Since American Idol crowned its final winner, Trent Harmon last month, a lot has happened on the Idol front. Still making a name for itself beyond the show, I’ve decided to make a comeback and bring fellow Idol fans all the scoop from the last two months on the show’s contestants and judges in case you might have missed it.
Season 12 Runner-Up Kree Harrison’s bluesy new single “This Old Thing” [credit: 19 Recordings/Interscope Records]
On the new music front, there’s a lot to talk about. Season 12’s runner-up Kree Harrison released the lead single off her forthcoming EP of the same name entitled “This Old Thing” (available on iTunes) on April 1st. The song has that old school blues feeling that just works for Kree and touches on the subject of how love is timeless.
Season 13 Runner-Up Jena Irene’s debut EP stays true to her pop-rock sound. [credit: CND America Inc.]
Also cracking the book’s on her post-Idol career is Season 13’s runner-up Jena Irene, who released a five song EP on April 22nd entitled Innocence (available on iTunes). Irene’s debut takes her down the path of the pop-rock she became known for on Idol after performing her debut single from the EP “Unbreakable” to earn her spot as a wildcard in Season 13’s Top 13.
Season 8 winner, Kris Allen, is currently touring the country (dates can be found here) promoting his new album Letting You In released back in March (available on iTunes). The album definitely shows a more vulnerable side of the winner without compromising the acoustic sensibilities that he’s known for. Also touring North America is Season 4 winner and country phenom, Carrie Underwood (dates can be found here), who is performing songs of her latest album, “Storyteller” (available on iTunes). Season 7 and Season 9 winners, David Cook and Lee DeWyze are also about to embark on the second half of their tours (dates can be found here and here respectively), promoting their albums (Digital Vein, available on iTunes, and Oil & Water, available on iTunes)
Season 14 winner Nick Fradiani strips down in his new music video. [Credit: Big Machine Records/Republic Records/19 Recordings]
Season 14 winner Nick Fradiani also released a steamy music video for “Get You Home” (watch here), the lead single off his forthcoming debut album. No release date for the album has been announced yet.
Season 10 contestant Haley Reinhart’s new album “Better” signifies a new era for the singer [credit: ode]
Lastly but certainly not least, Season 10’s third place underdog, Haley Reinhart, released her second album since her stint on Idol entitled Better with her new label, ole (available on iTunes). The album features a more refined, mature side of Reinhart’s voice and includes her stunning cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery’s new book reveals his journey to stardom. [Credit: Zondervan]
In non-music news, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released an autobiography entitled Go Big or Go Home (available on Amazon) about his journey into the music business.
In tragic news, Rickey Smith, who finished 8th place in Idol‘s 2nd season, was killed in a car crash as a result of a drunk driver on May 5th. Smith was 36.
That’s all the updates we have for you! If we’ve missed anything or you know of any updates for the coming months, share with us in the comments below.
The Hudsucker 
Kris Allen tour is about half over. Still plenty of dates, can be found here.