Thursday, October 29, 2009

"American Idol" Kris Allen to play Madison Square Garden

Kris Allen won "American Idol" less than six months ago, but he is already getting the opportunity to perform at one of the world's most famous arenas. Allen--along with Taylor Swift, John Mayer, and fellow "Idol" winner Jordin Sparks--is set to perform at New York radio station Z100's Jingle Ball. The concert will be held on December 11, slightly more than three weeks after Allen's self-titled debut hits stores.

While Kris Allen may have won the popular Fox reality show, sales of his debut album have been weak so far in comparison to that of runner-up Adam Lambert. This concert will mark an extremely high-profile appearance, though, one that could easily be used to gain additional popularity.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle vie for Peoples Choice Award

American Idol’s Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Daughtry and Carrie Underwood, plus Britain’s Got Talent’s Susan Boyle are all eligible for a 2010 People’s Choice Award. The first round of voting for is now open for fans of their favorite music stars, many of whom got their big break on a reality TV show. There are currently 12 nominees in each category. After the list is whittled down to five, fans will once again have the opportunity to vote for their favorites. The People’s Choice Awards will be held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on January 6, 2010.

So, how many of the People’s Choice initial nominees actually got their big break from a reality TV show? You’d be surprised! In the “Favorite Breakout Artist” category, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Susan Boyle are all up for a potential People’s Choice Award. “Favorite Country Artist” includes Carrie Underwood. This talented country/pop artist is also included in the “Favorite Female Artist” category. Kelly Clarkson’s name shows up as a “Favorite Pop Artist” and Jennifer Hudson falls under the “Favorite R&B Artist.” Finally Chris Daughtry is included as “Favorite Rock Band.”

Just in case you’re not counting, eight alumni from reality TV shows American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent are represented. That’s a pretty good validation that reality TV produces quality stars.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Kris Allen Exclusively reveals the track listing for debut album!

On Wednesday, Kris Allen took to Twitter with news that thrilled and delighted fans of the American Idol season 8 champ: “You guys know what I miss…..the show Doug. So good. Oh btw……..done with the album!” Now, EW.com is happy to exclusively report the final track listing for Allen’s upcoming self-titled debut disc, set to drop Nov. 17 via 19 Recordings/Jive, which has been confirmed by a 19 rep. Conspicuously absent from the disc are any tracks co-written with Chris Daughtry and Mat Kearney — two artists with whom Allen had previously discussed having successful writing sessions. The baker’s dozen of titles — with songwriting credits in parentheses — reads as follows:

01 “Live Like We’re Dying” (Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton, Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan) (Produced by: Produced by Andrew Frampton & Steve Kipner)

02 “Before We Come Undone” (Kris Allen, Lindy Robbins, Greg Kurstin) (Produced by: Produced by Greg Kurstin for SK1 Productions)

03 “Can’t Stay Away” (Kris Allen, Lindy Robbins, Mike Elizondo) (Produced by Mike Elizondo)

04 “The Truth” (Pat Monahan, Toby Gad) (Produced by Toby Gad)

05 “Written All Over My Face” (Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton, Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan) (Produced by: Produced by Andrew Frampton & Steve Kipner)

06 “Bring It Back” (Kris Allen, Francis White) (Produced by Eg White for Spilt Milk Management)

07 “Red Guitar” (Kris Allen) (Produced by Mike Flynn & Warren Huart)

08 “Is It Over” (Kris Allen, Cale Mills, Mike Elizondo) (Produced by Mike Elizondo)

09 “Let It Rain” (Kris Allen, Tobias Karlsson) (Produced by Tobias Karlsson)

10 “Alright With Me” (Kris Allen, Joe King) (Produced by Mike Flynn & Joe King)

11 “Lifetime” (Kris Allen, Jon Foreman, Mike Elizondo) (Produced by Mike Elizondo)

12 “I Need To Know” (Kris Allen, Lindy Robbins, Toby Gad) (Produced by Toby Gad)

BONUS TRACK
13 “Heartless” (Malik Yusef El Shabbaz Jones, Scott Mescudi, Kanye West, Ernest Wilson, Jeffrey Bhasker, Benjamin McIldowie) (Produced by SALAAMREMI.COM)

Kris Allen to debut album at NFL game

American Idol Kris Allen will be debuting three songs from his upcoming album at Sunday's Miami Dolphins - New Orleans Saints game.

