Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is another Filipino, my number 83 American Idol finalist Ramiele Malubay. She is my least favorite finalist of American Idol season 7; she got ninth place. She was the subject of a minor controversy when a number of personal
pictures came to light featuring Malubay and several female friends
touching each other's breasts. She was ranked at number 95 by The Los Angeles Times on May 31, 2010. Her musical influences are Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Lani Misalucha, and Regine Velasquez, citing the last one as her favorite artist.
Ramiele Macrohon Malubay was born to Roger Malubay and Alicia Macrohon on September 6, 1987, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, of Filipino heritage. She is of Ilocano descent. Upon the outbreak of the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Malubay's parents sent her to Manila, Philippines, the city where the final iteration of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011 was held. The family later relocated to the United States and currently reside in Miramar, Florida. She graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School, which was founded in 1996 and located near Broward County's C.B. Smith Park and the Walter C. Young Middle School and Resource Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She studied nursing at Broward College (formerly known as Broward Community College), a state college founded in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year college system and located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a member of the Florida College System.
Malubay started Polynesian Dancing when she was in the first grade and
started singing at the age of twelve. At an early age Malubay started
singing for various Filipino-American function across the state of Florida, as well as opening for Filipino acts such as Kuh Ledesma (known by her mother as Maria Socorro Ledesma) and Martin Nievera during American tours.
Malubay successfully auditioned for American Idol season 7 in August 2007 when she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. During the first Hollywood Round, she performed "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" by Aretha Franklin. During the second Hollywood Round, she performed "I've Got the Music in Me" by The Kiki Dee Band. She got a very positive reception after her performance of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" during top 24 week. Judge Randy Jackson called her performance "classy, almost like a pro,"
while Simon Cowell proclaimed that she "outsang every single person"
that night. Cowell also named her "one of the top three singers in the
competition" after her performance of "Don't Leave Me This Way" and also
noted that she was "probably the most consistently good singer" during
the Hollywood rounds. During top 20 week, Malubay performed "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Harold Melvin. During top 16 week, she performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins. During top 12 week, she performed "In My Life" by The Beatles. During top 11 week, she performed "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles. During top 10 week, she performed "Alone" by i-TEN. After performing "Do I Ever Cross My Mind" by Dolly Parton during top 9 week, she was eliminated from American Idol. After an emotional farewell, she did an encore of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" following her elimination. Malubay had never been in the
bottom 3 prior to her elimination. During her time on American Idol, she was
roommates with Syesha Mercado and Brooke White. It was frequently shown that a friendship formed between Malubay and
American Idol semifinalists Danny Noriega and Kady Malloy, and third place finalist Syesha Mercado. Malubay also mentioned during her pre-performance video interview for
Top 11 week that she had formed close bonds with fifth place finalist Brooke White and winner David Cook.
Malubay participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008, where she performed "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5, "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne, and "If I Never See Your Face Again" by Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna. She performed "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 with Chikezie Eze, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, Carly Smithson, and Brooke White. She expressed that she is willing to go to the Philippines to pursue her music career, following the footsteps of American Idol season 3 finalist Jasmine Trias. If she fails as a recording artist, Malubay intends to return to school and pursue acting.
Her appearances after her elimination from American Idol include Live with Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today show, The Sauce, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, Access Hollywood, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She expressed that she is willing to work with The Walt Disney Company during her appearance on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. On 2008, she was nominated as a Favorite TV Personality by the JC Penney Asian Excellence Awards. She performed in a concert in the Philippines with Ogie Alcasid and Pinoy Idol finalists Gretchen Espina, Jayann Bautista, Ram Chaves, and Robby Navarro in December 2007.
On November 14, 2009, Ramiele performed the "Star Spangled Banner" before the main boxing event between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Ángel Cotto at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. She was billed simply as "Ramiele".
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
#84 Camile Velasco
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 84 American Idol finalist Camile Velasco. She got ninth place on American Idol season 3. She is a quarter Irish, quarter Spanish, and half Filipino. Her music genres are acoustic pop, R&B, and reggae.
Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco was born on September 1, 1985, in Makati City, Philippines, and raised Haiku, Maui, located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. Before her stint on American Idol, she was a struggling songwriter and composer who worked at her parents' International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Restaurant in Kahului, Hawaii. She has since released a single with Universal/Motown Records, headlined events in California, Hawaii, and elsewhere in the world. She is currently signed to Up Above Records to complete her debut album.
