Monthly ‘Idol’ Roundup: March 2017

If American Idol had aired a 16th season, we’d be a few weeks into the finals right now with a little less than a dozen contestants left vying for that title. In a good season, we’d have more than a couple viable contenders left, so lets talk now about a few of those who made a name for themselves as viable contenders — both on the show and in the music industry by releasing new music and showing up in other places on our radar this month.

New Music

Season 15’s runner-up La’Porsha Renae has been busy, with a new CD entitled “Already All Ready” on the horizon for March 31st. Renae has already released several songs on the album to give fans a teaser of what’s to come, including the debut single “Good Woman” as well as “What is Love”, “Somebody Does” and the title track. The album is available for pre-order now on iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play and Amazon.

Postmodern Jukebox is at it yet again, recruiting our Idol alum to cover songs in their signature style. This time, its season 14 runner-up Clark Beckham, who is rick-rolling their fans with a soulful slowdown of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna to Give You Up.” Watch the full performance over on YouTube.

Candice Glover’s new single, “My Mistake” is out now. [Credit: 19 Entertainment, Interscope]

Season 12 winner Candice Glover has also been keeping up appearances with a stint on WGN’s historical drama “Underground,” as well as releasing a new single that shows off her sensational voice entitled “My Mistake.” The single is available now on iTunes and Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify.

Season 11’s alumni have also been staying on our radar, with runner-up Jessica Sanchez releasing a timely cover of the Beauty and the Beast classic, Be Our Guest.

Colton Dixon’s new album, “Identity” is available now in digital and physical formats. [Credit: Sparrow, 19]

Seventh place Christian pop-rock contestant Colton Dixon has also been strutting his stuff with a new CD entitled Identity. The album is divided into three sections (Mind, Body, and Spirit) which inspired the tracks that follow. Dixon has been using his social media, including his Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Live to tell fans about what the songs mean to him. The album is available in both standard and deluxe format (although I recommend the deluxe) on iTunes/Apple Music and Spotify or, for fans who want a physical or signed copy and some of Dixon’s merchandise, they can check out his website.

Season 8 piano man Matt Giraud is also featured in a video for a new song with artists KELLR and July 3-0 called “Faded.” You can check the exclusive premiere of that song and video on Yahoo! Music.

Both of the Davids from Season 7 — winner David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta — announced new music this month with Cook’s single “Gimme Heartbreak” set to drop sometime this year, and Archuleta’s single “Up All Night” targeting a release date of April 21st with a promise of “#moretocome” from the singer himself.

Appearances

Season 15 third placer Dalton Rapattoni is wrapping up his tour with dates in Cincinnati, Chicago and Atlanta on March 30, April 1, and April 4 respectively. For tickets and more information, check out his website.

James Durbin performs as the new frontman of metal band Quiet Riot. [Credit: NationalRockReview, 94.5 XKR, QUIET RIOT and Savage Live]

Another one of Idol’s rockers, season 10’s James Durbin, has landed himself a new gig as the frontman for Quiet Riot. The singer’s penchant for metal and powerful voice is a perfect fit for the band, so fans will be happy to know that Quiet Riot is rerecording their new album with his vocals and are taking the singer out on tour with them. For dates and more information, visit the band’s website.

The multi-talented Jennifer Hudson will, yet again, be flexing her acting chops in a feature length comedy alongside Adam Sandler that will be airing on Netflix entitled Sandy Wexler. The film is set to arrive on Netflix April 14, but in the meantime, fans can check out the trailer on YouTube.

General

In some scary news, season 3 winner Fantasia was forced to cancel one of the dates on her recent tour after suffering second degree burns on her arm. The singer expressed her sincere regrets for not being able to perform for her fans that night, but we’re just glad she’s made a swift recovery.

Any new Idol music you’re looking forward to? Do you miss voting every night for your favorite contestants? Let me know in the comments below!