Arkansas native Allen will be the headline act on the Dolphins tailgate stage before the game on October 25. Some of his performance is scheduled to be televised. The performance will be just prior to the 4:15 p.m. kickoff, according to the Miami Dolphins website.

"As a HUGE football fan I'm thrilled that the first gig for my band and me is the Miami/New Orleans tailgate party for this Sunday's game," Allen said.

Allen's new album will be released November 17.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

American Idols Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwod, and Kelly Clarkson to perform at AMAs

"American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert is scheduled to perform at the American Music Awards on November 22 (the day before his debut release, "For Your Entertainment," hits stores). Thanks to a new report by People Magazine, it also looks like Lambert will be joined by several alumni from the former reality show.

Grammy-winner Carrie Underwood has signed on to perform at the awards, and she will be joined by Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry. According to AMA producer Larry Klein, "'American Idol' continually produces great talent, and we are looking forward to hosting Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry and Adam."

Also performing at the awards are Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and The Black Eyed Peas. Who are the leaders in terms of nominations? Both Taylor Swift and the late Michael Jackson each have five.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

American Idols Kris Allen and Chris Daughtry working together

"American Idol" winner Kris Allen is releasing his debut album on November 17, so suffice it to say that the pressure is mounting on him to deliver a successful debut.

Thankfully, he's not putting too much weight on his own shoulders. A new interview by Kris with Entertainment Weekly reveals that the singer is working with a variety of people on the new record, including for "Idol" contestant Chris Daughtry. Here's what Allen told EW about the now very-successful rocker:

"[Chris] reached out to me early on, during the show, I think during top-4 week. He gave me his number and was telling me if I needed anything to just give him a call. He was a really, really nice guy,"

Other people Allen is working with include Kevin Rudolf and Joe King from The Fray. His first single, "Live Like We're Dying," is currently making the rounds on the radio and is also available for download.
- From Examiner.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta Album Titles Revealed!

The Idoloonies have done it again! Just a week after Kris Allen fans uncovered his album cover art on the Barnes & Noble Web site, a group of die-hard Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta fans found album titles for each of their forthcoming releases posted on Amazon.com.

A rep for 19 Entertainment confirmed to MTV News that Adam Lambert's major label debut is called For Your Entertainment and Allison Iraheta's release is named Just Like You.

Both album names appear to play into each artist's "Idol" persona — Lambert, the ultimate showman and Iraheta, the irresistibly relatable teenage girl. No word yet as to whether their albums will feature songs with those titles.

Iraheta's first single, "Friday I'll Be Over U," leaked online last week and is hitting radio soon. Meanwhile, Lambert told MTV News he was waiting to finish recording before he selected his first single, which should happen sometime this week. In addition, a song he recorded for the movie "2012," called "Time for Miracles," leaked this past weekend, but it is not an album single.

Recently, several Lambert song titles have been confirmed. Producer Rob Cavallo name-checked "Suburban Decay," "Music Again" and "Winners" in an interview with Yahoo! Music, while the current issue of Entertainment Weekly also cites "What Do You Want From Me" (a leftover from Pink's "Funhouse" album, co-written by Max Martin and Pink) and "Loaded Smile," by Adam and Linda Perry. (Rolling Stone reported on a Kara DioGuardi/ Lambert collaboration, "Strut," weeks ago.)

Michael Slezak at EW.com confirmed two Iraheta song titles, separate from her Max Martin-penned single. Fans can expect the Kevin Rudolf-produced "Beat Me Up" and the Iraheta/David Hodges collaboration "You Don't Know Me," which Allison cited as her one of her favorites.