Velasco auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, along with Jasmine Trias. The judges unanimously put her through to the Hollywood Round after praising her for her rendition of the chorus and bridge of "Ready or Not" by The Fugees, which contains a sample from a Delfonics song. Simon Cowell commented that she was "actually very good", assuring that Velasco that she did not need to be nervous. Randy Jackson added that he has loved the sound of Velasco's voice and that he "love the kinda dark quality of it." Finally, Paula Abdul stated that Velasco has "a real interesting tone" and that "You’re a beautiful, beautiful girl.” She encouraged Velasco not to be afraid to “let go” and to “know and own the fact that you’re really good.”
In the Hollywood round, Velasco sang several songs solo and performed "You Can't Hurry Love" in a group. She made it through to the top 32, in the second group of semifinalists. After her stirring performance of "One Last Cry" by Brian McKnight, Cowell stated that Velasco was "probably the best out of the group tonight." Before she left the stage, Randy Jackson requested that she infuse more of her hip-hop style into her next performance, and Velasco jovially replied, "I'll do it, baby."
At the results show, Velasco emerged as the top vote-getter in her group, just as Cowell had predicted, and she shed actual tears as she performed a reprise of "One Last Cry." Velasco quickly became the pride of Hawaii, and small-town Maui in particular, causing the islands to vote exponentially more than in previous years. Her return home before the finals was deeply emotional, as she was showered with support and physically covered with colorful leis.
On American Idol, Velasco’s trademark was a red, yellow and green Rastafarian wristband, which she continually wore on her left wrist as a good luck charm and as an homage to the reggae movement (and specifically her musical influences Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill). According to her, the three colors represented peace, happiness, and unity, respectively. Velasco also wore the 3rd Eye Vision logotype of the Hieroglyphics, a San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop crew, on several occasions, reflecting her love of the music and culture. In the media, Velasco became known for wearing self-designed apparel, and for being consistently unafraid to express her unique interests, conscious outlook, and sensitive ideology.
Vocally, Velasco was quickly classified as being hip-hop—a culture and style she certainly identified with (but was not limited to). In the competition, she was even likened to her musical influence Lauryn Hill, one of the most influential women in hip-hop—a comparison that nearly brought Velasco to tears. On top 12 week, she performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. On top 11 week, she performed "Desperado" by Eagles. On top 10 week, she performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, which would later be performed by Scotty McCreery on top 11 week of season 10. On top 9 week, she performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." She sang those songs in her own personal musical style, without consciously applying a particular genre to her performances.
However, on April 7, 2004, Velasco was eliminated from American Idol finishing in ninth place. She was in the bottom three with third-placer Jasmine Trias and runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Velasco and Trias were asked to perform one more time before Ryan Seacrest revealed the night's verdict.
Mostly due to increasingly harsh criticism from the judges, Velasco seemed to anticipate her departure. As a result, she became the first contestant to alter the lyrics of her song impromptu, substituting “the blues” with “I love you,” as she pointed to her fans in the audience and her fellow contestants, and replacing “back to the howling old owl in the woods” with “back to the island of Maui, at home.” Velasco kept her composure as her name was announced, but began to cry during her dedication video. As the show ended, the remaining finalists were quick to encircle her in a tight embrace.
Despite her departure from the show, Velasco’s fanbase continued to support her, hence becoming a cult favorite. She was inundated by gifts and letters, even months after her elimination. Since her stint on American Idol, Velasco has gained a reputation for engaging her fans, and patiently meeting with crowds of people, to the occasional dismay of the employees and management at certain venues. Velasco’s motto, however, is “love life” and she has consistently taken an appreciative, laid-back approach to each public event.
lthough she received criticism from the judges during the show’s finals, Velasco’s track on the American Idol Season 3 CD "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", was praised by music reviewers in New York and LA, and identified as the best track on the album by several major publications. It seemed to highlight her potential as a recording artist.
Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco was born on September 1, 1985, in Makati City, Philippines, and raised Haiku, Maui, located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. Before her stint on American Idol, she was a struggling songwriter and composer who worked at her parents' International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Restaurant in Kahului, Hawaii. She has since released a single with Universal/Motown Records, headlined events in California, Hawaii, and elsewhere in the world. She is currently signed to Up Above Records to complete her debut album.
Velasco auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, along with Jasmine Trias. The judges unanimously put her through to the Hollywood Round after praising her for her rendition of the chorus and bridge of "Ready or Not" by The Fugees, which contains a sample from a Delfonics song. Simon Cowell commented that she was "actually very good", assuring that Velasco that she did not need to be nervous. Randy Jackson added that he has loved the sound of Velasco's voice and that he "love the kinda dark quality of it." Finally, Paula Abdul stated that Velasco has "a real interesting tone" and that "You’re a beautiful, beautiful girl.” She encouraged Velasco not to be afraid to “let go” and to “know and own the fact that you’re really good.”
