There’s lots going on in the American Idol universe with the new season having just announced its Top 10, while also spotlighting Idol alum in their weekly “American Idol Icons” segment, all eyes are on the show and, by extension, its alumnus to succeed.
With that in mind, many of the ex-contestants have been looking to make their mark on the industry with new music or other show biz gigs, so let’s talk about what this month had in store for this talented group.
New Music
The album cover for Season 14 runner-up Clark Beckham’s debut EP “Year One” [Credit: Quincy Jones Productions]
Season 14 runner-up Clark Beckham has been gradually revealing the cover of his debut EP, entitled Year One, on his Instagram. The album is due out May 11th and the singer posted the track listing to his Twitter on Thursday. The album is available for pre-order on his website now.
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 check that out as well!
The cover for Season 10 alum Paul McDonald’s new album “Modern Hearts” [Credit: Paul McDonald Music LLC]
Our editor Tania also spotlighted Carrie Underwood‘s dramatic new single “Cry Pretty,” which signifies her comeback after a little bit of a hiatus following her accident a few months ago.
After being profiled on American Idol Icons, Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez released a music video for her new single “Caught Up” with Ricky Breaker. Season 10 alum Paul McDonald also has a new album entitled Modern Hearts scheduled for June 1. McDonald has released several songs off the album already, all of which are available with pre-order of the album, but the latest, entitled “Wildcard,” just got a brand new music video to go with it.
Other News
Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is still flying high as she mentors her last two remaining team members in The Voice‘s Top 11. Clarkson will also perform her new single “I Don’t Think About You” on the show on May 7 and will host the 2018 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday May 20.
This past week Idol announced its group of 10 finalists who will be singing Disney songs next week on the show, where broadway superstar Idina Menzel will mentor. The show will, for the first time, be aired live from coast to coast on Sunday and the audience will vote in real time to send just 7 contestants to the next round, so you won’t want to miss that. The show begins at 8 p.m ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.
Several Idol contestants are flexing their acting chops on the Great White Way. Season 7 winner David Cook is still starring in Kinky Boots on Broadway until May 5. If you can’t make it, you can check him out singing an acoustic version of “Soul of a Man” from the show’s soundtrack.
Meanwhile, Season 5 runner-up Katherine McPhee just recently made her debut in the title role for Waitress. Similarly, she’s posted a video of her singing two of the songs from the musical: “What Baking Can Do” and “She Used to Be Mine” so check those out. McPhee also dropped a music video for her cover of Cole Porter’s classic “Night and Day” off her album “I Fall In Love Too Easily” which was released last November.
Season 6’s Melinda Doolittle is also taking the stage in Grease from May 10 – 27 at the Jamison Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. The singer also got a little recognition from Queen Bey herself after she added Doolittle’s version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to her Beychella playlist on the streaming platform Tidal.
Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks has also been posting lots of pictures to her Instagram to keep fans updated about her pregnancy. Congratulations to her and her partner Dana Isaiah on the new baby. Wishing them health and happiness!
Is there any Idol music you’re looking forward to? Or are you planning to make it out to one of their shows? Let us know in the comments below!
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Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[…] Last month, we reported that winner Trent Harmon‘s album You Got ‘Em All was due out this past month. After its release on May 18, we posted a review of Harmon’s electric debut, so check that out. Season 14 runner-up Clark Beckham also released his debut EP entitled Year One on music legend Quincy Jones’ label. The album blends Jones’ stylistic R&B sound with Beckham’s penchant for soul that fans will surely enjoy. […]