Lambert's For Your Entertainment will drop November 23 and Iraheta's Just Like You will land December 1. Season 8's "Idol" champ, Kris Allen, releases his major-label debut first, on November 17, while Danny Gokey, the only other "Idol" contestant with a record deal, will come out with an album of country-influenced tunes in 2010.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Kris Allen shows off his Viola playing skills

American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen "Plays" the Viola

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Kris Allen not slowing down as CD release nears

‘Idol’ champ talks about collaborators, video concepts, nasty rumors...

“American Idol’s” eighth season may have ended almost five months ago, but the workload hasn’t slowed a bit for reigning champion Kris Allen. With his debut album slated to drop Nov. 17, the Arkansas native spent his “days off” from the Idols Live summer tour logging studio time with a bevy of A-list songwriters and producers, and the pace of recording has only intensified since the tour concluded in mid-September.

We caught up by phone with Kris Monday afternoon to talk about his competitive release date (against John Mayer, Shakira, and Leona Lewis), his recent trip to London, and those nasty rumors that his label is concerned about the quality of his material to date.

EW: Let’s talk album scoop: Any new collaborators you haven’t announced or Tweeted about?
KA: I worked with Kevin Rudolf the last couple days. Me and Joe King [from The Fray] are getting back together and working on some stuff we already had written, which will be really cool. And I’m working with his producer [Mike Flynn] on that song, as well as one other track.

EW: There was some buzz in the blogosphere late last month saying that aside from your single, “Live Like We’re Dying,” that the rest of your album was “a mess.” I’ve heard four tracks so far, so I know that’s not true, but would you like to address those rumors yourself?
KA: You know what? I actually heard about that. The way I heard was I was following Rickey.org on Twitter, and I guess he had said something about it. And I was like, “I don’t know why anyone would say that or where anyone would get that news.” Because the way we feel about things is that everything’s going great. I think there are times where you’re like “Oh my gosh. What are we doing? Blah, blah, blah.” But I think that’s with any album. But, what we have right now, and the finished product, I think is going to be really great.

EW: Can you talk about some of your favorites that you’ve recorded so far?
KA: Probably, but they’re not on the album for sure.

EW: Why not float the title of one of them? Once it’s in the blogosphere, it’ll be tougher for the label to not include it, right?
KA: [Laughs.] I had said something about “I Need to Know” in the past. I really like that one.

EW: Yes. I heard about that one already.
KA: I have a song that I wrote like a year ago that I really love that we’re gonna really push for. It’s called “Red Guitar.”

EW: So you wrote it pre-‘Idol’?
KA: I did.

EW: What’s it about?
KA: You have to figure it out. You have to listen to it.

EW: So it’s open to interpretation?
KA: Yeah, exactly. I know what it means to me, but it might mean something else to you. [Mike Flynn] and I were working on the track last night. It was fun to be in the studio and working with a producer who sees your vision for a song you wrote.

EW: I haven’t heard much about your collaboration with Chris Daughtry yet.
KA: Me, him, and Mike Elizondo wrote a song together, and we think it sounds really cool.

EW: What was it like working with Chris?
KA: Chris is great. He reached out to me early on, during the show, I think during top-4 week. He gave me his number and was telling me if I needed anything to just give him a call. He was a really, really nice guy, and he kind of knew what I was going through, and was just kind of rooting for me. And now we have the same manager, so that makes it easy.

EW: Last time we spoke in late September, you did not yet have a concept for your video. What about now?
KA: We have the concept. I think we’re gonna shoot it maybe this weekend.

EW: I know you enjoy a good riddle, like when you teased your collaboration with Eg White on Twitter. Can you drop some hints about the video?
KA: It has to do with time. That’s all I’m gonna say.

EW: Who’s directing it?
KA: Marco Puig.