In the Hollywood round, Velasco sang several songs solo and performed "You Can't Hurry Love" in a group. She made it through to the top 32, in the second group of semifinalists. After her stirring performance of "One Last Cry" by Brian McKnight, Cowell stated that Velasco was "probably the best out of the group tonight." Before she left the stage, Randy Jackson requested that she infuse more of her hip-hop style into her next performance, and Velasco jovially replied, "I'll do it, baby."
At the results show, Velasco emerged as the top vote-getter in her group, just as Cowell had predicted, and she shed actual tears as she performed a reprise of "One Last Cry." Velasco quickly became the pride of Hawaii, and small-town Maui in particular, causing the islands to vote exponentially more than in previous years. Her return home before the finals was deeply emotional, as she was showered with support and physically covered with colorful leis.
On American Idol, Velasco’s trademark was a red, yellow and green Rastafarian wristband, which she continually wore on her left wrist as a good luck charm and as an homage to the reggae movement (and specifically her musical influences Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill). According to her, the three colors represented peace, happiness, and unity, respectively. Velasco also wore the 3rd Eye Vision logotype of the Hieroglyphics, a San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop crew, on several occasions, reflecting her love of the music and culture. In the media, Velasco became known for wearing self-designed apparel, and for being consistently unafraid to express her unique interests, conscious outlook, and sensitive ideology.
Vocally, Velasco was quickly classified as being hip-hop—a culture and style she certainly identified with (but was not limited to). In the competition, she was even likened to her musical influence Lauryn Hill, one of the most influential women in hip-hop—a comparison that nearly brought Velasco to tears. On top 12 week, she performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. On top 11 week, she performed "Desperado" by Eagles. On top 10 week, she performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, which would later be performed by Scotty McCreery on top 11 week of season 10. On top 9 week, she performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." She sang those songs in her own personal musical style, without consciously applying a particular genre to her performances.
However, on April 7, 2004, Velasco was eliminated from American Idol finishing in ninth place. She was in the bottom three with third-placer Jasmine Trias and runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Velasco and Trias were asked to perform one more time before Ryan Seacrest revealed the night's verdict.
Mostly due to increasingly harsh criticism from the judges, Velasco seemed to anticipate her departure. As a result, she became the first contestant to alter the lyrics of her song impromptu, substituting “the blues” with “I love you,” as she pointed to her fans in the audience and her fellow contestants, and replacing “back to the howling old owl in the woods” with “back to the island of Maui, at home.” Velasco kept her composure as her name was announced, but began to cry during her dedication video. As the show ended, the remaining finalists were quick to encircle her in a tight embrace.
Despite her departure from the show, Velasco’s fanbase continued to support her, hence becoming a cult favorite. She was inundated by gifts and letters, even months after her elimination. Since her stint on American Idol, Velasco has gained a reputation for engaging her fans, and patiently meeting with crowds of people, to the occasional dismay of the employees and management at certain venues. Velasco’s motto, however, is “love life” and she has consistently taken an appreciative, laid-back approach to each public event.
lthough she received criticism from the judges during the show’s finals, Velasco’s track on the American Idol Season 3 CD "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", was praised by music reviewers in New York and LA, and identified as the best track on the album by several major publications. It seemed to highlight her potential as a recording artist.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
#85 Casey Abrams
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Casey Abrams. He landed in sixth place on American Idol season 10, five weeks after being saved by the judges. I think Pia Toscano was more worthy of the judges' save than he was. His musical influences are Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Oscar Peterson, and James Taylor as well as Marshall Hawkins, the head of the jazz department at Idyllwild Arts Academy.
Casey Abrams was born to Pam Pierce and Ira Abrams on February 12, 1991, the day before season 7 semifinalist Alexandréa Lushington was born, in Austin, Texas. He spent his childhood in Chicago, Illinois, first and then in Wilmette, Illinois, where he attended McKenzie Elementary School.
Abrams later relocated to Idyllwild, California, and attended middle school and high school there. He was a student at Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, California, where his father teaches film production. At Idyllwild Arts, he studied classical bass instruction and improvisation, and participted in the jazz ensembles, gaining a foundation in music history, piano, and jazz piano, and learning to compose film scores.
After graduating from Idyllwild Arts Academy in 2009, Abrams attended University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, majoring in music. He worked as a film camp counselor at Idyllwild Arts Summer Camp prior to his appearance on American Idol.
Abrams suffers from ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disease which causes ulceration and inflammation of the colon, and that occasionally requires blood transfusions, which resulted in his having been hospitalized while on American Idol.
