Since the last Idol round-up, we now live in a world where American Idol is back on our televisions, albeit with a new roster of judges, but it feels like the same show: people from all walks of life coming to show off their musical talent and blossoming into stars week upon week. Its comforting in a way, like hanging out with an old friend, and nice to know we’ll be adding more talented musicians to the already deep and diverse group of Idol alum, so let’s get an update on what they did this month, as well as what to look forward to in the coming months.
New Music
Season 15 winner Trent Harmon’s debut album “You Got ‘Em All” is out May 18th [credit: Big Machine Records]
On March 26 our reigning Idol winner, Trent Harmon, announced that his debut album You Got ‘Em All will be released on May 18, just a few days before the finale of the current season of Idol. Hopefully this means Idol fans will get to see Harmon perform one of the songs off the record for the finale. You can already check out the first two singles off the album (“There’s A Girl” and the title track “You Got ‘Em All“).
This month, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery also released his third album entitled Season’s Change. The singer is already getting high praise for it, including for the emotional debut single “Five More Minutes.“
Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze also released a live version of the lead single off his new album Paranoia entitled “The Breakdown,” which was reviewed last month. The simplicity of DeWyze and his band induces goosebumps while listening.
After being compared to legendary Luther Vandross during his season, Ruben Studdard released an album of soulful Vandross covers entitled Ruben Sings Luther this past month. Season 8 rocker Allison Iraheta also released an album with her band Halo Circus entitled Robots and Wranglers this past month. You can check out the video for the first single, entitled “Narcissist.”
Season 4’s Vonzell Solomon also threw it back in a cover of ex-Idol judge Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” with the band Postmodern Jukebox. What an infectious tune!
Other News
The American Country Music Awards are still a few weeks away (April 15), but Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina already has reason to celebrate, having won the Best New Female Vocalist category in advance. The awards show posted a video of her receiving a call from country legend Reba McIntyre in which Alaina cries tears of joy. A big congratulations are in order for her! Be sure to watch the awards on April 15 to see a performance from Alaina, as well as from other Idol alums like Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery and Season 6 contestant and Voice winner, Sundance Head.
Things got political for R&B superstar Jennifer Hudson as she delivered a powerful version of Bob Dylan’s “Times They Are A Changin'” at the March For Our Lives this past month in DC.
Original Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is putting in the work to assemble a strong team on The Voice. The singer also released the video for the new single from her latest album Meaning of Life entitled “I Don’t Think About You.” Clarkson also recorded a lullaby with Today host Hoda Kotb called “I’ve Loved You Since Forever” with proceeds going to HelpUsAdopt.org.
Season 7 winner David Cook is set to make his big Broadway debut next month in the musical Kinky Boots. Check out our feature and his new album Chromance. Speaking of Broadway, Season 5 Runner-Up Katharine McPhee posted a clip of herself in the lead role of “Waitress.” In it, she sings the emotional song “What Baking Can Do” as written by Sara Barielles.
Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks has also been busy. His foodie show State Plate on INSP, in which he discovers the best food in each state, was renewed for a third season. He also teased a new album for fans in the fall on Good Morning America this past month. Season 5’s Mandisa also posted a clip of her friend from the season, Kevin Covais acting in NBC’s hit This Is Us. Kudos to Kevin for the cameo!
We also have a couple Idol engagements to report. Season 10 contestant Stefano Langone got engaged to his girlfriend Chelsea this past month, while Season 14 contestant Rayvon Owen got engaged on stage at a Demi Lovato concert. Congratulations to both of them and their partners!
The Hudsucker 
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[…] Last month, we announced that reigning Idol winner Trent Harmon was set to release his debut album You Got ‘Em All on May 18th. Harmon’s album is now available for pre-order, including an autographed version, on his website! Harmon also dropped the music video for the title track just a few days ago, so […]