EW: I’ll Google his name promptly! Hey, while we’re on the subject of your enigmatic Tweets, how did your London writing session with Eg White go?
KA: We wrote a couple songs, one which we think is really, really good. And I was also working with Andrew Frampton, one of the two guys who wrote “Live Like We’re Dying” with The Script. And we came up with a really great song.

EW: You’re about five weeks away from releasing your album. Anything unexpected you’ve learned about the recording process?
KA: Maybe the production element of things has been surprising to me. Before this, I’ve always thought: “This song has guitar, piano, and drums in it.” And you almost kind of have to put that element of production into things to make them pop out. So that’s been fun for me, to work with that stuff, to hear it and just love it. For the most part, yes, the album is very guitar-driven and very piano-driven, but you throw in a little sound or effect, and it [enhances everything].

EW: How close to done are you at this point?
KA: We’re still writing some more songs for the album, and just putting some finishing touches on other tracks, going back to do some minor vocal takes, and that’s kind of it. We have a lot of songs that are almost done, and with a little bit of work we’ll have them completely done.

EW: So your CD comes out Nov. 17, the same day as Simon Cowell’s chosen diva Leona Lewis and Avril Lavigne, who’s sitting in as a guest judge for a season 9 audition episode of “Idol.” Which one are you more stressed about going up against?
KA: John Mayer. [Laughs.]

EW: And let’s not forget Shakira’s new one drops that same day, too. Incidentally, I have “She Wolf” on the same playlist on my iPod as “Live Like We’re Dying.”
KA: They kind of go together pretty good. [Laughs.] What kind of mix is this?

EW: It’s my “new songs” playlist. I downloaded “She Wolf” maybe a week before yours, but you’re catching up to her in the play-count department. And for the record, I purchased your single with my own money. It’s no promo copy.
KA: Thank you for my nine cents. I really appreciate that.
-From EW.com

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Kris Allen's new album cover released


Late Monday night, a group of hawkeyed Kris Allen fans noticed that the Barnes & Noble Web site posted a link to album artwork that shows the "American Idol" winner sitting in a theater looking longingly back at the empty seats behind him. A rep for 19 Entertainment confirmed to MTV News that the image is, in fact, the official cover for Kris' major-label debut. And that cover seems to confirm that Allen's album is self-titled after all.

Fans immediately picked up that the green-hued cover has a retro-pulp quality, with Kris Allen's giant name showing some creases and weathering. In the photo, Allen has ditched the college-dude-down-the-hall plaid uniform, opting instead for a more mature, old-school matinee idol look: leather jacket, tank top and necklaces. In typical Kris fashion, his wedding band is prominently featured on the cover, a move that flies in the face of Simon Cowell, who famously told the singer to downplay his marriage on "Idol."

In an interesting artistic choice, Kris is the first "Idol" winner to be looking off-camera for his debut disc artwork. Every other champ stares back at the listener — except for Ruben Studdard, who keeps his closed eyes obscured with a cap on the cover of 2003's Soulful album.

Allen trekked to Staten Island for the photo shoot, which took place at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on September 21, shortly after Kris debuted his single "Live Like We're Dying" on New York's Z100.

"I don't actually know what [the photo] is going to look like," Allen told MTV News at the time, joking that he wasn't sure whether he would be smiling or using his "sexy face," a term coined by "American Idol" photographers during the show.

Last week, Allen spoke to EW.com about his album's progress, assuring fans that "everything is going great" in the studio and denying rumors that it was a "mess," just weeks before its November 17 release date.

"We're still writing some more songs for the album and just putting some finishing touches on other tracks, going back to do some minor vocal takes, and that's kind of it," he explained. "We have a lot of songs that are almost done, and with a little bit of work we'll have them completely done."

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

American Music Award nominations announced, Adam Lambert to perform

The American Music Award nominations were announced early today and among the anticipated nominations were also a few surprises and snubs.