Abrams auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Austin, Texas, with the song "I Don't Need No Doctor" by Ray Charles. During Hollywood Round Part 1, he performed "Lullaby of Birdland" by Ella Fitzgerald. During Hollywood Round Part 2, his group performed "Get Ready" by The Temptations. During Hollywood Round Part 3, Abrams performed "Georgia on My Mind" by Hoagy Carmichael. During Las Vegas Round, his group performed "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles. Abrams was selected as one of the top 24 semifinalists, but two days before he was due to perform for the semifinal round, he suffered severe stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital. He was well enough to perform on performance night, when he performed "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and he was one of the five male vote receivers to advance to the top 13. However, after performing "With a Little Help from My Friends" by The Beatles, he missed the top 13 results show due to his illness. During top 12 week, he performed "Smells Like a Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. During top 11a week, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by The Miracles. He was the lowest vote receiver on the top 11a result show, but was saved by the judges; they chose to save him immediately, stopping his supposedly last performance on the show, an encore of "I Don't Need No Doctor", halfway through it. He is the third finalist to be saved by the judges in three seasons. During top 11b week, he performed "Your Song" by Elton John. During top 9 week, he performed "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. During top 8 week, he performed "Nature Boy" by Nat King Cole, featured in the 1948 film The Boy with Green Hair. During top 7 week, he performed "Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5. During top 6 week, he performed a duet "I Feel the Earth Move" (by Carole King) with Haley Reinhart and a solo "Hi-De-Ho" by The City. Abrams was eliminated from the competition on April 28, 2011, finishing in sixth place. During his exit performance, he performed the same song he performed in the semifinal round. During the performance he kissed audience members, rolled onto the stage, thanked the judges, and sang the last two words ("you're mine") to fellow contestant to fellow finalist Haley Reinhart.
After his stint on American Idol, Abrams appeared and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 29, 2011, and Live with Regis and Kelly on May 2, 2011. He also appeared on MTV's The Seven on May 2, 2011. He appeared and performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 5, 2011. During the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011, he performed "Smooth" by Rob Thomas and Santana, "Moanin" with Haley Reinhart, and "Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5. Earlier, he performed "Animal" by Neon Trees with the other male members of the top 11. In August 2011, Abrams became a spokesman in a national campaign called IBD Icons to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease. He is managed by 19 Entertainment. He will be releasing a cover of "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Haley Reinhart.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 84 American Idol finalist. She was born in Makati City, Phillippines. Her family relocated to Haiku, Maui, located in Hawaii. Before her stint on American Idol, she was a struggling songwriter/composer who worked at her parents' IHOP Restaurant in Kahului.
Casey Abrams was born to Pam Pierce and Ira Abrams on February 12, 1991, the day before season 7 semifinalist Alexandréa Lushington was born, in Austin, Texas. He spent his childhood in Chicago, Illinois, first and then in Wilmette, Illinois, where he attended McKenzie Elementary School.
Abrams later relocated to Idyllwild, California, and attended middle school and high school there. He was a student at Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, California, where his father teaches film production. At Idyllwild Arts, he studied classical bass instruction and improvisation, and participted in the jazz ensembles, gaining a foundation in music history, piano, and jazz piano, and learning to compose film scores.
After graduating from Idyllwild Arts Academy in 2009, Abrams attended University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, majoring in music. He worked as a film camp counselor at Idyllwild Arts Summer Camp prior to his appearance on American Idol.
Abrams suffers from ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disease which causes ulceration and inflammation of the colon, and that occasionally requires blood transfusions, which resulted in his having been hospitalized while on American Idol.
Abrams auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Austin, Texas, with the song "I Don't Need No Doctor" by Ray Charles. During Hollywood Round Part 1, he performed "Lullaby of Birdland" by Ella Fitzgerald. During Hollywood Round Part 2, his group performed "Get Ready" by The Temptations. During Hollywood Round Part 3, Abrams performed "Georgia on My Mind" by Hoagy Carmichael. During Las Vegas Round, his group performed "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles. Abrams was selected as one of the top 24 semifinalists, but two days before he was due to perform for the semifinal round, he suffered severe stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital. He was well enough to perform on performance night, when he performed "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and he was one of the five male vote receivers to advance to the top 13. However, after performing "With a Little Help from My Friends" by The Beatles, he missed the top 13 results show due to his illness. During top 12 week, he performed "Smells Like a Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. During top 11a week, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by The Miracles. He was the lowest vote receiver on the top 11a result show, but was saved by the judges; they chose to save him immediately, stopping his supposedly last performance on the show, an encore of "I Don't Need No Doctor", halfway through it. He is the third finalist to be saved by the judges in three seasons. During top 11b week, he performed "Your Song" by Elton John. During top 9 week, he performed "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. During top 8 week, he performed "Nature Boy" by Nat King Cole, featured in the 1948 film The Boy with Green Hair. During top 7 week, he performed "Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5. During top 6 week, he performed a duet "I Feel the Earth Move" (by Carole King) with Haley Reinhart and a solo "Hi-De-Ho" by The City. Abrams was eliminated from the competition on April 28, 2011, finishing in sixth place. During his exit performance, he performed the same song he performed in the semifinal round. During the performance he kissed audience members, rolled onto the stage, thanked the judges, and sang the last two words ("you're mine") to fellow contestant to fellow finalist Haley Reinhart.
