album cover reads “Songs from 2006-2010. 

  • Anonymous

    How does your comment have anything to do with this topic??

  • Anonymous

    Even MJ was confused-see the beginning of this article. Lee has been tweeting for awhile about his new album coming out, and there has been some press about it recently. Not everyone spends a lot of time on the internet keeping up with their favorite Idols. If they look up Lee on Amazon, this is the new album they see.

  • Listening

    Umm it seems like Lee’s endorsing this album to me. Saying he’s proud of his music and wouldn’t stop a fan from buying his music pretty clear cut. If he didn’t like Wuli’s actions he have just said to his fans i’d prefer you guys not buy this. And i’m telling you like 90% would listen to him. It’s not like Lee wont get something out of this if I recall correctly Wuli has said as soon as the cost is covered and they make profit Lee gets some money.

    I don’t think he sicked his fiancee on anyone or had her play bad cop there was no need if he didn’t like what was being done he’d just tell Wuli off on twitter. We all know if Lee feels wronged he’d voice it case in point the twitter battle w/ Nigel. He took on the big dog whom he still had affiliation with he wont be walked over no matter who does it.  Also What his fiancee tweeted is just how she feels just b/c she feels that way doesn’t mean Lee does couples can have differing opinions.

    Initially I was like man how many songs did he make w/ this label they’re putting out ANOTHER album but from the comments here it’s songs that have already been released. Hmm maybe it’s like a greatest hit’s album.

  • Foursquare

    Lee should be lucky that someone is interested in his music.  He currently does not have a label, and his post Idol career was nothing to brag about.  Worst selling album by any winner by far.  One of the worst selling albums by anyone in the Top 2. 

  • Anonymous

    For someone that seemed boring as shit on idol, Lee sure does bring the lulz and drama.

  • Anonymous

    Most of Lee’s fans knew before Jonna went off on her own tangent that these songs weren’t new. (At least the ones who would actually buy the thing.) I didn’t even know what she was talking about until she took to Twitter.

    As far as I’m concerned, his hardcore fans will still buy both. The ones I know like pre-Idol Lee more than LIU and were looking forward to these old songs. But I’m sure they’d still buy the new Lee endorsed ones as well. I guess, long story short: the fans still in the know enough to have even heard of this CD would buy both. Jonna’s twitter rant was unnecessary (as is 90% of the thing she complains about in terms of Lee’s career, but I digress.) She (and him) should just be grateful he even had the chance to try out for Idol. It was those “greedy assholes trying to make a dollar off of Lee” who graciously let him try out in the first place. They had a contract for 3 albums, hold all the rights to those songs, and IMO have every right to sell them as they please. She really just needs to stop speaking, it only creates drama where drama shouldn’t exist.

    eta: Nobody in Lee’s camp complained when the remastered SIT was released last year or the other countless times Wuli released his singles w/o his endorsement. It just seems silly to start now.

  • sd34567

    Yes she’s a grown woman but Lee’s a grown man too and she should let him
    handle his own affairs. She seems a little over sensitive as far as
    he’s concerned. I know Lee hasn’t had an easy road of it with Idol and
    RCA, but he’s still doing okay and a helluva lot better than before
    Idol.

    This.  Every time there’s something that goes wrong or whatever with Lee, she always pops up and runs her mouth.  Didn’t she go on a rant about Lee not being recognized at the Idol finale?  She is overly sensitive as far as he’s concerned.  What does Lee do?  Sit back and let her look crazy.  He can’t speak up for himself?

  • CSFan

    Lee spoke his mind and Johnna spoke hers. Just because she’s his fiancé that doesn’t mean she loses her right to express herself. They presumably live together and talk all the time so I doubt Lee cares that she spoke out. I don’t agree with her viewpoint but it never occurred to me that she shouldn’t tweet her opinion.

    Seems more like fans finding reasons to get annoyed with his significant other.

  • breakdown

    At this point I would think Lee would be happy to have any of his music released, to fill in the gap between “real” albums. And his fiance should zip it! If this label has a right to release the music then I think it would benefit both parties.

  • http://twitter.com/ladymctech ladymctech

    At least they put the right color beanie on the album cover picture of Lee, LOL.

    Jonna stands by her man regardless of what. Amen. 

  • Anonymous

    Lee didn’t but his fiance did but later deleted.

    @JonnaWalsh: @wulirecords you guys are the worst. I truly hope this bites you in the ass. How dare you. Biggest assholes On the planet. 

    @JonnaWalsh: For the record @wulirecords are the lowest scum on the earth.

  • Anonymous

    Not trying to be a mind reader here but I doubt a fiancée would publicly tweet opinions about their significant other’s career that were the complete opposite of how thier other half was truly feeling. And come on, Lee absolutely has to publicly toe the line and find a PC way to state his feelings, he can’t just say exactly what he wants. He’s not just speaking up now. Every time the old label released a single or remastered album or whatever Lee would get on Twitter the same day and say something about how excited he was to put out the new music he’s working on. So this is no different, the message has stayed the exact same.

    That must have been a quick save to grab those tweets. They didn’t show up in my timeline. Lol

  • amaryl

    Such words for a lady lmao.

  • Anonymous

    I’m a writer and a one-time English major, so of course I hate censorship.

    That being said, Ms. Walsh needs to be more circumspect & take a page from her sweetie’s book. When she runs her mouth, most people will see it as a reflection on him. That may not be fair, but it is human nature.

  • ronnie

    Yes, please, Jonna wants to be the one making money off him, the rest of you, go away!  Seriously, that tweet was embarrassing.  It was obvious when I saw the cover of the album, he had nothing to do with it, or they would have had a real picture of him on it instead of a drawing.  Record companies these days demand a headshot on the cover- 

  • Anonymous

    Those tweets were quickly deleted. I’m sure Jonna got upset at seeing Lee upset, however diplomatic he always is publicly. The relationship with Wuli was more than just business-they were friends-or used to be.
    Jonna has the right to speak out, as we all do. I’m sure she is well aware she will get flack for it, but she is passionate in her defense of Lee.

  • Anonymous

    I unfollowed Lee because his, “I love you guys” tweet seemed so contrived and he never tweeted anything interesting. I would still give him a chance though if he recorded some decent music.

    The fiancee needs to keep her mouth shut because now she comes across as a money grubbing, greedy bitch, which I find distasteful.

  • Anonymous

    Everyone has a right to say what they think. But when you are in the public eye, the right somehow gets taken away by default. I agree they are still kids but sooner of later you need to mature. If not, its going to be a long difficult road ahead. I love Lee and his music. Always have and always will.  

  • iani

    I have no idea about the whole situation with Wuli, if it is a good, bad or something to ignore, “as long as doesn’t hurt, it’s good”, lol. I am the person who thinks if you have 100 $ for your project go for it, don’t complain, it’s no time today for something like this and make sure it’s spent well, if you have 1 mil. $ for your project again be careful, think twice don’t waist it without a good result. Lee has made sure in his tweets that his fans should know  it’s not about his new album and a warning that he wants and it is his right to know about musical projects before any decision that involves his name or work. As for his fiance tweets, hmm, I appreciate she loves and support him, but a little bit of diplomacy doesn’t hurt too here, he’s a big guy and can take care of his decisions and career. Hope he comes with a good album this year.

  • Anonymous

    Lee did have 3 album deal.
    What artist doesn’t want their entire catalog out there?Why would fans not to buy album?He makes money from sales.
    Maybe Lee didn’t respond to any contact attempts from his old label?
    I find the whole situation quite stupid. All his music is good why not release everything? 

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