Michael Jackson was nominated in five different categories including the Artist of the Year award, leaving some to question the fairness of the nominations. Another big contender and no surprise is Taylor Swift who was nominated in six different categories including Pop/Rock Favorite album. The Kings of Leon and Lady Gaga also picked up a respectable number of nominations.

Perhaps the most prominent artist snubbed was Kanye West being beat out by T.I. for Hip Hop/Rap Album of the year. His behavior at MTV's VMA's is widely speculated to have played a part in the shut out. Taylor Swift, America's princess was interrupted by the outspoken bad boy during her acceptance speech at the VMA's last month.

And another welcome announcement today in regards to the AMA's is that Adam Lambert will be performing what is being coined a "Glammy" single during the show.

The American Music awards are scheduled to air on ABC, Sunday, November 22nd. Online voting begins today.

Friday, October 9, 2009

American Idol winner Kris Allen's first single, Live Like We're Dying, is "catchy"

Kris Allen's first post-"American Idol" single, "Live Like We're Dying," is good. It's surprising, and maybe a little jarring at first, if you expected a ballad or a mellow groove with a spare arrangement, like some of Allen's best performances on "American Idol" that paved the way to his Season 8 win.

But "Live Like We're Dying," is very catchy, a bit inspirational (the lyrics are all about seizing the day, and making the most of life and love). Also it's energetic and danceable, with a really grooving, syncopated chorus -- so what's not to like?

This driving rock tune with some tongue-twisting rap is a cover of a (fairly obscure) number by the Irish band, The Script. It's not blockbuster material, but Allen's version erases any notion that he's some wimpy folkie. It's gotten good reviews from Billboard and a few other reputable outlets.

But where's the fanfare here? The hype? The cool video? The official pop single release day is often a Tuesday, to maximize coverage during the week. But word of "Live Like We're Dying" began dribbling out last week, when a short excerpt of showed up on Web sites and Allen started talking about it in interviews.

It was bunched up in middle of the iTunes Top 100 downloads last we looked. But it deserves better. Yet with little advertising, airplay, or sense of occasion so far from Jive Records -- the recording outfit connected with 19 Entertainment, a company led by "Idol" uber-boss Simon Fuller -- will it break out?

Given all the buzz about whether Allen deserved his win over extremely popular runner-up (and completely different kind of singer) Adam Lambert, you might think Jive would really push "Live Like We're Dying" to give their boy a boost -- especially since it's a marked improvement over what some other Idol winners have put out as their first post-show single.
- From Misha Berson, arts reporter

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Allison Iraheta Previews Debuts Single "Friday I'll Be Over You"

While Kris Allen and Adam Lambert share the month of November (their debuts albums will be released on November 17 and 24, respectively), Allison Iraheta has December all to herself.

Fans of the popular American Idol singer should circle December 1 on their calendar, as Iraheta comes out with her first CD that day.

In a new interview, the rocker dishes on her debut single, "Friday I'll Be Over U," which you can listen to below.

On creating the song: I worked with Max Martin, and he pulled it out of his magic box. He came up with an awesome song and sent I to me and we cut it and it was just amazing. He definitely knows how to put himself in other people's shoes.

On her goal for the song: Pretty much show who I really am as an artist, and what I really want to continue doing for the rest of my life, which is this. Just really do awesome music for the rest of my life.

On her dream collaboration: I keep saying this, and I'm always going to say it until it happens... working with Pink, my friend. That would be amazing. Her music altogether inspires me. I look up to her.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

American Idol Champ Kris Allen Is the 'Real Deal,' Mat Kearney Says

Mat Kearney's songs have been featured everywhere from "Grey's Anatomy" to a Bruce Springsteen-helmed charity CD. The next place the singer/songwriter hopes to hear his work is the major-label debut of "American Idol" winner Kris Allen.

Kearney teamed up with Kris in early August to write a top-secret tune and is very pleased with the results. "We wrote a song and it's awesome," Kearney boasted to MTV News while he was in NYC for a tour stop.