After his stint on American Idol, Abrams appeared and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 29, 2011, and Live with Regis and Kelly on May 2, 2011. He also appeared on MTV's The Seven on May 2, 2011. He appeared and performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 5, 2011. During the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011, he performed "Smooth" by Rob Thomas and Santana, "Moanin" with Haley Reinhart, and "Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5. Earlier, he performed "Animal" by Neon Trees with the other male members of the top 11. In August 2011, Abrams became a spokesman in a national campaign called IBD Icons to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease. He is managed by 19 Entertainment. He will be releasing a cover of "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Haley Reinhart.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 84 American Idol finalist. She was born in Makati City, Phillippines. Her family relocated to Haiku, Maui, located in Hawaii. Before her stint on American Idol, she was a struggling songwriter/composer who worked at her parents' IHOP Restaurant in Kahului.
#86 Anthony Fedorov
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 86 American Idol finalist Anthony Fedorov. He got fourth place on American Idol season 4. He hails from Trevose, Pennsylvania. He is well known as a balladeer, and the judges view them as his best style.
Anthony Vladimirovich "Anthony" Fedorov (Ukranian: Анатолій Володимирович Федоров) was born on May 4, 1985, in Yalta, Ukraine, a city in Crimea in southern Ukraine, on the north coast of the Black Sea and located on the site of an ancient Greek colony. His family relocated to Trevose, Pennsylvania, in 1994. He faced tracheotomy at toddlerhood due to a birth defect in his windpipe, from which a scar is still visible. Despite skepticism that he would ever have the ability to speak again, he perservered and began to sing at an early age, and he is a tenor and pianist. He is a member of the Neshaminy High School class of 2003. He attended Bucks County Community College, a two-year community college located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia and founded in 1964. He speaks Russian and English. He can sing in English, Russian, Spanish, and Italian.
Fedorov resided in Trevose, Pennsylvania, at the time of his stint on American Idol. He auditioned for American Idol season 4 in Cleveland, Ohio, with the song "Angel" by Jon Secada. He performed "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" by Diana Ross, which would later be performed during that season by Vonzell Solomon, and reprised "Angel" by Jon Secada during the Hollywood Round. On top 24 week, Fedorov performed "Hold On the Nights" by Richard Marx. On top 20 week, he performed "I Want to Know What Love Is" by the British-American rock sextet called Foreigner. On top 16 week, he performed "I've Got You" by Marc Anthony. On top 12 week, he performed "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" by Neil Sedaka. On top 11 week, he performed "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)" by Aretha Franklin and George Michael. On top 10 week, he performed "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" by Elton John. On top 9 week, he performed "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" by The Sound of Music. On top 8 week, he performed "Every Time You Go Away" by Paul Young. On top 7 week, he performed "Don't Take Away the Music" by Tavares. On top 6 week, he performed "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. On top 5 week, he performed "Poison Ivy" by The Coasters and "Incomplete" by Backstreet Boys. On May 11, 2005, Fedorov was eliminated from the show after performing "I'm Already There" by Lonestar and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. It is said by many that his rendition of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" was one of his top performances, having been on-key through the entire song and praised by the judges. It was viewed as one of his most accomplished performances, along with his top 8 and top 6 performances.
Two days after Fedorov was eliminated from the show, his brother was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. Following the show, rumors of a relationship between Fedorov and the season's winner Carrie Underwood dominated discussion of the season. The rumors were sparked by Underwood's reaction to Fedorov's departure, when she sobbed openly and was seen on-screen saying "I love you" to him. Fedorov and Underwood denied the rumors, saying that they had a "brother–sister" relationship. They remained very close for some time after American Idol, with Fedorov accompanying Underwood to the CMA Awards on November 6, 2006. She also visited him on the set of The Fantasticks during his run on that show.
In June 2006, Fedorov finished in second place as a contestant on a special Reality TV edition of NBC's Fear Factor, which is scheduled to make a comeback in December 2011, alongside American Idol season 2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen. He also appeared in four episodes of MTV's talent show Little Talent Show — Triple Threat, which aired on the September 26, 2006, a few days after his brother Denis died of Ewing's sarcoma.
