Check out a snip of Elliott Yamin’s soon-to-be-released single on You Tube. The jazzy, neo-soul inspired “Movin’ On” will be digitally released on February 13. Elliott’s debut album will be released though Hickory Records, and RED distribution.
Last week, Chris Daughtry announced that his guitarist Jeremy Brady was “gracefully bowing out of the band”. DAUGHTRY started a major tour this week, so the race was on to find a replacement. Chris interviewed several new guitarists and has hired Brian Craddock. Brian is 30 years old and hails from Virginia. He’s written and produced for several indie artists.
Dumb Rumor Update: When I read this week, that Courtney Love had supposedly been asked to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol, I laughed out loud. I didn’t believe it for a second. First, no matter how loopy or incoherent Paula is, she’s an integral part of what makes the chemistry work between the three judges. Personally, I think Randy Jackson is more expendable than Paula. Secondly, Courtney Love replacing Paula? There are those who consider Paula a trainwreck. Comparatively speaking, Courtney Love is a Tsunami.
So, imagine my non-surprise when it was revealed that the whole thing was probably a hoax. Nigel Lythgoe released this statement:
I did not call Courtney Love and am afraid someone may have misrepresented me, ” Lythgoe said in a statement. “Courtney Love is a very talented artist, but the judges for American Idol are Paula, Randy and Simon. We have no plans to add to or replace any of them.
Well, duh. Courtney says it’s possible she was duped by a prank caller. Oh dear.
Jennifer Hudson tells Essence magazine in their March issue that, “On ‘American Idol, ‘ you go through this mental thing; you’ve got to get yourself back together…you’ve been abused, misled and brainwashed to believe whatever they want you to think.” Jennifer adds, “You become a character — I became the girl in the turkey wrapping.” Remember the pink dress? Yeah, Jennifer had some fashion issues back then, but I still thought she was awesome. She says, “I just knew I had to sing my way out of it.”
I think Jennifer is an abject lesson in Show Business. Simon Cowell told Jennifer week after week that she did not have that elusive “it” factor. Well, a Golden Globe, Oscar Nom, and many rave reviews later, it’s clear that Simon does not know all. And neither do the other casting agents, producers and music moguls who regularly say no to aspiring singers and actors.
Jennifer Hudson has been nominated for an Oscar, as Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White in “Dreamgirls”. She’ll also perform at the Academy Awards, which will be telecast on Sunday, February 25.
The rumor that Bo Bice has parted ways with RCA records has yet to be confirmed. Bo no longer appears on the roster at RCA’s website. When contacted, RCA’s publicist would not comment. The fans, at this point, are left to speculate and wonder. Bo’s album went gold, but by Idol standards was not considered a hit. The pop flavor of the album did not sit well with the fans who loved the southern rock vibe that Bo brought to Idol.
Okay, gang–here’s another lesson. It’s about allowing an artist to remain true to who they are, and true to what their Idol fans loved when recording an Idol debut record. It does look as if Bo will be parting ways with RCA. Wherever he ends up, I hope it’s a label that allows him to bring the thang that makes Bo great.