Amid a flurry of the usual "Idol" collaborators (Ryan Tedder, Claude Kelly), Allen surprised many when he announced that he was also working with Kearney. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter was just as surprised. "I think [Kris] was just a fan," Kearney said of how they ended up collaborating. "What he told me was that he was just picking bands that he liked." (Those bands apparently include Semisonic, Daughtry, the Fray and the Calling — members from each of those groups have all been mentioned in connection with Kris' album.)

Having worked with Kris in the midst of the breakneck pace of the American Idols Live! tour, it's no surprise the trip ended up being a bit of a whirlwind. "[His people] called me and he flew into town, and I made coffee and we sat in my living room and we wrote some stuff," Kearney said. "Before they knew it, it was late at night, and they had to find an open studio to record a demo before Kris had to skip town. They eventually settled on Kearney's friend's "ghetto" makeshift home studio. "He sang it in, like, one take and it was amazing. I was like, 'You should enter some sort of singing contest. You could do something with that,' " Kearney joked. "That guy can sing."

Apparently, Kris can write too, which was an even nicer surprise for Kearney, who admitted he usually associates "Idol" with vocalists, as opposed to singer/songwriters: "Someone wants to 'write' a song with you, you're like, 'Great, you want to come over and I'll write a song so you can be co-writer.' " But Kris' abilities shattered Kearney's expectations. "He was awesome, and he had amazing input and he had a really strong sensibility. ... I was like, 'Wow, this guy's the real deal!'"

Kearney admitted that he didn't know much about Kris before their session together. "I knew that he was the cute guy who was really nice who told people about his wife or something. And Simon didn't like that. That's all I knew. And I knew he had sung [Kanye West's] 'Heartless.' " But it didn't take long before the two singers with a sharp sense of humor hit it off. "He's a totally cool guy, totally enjoyed being with him. ... I have nothing to say about it other than he was great. And he bought an amazing trout for everyone. We ate trout! Keeping it Southern."

Kris Allen's still-untitled debut is scheduled to hit stores November 17, while Mat Kearney is currently on tour supporting his latest album, City of Black & White.

- From MTV News

Monday, October 5, 2009

Simon Cowell throws expensive 50th birthday party

The 'American Idol' judged celebrated reaching the landmark age with a £1 million bash at stately home Wrotham Park in Barnet, Hertfordshire yesterday (03.10.09).

The event was a star-studded affair, boasting 400 guests including supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, singers Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue and chef Gordon Ramsay.

Several of Simon's ex-girlfriends were also in attendance, including Terri Seymour, Sinitta and Jackie St Clair.

After being welcomed into the historic building by the image of Simon, guests were treated to a number of other surprises which ensured they didn't forget whose birthday it was.

Waiters in a Moulin Rouge-themed marquee donned masks of Simon's face, while the bread rolls presented with dinner spelled his name.

The meal included 'Simon's Chicken Soup', which boasted pasta shapes also in the music mogul's name.

Inside the palatial building a fake Michelangelo artwork was installed on the ceiling, again featuring Simon's image.

A source said: "It was typical of Simon - cheeky and fun with one surprise after another. Everyone sat on velvet chairs - and were given a choice of main meal of either fish fingers and mushy peas of shepherd's pie."

Special birthday messages from some of Simon's famous friends, including David and Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston, were screened inside the house - with TVs even showing them in the toilets.

Guests were driven to the venue, which is 30 minutes from London, in a convoy of limousines, with three Rat Pack impersonators on hand to entertain them after being flown in from the US.

Others people present included Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff, Katie Price, Paula Abdul, Piers Morgan, Randy Jackson, Kelly Brook, Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Olivia Newton-John, as well as several contestants from the reality TV shows Simon judges such as 'Britain's Got Talent' winner Paul Potts and 'The X Factor' winner Shayne Ward.

The party was planned by retail boss Sir Philip Green and his wife Tina, and took months to organise.

- From Times Live