Fedorov now resides in New York City. In April 2007, he toured American Air Force bases in Europe, judging the Military Idol contest and performing. He has since become a national spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America and, in 2008, was appointed to the SFA Board of Directors. He has been performing at the SFA Annual Gala every year since 2007. He performed "The National Anthem" for the New York Knicks, the Oakland Raiders, the Seattle Mariners, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He performed in the US tour of the stage production Simply Ballroom, touring across the United States March through April 2008. Fedorov will reprise the role of the Prince in the second annual production of Cinderella in Nashville on April 15, 2011.
Fedorov's first record, Never Over, is scheduled for release in July 2011. The initial release is going to be an EP with six original songs, written or co-written by Fedorov. His single, which is called "You’re Perfect" is scheduled for release on June 29, 2011. He said "When people hear it they won’t expect to hear what they are going to hear. What people remember me doing on American Idol was ballads, but it has been 6 years and my voice has gotten deeper and has developed a lot of color and a lot of strength. I am really excited to introduce this part of myself. I would say my journey begins on June 29th when we release the single. My record will be released sometime in July, but we will start with the single first. I am really excited about it all."
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 85 American Idol finalist. He was saved by the judges on American Idol season 10.
Anthony Vladimirovich "Anthony" Fedorov (Ukranian: Анатолій Володимирович Федоров) was born on May 4, 1985, in Yalta, Ukraine, a city in Crimea in southern Ukraine, on the north coast of the Black Sea and located on the site of an ancient Greek colony. His family relocated to Trevose, Pennsylvania, in 1994. He faced tracheotomy at toddlerhood due to a birth defect in his windpipe, from which a scar is still visible. Despite skepticism that he would ever have the ability to speak again, he perservered and began to sing at an early age, and he is a tenor and pianist. He is a member of the Neshaminy High School class of 2003. He attended Bucks County Community College, a two-year community college located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia and founded in 1964. He speaks Russian and English. He can sing in English, Russian, Spanish, and Italian.
Fedorov resided in Trevose, Pennsylvania, at the time of his stint on American Idol. He auditioned for American Idol season 4 in Cleveland, Ohio, with the song "Angel" by Jon Secada. He performed "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" by Diana Ross, which would later be performed during that season by Vonzell Solomon, and reprised "Angel" by Jon Secada during the Hollywood Round. On top 24 week, Fedorov performed "Hold On the Nights" by Richard Marx. On top 20 week, he performed "I Want to Know What Love Is" by the British-American rock sextet called Foreigner. On top 16 week, he performed "I've Got You" by Marc Anthony. On top 12 week, he performed "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" by Neil Sedaka. On top 11 week, he performed "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)" by Aretha Franklin and George Michael. On top 10 week, he performed "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" by Elton John. On top 9 week, he performed "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" by The Sound of Music. On top 8 week, he performed "Every Time You Go Away" by Paul Young. On top 7 week, he performed "Don't Take Away the Music" by Tavares. On top 6 week, he performed "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. On top 5 week, he performed "Poison Ivy" by The Coasters and "Incomplete" by Backstreet Boys. On May 11, 2005, Fedorov was eliminated from the show after performing "I'm Already There" by Lonestar and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. It is said by many that his rendition of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" was one of his top performances, having been on-key through the entire song and praised by the judges. It was viewed as one of his most accomplished performances, along with his top 8 and top 6 performances.
Two days after Fedorov was eliminated from the show, his brother was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. Following the show, rumors of a relationship between Fedorov and the season's winner Carrie Underwood dominated discussion of the season. The rumors were sparked by Underwood's reaction to Fedorov's departure, when she sobbed openly and was seen on-screen saying "I love you" to him. Fedorov and Underwood denied the rumors, saying that they had a "brother–sister" relationship. They remained very close for some time after American Idol, with Fedorov accompanying Underwood to the CMA Awards on November 6, 2006. She also visited him on the set of The Fantasticks during his run on that show.
In June 2006, Fedorov finished in second place as a contestant on a special Reality TV edition of NBC's Fear Factor, which is scheduled to make a comeback in December 2011, alongside American Idol season 2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen. He also appeared in four episodes of MTV's talent show Little Talent Show — Triple Threat, which aired on the September 26, 2006, a few days after his brother Denis died of Ewing's sarcoma.
