Monthly ‘Idol’ Roundup: December 2017

It may be already be 2018 across the globe, but we’ll have to go back in time a little to talk about the Idol news that graced our social media pages in the last month of the year.

2018 signifies a new year and new life for the hit reality show, with the new season coming in March, and so many of  the show’s alum are also looking to strike a chord with their fans with new music…

New Music

The cover of Scotty McCreery’s album “Season’s Change” which is out March 16, 2018 and is now available for pre-order. [Credit: Interscope, Mercury Nashville, 19].

Season 11 winner Scotty McCreery announced this month that his album Season’s Change, which features the hit single “Five More Minutes” is available for pre-order with exclusive merchandise packages and will be out on March 16, 2018.

Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis also released a live album available for download and streaming on all platforms entitled Strings, Spit, and Serenade featuring tracks from across his discography since the show and even a cover of The White Stripes’ hit “Seven Nation Army.” Season 5 alum and Lewis’ roommate Elliott Yamin also released a video for his new song “Take A Ride” this past month.

Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips also released a new song from his album Collateral (out Jan. 19) entitled “Dance With Me.” The singer  revealed that he wrote the song for his wedding to his wife Hannah Blackwell back in 2015.

Idol contestant turned Voice judge Jennifer Hudson also released a powerful video for her new song “Burden Down” this past month. The song comes from the singer’s upcoming fourth album which, as of yet, has no title or release date.

For those still in the holiday spirit, several alum performed covers of Christmas classics this holiday season. Season 14 winner Nick Fradiani gave us his take on “Little Drummer Boy” at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, while the runner-up that season, Clark Beckham, released a cover of “Silent Night.” Kelly Clarkson also sang her original song “Christmas Eve” on CBS’ Home for the Holidays special. Season 14’s Rayvon Owen also recorded a cover of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” with retro super-group Postmodern Jukebox.

Appearances & Other News

Ryan Seacrest hosts New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC again to ring 2018 [Credit: ABC]

For those of you watching Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, you may have rung in the New Year with Idol’s stalwart host Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest also gave us a sneak peek of the show’s new season before introducing ex-Idol judge Mariah Carey for her redemption performance and Idol winner Kelly Clarkson who was helping Hollywood ring in the new year with a performance of her hit song “Stronger.” Clarkson is also set to present at the 75th Annual Golden Globes Awards on Jan. 7, prior to her stint on NBC’s 14th season of The Voice beginning at the end of February.

Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze also announced that his new single “The Breakdown” will be featured on Showtime’s hit show Shameless on Jan. 21. The single comes from his new album Paranoia, set to release Feb. 16.

Idol alum David Archuleta recorded herself also became a viral phenomenon after a fan singing all the parts of his hit song “Crush” in a mirror. Archuleta himself tried to recreate the video after it went viral, much to the internet’s enjoyment.

Season 5 Idol alum Chris Daughtry also announced that him and his band are going on tour this year in the spring, with further details at LiveNation.

During an interview with the U.K.’s Chatty Man, season 8 runner-up and part-time Queen front man, Adam Lambert teased that he has some good music recorded for his next solo venture. We can’t wait to hear what he has in store for us!

New Idol judge Lionel Richie was also honored at the Kennedy Centre Honors this past month. What an honor for him and for the contestants to have such a legend mentoring them in this upcoming season! Kelly Clarkson also received the Billboard Women in Music Award this past month, so congratulations to her!

Two Idol alum, Season 7’s Jason Castro and Season 9’s Casey James, welcomed new children into their families this past month! Congratulations to both of them, and what a great way to start the new year.

What Idol tunes are you ringing in the new year with? And are you excited for Season 16 now that we know more about it? Let us know in the comments below!