Fedorov now resides in New York City. In April 2007, he toured American Air Force bases in Europe, judging the Military Idol contest and performing. He has since become a national spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America and, in 2008, was appointed to the SFA Board of Directors. He has been performing at the SFA Annual Gala every year since 2007. He performed "The National Anthem" for the New York Knicks, the Oakland Raiders, the Seattle Mariners, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He performed in the US tour of the stage production Simply Ballroom, touring across the United States March through April 2008. Fedorov will reprise the role of the Prince in the second annual production of Cinderella in Nashville on April 15, 2011.
Fedorov's first record, Never Over, is scheduled for release in July 2011. The initial release is going to be an EP with six original songs, written or co-written by Fedorov. His single, which is called "You’re Perfect" is scheduled for release on June 29, 2011. He said "When people hear it they won’t expect to hear what they are going to hear. What people remember me doing on American Idol was ballads, but it has been 6 years and my voice has gotten deeper and has developed a lot of color and a lot of strength. I am really excited to introduce this part of myself. I would say my journey begins on June 29th when we release the single. My record will be released sometime in July, but we will start with the single first. I am really excited about it all."
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 85 American Idol finalist. He was saved by the judges on American Idol season 10.
Monday, November 7, 2011
#87 Corey Clark
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Corey Clark. He was known for his highly publicized disqualification, finishing in ninth place on American Idol season 2. He is signed to Universal and Bungalo Records. He hails from Lufkin, Texas. He has a long rap sheet. He was ranked at number 74 on The Los Angeles American Idol top 120 power rankings chart of May 31, 2010.
Corey Delaney Clark was born to Duane and Jan Clark on July 13, 1980, in San Bernandino, California. His parents were singers who met on the road in Nashville, Tennessee in early 1978 to follow ther musical aspirations. His father Duane was an R&B and disco singer who performed in San Bernandino, California, opened for Al Wilson and B.B. King and recorded and performed with the James Last Orchestra (a German band established in 1964 and led by Hans Last) and the Hamburger Symphoniker (a German orchestra founded in 1957 and based in Hamburg, Germany), and is of African American, Cherokee, Apache, and Blackfoot descent. His mother Jan, great granddaughter of of a Budapest concert pianist, is of Hungarian-Ukranian, Jewish, Irish, French, Cherokee, and Algonquian descent. Jan met Duane in Nashville, Tennessee, while working in nightclubs specializing R&B and Barbra Streisand. The multiracial nature of the Clarks’ relationship and of Corey’s heritage was a source of racial conflict for the family during the Clarks' early years in Lufkin, Texas, where Corey recalls a story his parents told him about a December 1979 incident in which the couple were driving to church for a Christmas celebration event with his father Duane costumed as Santa Claus, when they were pulled over by a Caucasian police officer, who smashed one of the car’s tail lights, and told Duane he was being pulled over and arrested for driving with a broken tail light.
Less subtle was the racism at school, where Clark says he and his sister got into fights with schoolmates in the first grade who used racial slurs against them. Adding to his sense of identity confusion was the fact that African Americans also rejected him, using a portmanteau racial slur against him and his sister, on which Clark comments, “It’s real unsettling when you’re young and don’t know which group you belong to.” Today, Clark reflects on his multiethnic heritage with pride, and says he wishes more people were open-minded about interracial dating, saying, “Our family could claim to be the ultimate melting pot,” and that being of so many different ethnicities gave him the ability to "adapt to any situation."
Clark's musical interest began at an early age; his first clear musical influences were his parents, his aunt Audrey, and his father's band recording a demonstration tape in a studio in Denver, Colorado. Having attended concerts by Boyz II Men, TLC, and Montell Jordan, he began to sing at the age of 11 without formal training, at school functions and concerts.
Clark received his first formal training job at the age of 13, when Debbie Byrd, a family friend and vocal coach who would later go on to work on American Idol, recruited him and his parents to be among the backup singers for Barry Manilow during a week-long appearance in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although Manilow was not Clark's favorite, he realized his dream during this engagement, saying: "When the curtain went up the first night, I was floored by the response from the sell-out crowd. I’d never been on stage as a professional singer before, and I got to see someone at the peak of his career working the stage and the audience. Every night he made his performance feel fresh, not just going through the motions. Experiencing the energy of a live show wasn’t at all like listening to a tape or a CD, I realized. It was magical. I was hooked!"
At age 14, Clark started and performed as the lead vocalist in a R&B vocal group called Envy. The group also included the now-Grammy-Award-winning R&B Ne-Yo (known by his mother as Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr.), Solomon Ridge, and Ray Blaylock. Envy performed in several talent contests, and a few years later, won the grand prize at a Las Vegas amateur singing contest. Envy also opened major shows for major artists such as Mýa and Destiny's Child (which included Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams), and performed during Amateur Night at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. The group signed a recording deal in 2000, but nothing came of it, and it disbanded after eight years of performances.
Clark and his family relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and while working as a stage hand in 2002, he auditioned for American Idol season 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, with "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Jackson 5, which would be performed by Jorge Núñez on American Idol season 8. He has been described as "one of the most impressive top ten finalists of the talent search’s second season". Clark names making it to the live rounds during that season to be his proudest moment. During the semifinal rounds, in semifinal group #4, he performed "Foolish Heart" by Steve Perry, and he advanced to the finals alongside Josh Gracin. On top 12 week, he performed "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) by The Isley Brothers. On top 11 week, he performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins from the film Against All Odds. On top 10 week, he performed "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray, and after that he was disqualfied. Due to his disqualification, he was replaced on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003 with Charles Grigsby.
Clark's favorite male musical artist is Michael Jackson. His favorite female musical artist Beyoncé Knowles. His favorite albums are Purple Rain by Prince and II by Boyz II Men. His favorite song to sing is "Doing Just Fine" by Boyz II Men. His other musical influences include Ginuwine, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Brian McKnight.
During the American Idol competition, The Smoking Gun revealed that Clark had been arrested at his residence in Topeka, Kansas, on October 12, 2002, after neighbors called police after hearing a commotion within the residence, including a girl yelling. Police arrived and questioned Clark and his 15-year-old sister Alysha, after which Clark became confrontational with the officers. Clark alleges police misconduct in handling the matter, asserting that he was beaten by the officers, who ultimately wrestled Clark to the pavement and handcuffed him behind his back. After managing to get his handcuffed hands in front him in the squad car, he was shown a taser and warned he would be shot with it if he continued to resist, at which point he relented. He was charged with misdemeanor battery on four police officers and his sister, and endangering the welfare of a child. However, both Clark and his sister Alysha have denied that he ever hit her, and Alysha echoed her brother's account of the way the situation transpired.
On December 4, days after Clark made the top 24 on American Idol, he was charged in Kansas District Court with resisting arrest, battering his sister, and resisting arrest. Clark ultimately pleaded "no contest" to "obstructing legal process" through a plea agreement, and was sentenced to sixth months of unsupervised probation and ordered to pay US$116.00 in legal fees. Clark states in his book, "Initially no charges were filed against me, and I was refunded my US$116.00 bond money after attending a November 11, 2002 court hearing back in Topeka." That December, after Corey had filled out his contracts for American Idol and was publicly named a semi-finalist on the show, the state district attorney elected to proceed with the case and filed charges against him.
According to American Idol's producers, Clark did not disclose his arrest record when joining the competition, although Clark maintains in Chapter 6 of his book entitled "American Paulatics" that he spoke with them and with judge Paula Abdul about his legal troubles. Producers also explained that the background checks conducted on all contestants did not uncover his arrest because of a misspelling of Clark's name in the police report. Clark maintains that this could not be true, as all background checks are conducted via social security numbers (rather than names), which Clark had provided to producers in his contract. The producers disqualified Clark from further participation in the competition nine hours after The Smoking Gun's story was disclosed.
Clark, along with the other second season finalists, recorded RCA Records' The American Idol Season 2: All-time Classic Love Songs soundtrack. Their version of the song "What the World Needs Now is Love" debuted at #6 on the Hot 100 singles sales Billboard Magazine Chart, beating out Jackie DeShannon's 1965 debut of the same song in at #7. With singles charting at #1 ("God Bless the U.S.A.") and #6 ("What the World Needs Now is Love") that year, Clark and the rest of the second season cast became the first act since rapper Nelly to place two titles in the top ten of Billboard Hot 100 Singles sales. In the May 17, 2003, issue of Billboard Magazine, the soundtrack attained Billboards Top Soundtrack #1 spot, Billboards Top internet Album sales at #14, The Billboard 200 hot shot debut at #2, and the single "God Bless the U.S.A." remained at #1 for 3 weeks. The soundtrack sold more than 500,000 copies domestically, giving Clark and his fellow second season castmates Gold record status, as well as making them all #1 artists on the Billboard Music Charts of May, 2003.
Clark's first album, Corey Clark, was published on June 21, 2005. Although the making of the album was highly publicized, the final product received minimal promotion or radio play. Despite high profile superstar featured guest spots from The Black Eyed Peas (which included Will.i.am and Fergie) and Scott Storch, consumers generally overlooked the album. Clark claimed that radio conglomerate Clear Channel refused to play his record due to threats Clear Channel received that all American Idol promotional and advertising dollars would be pulled from any station playing Clark's record.
Clark signed a one album, press and distribution label imprint deal with Universal/Bungalo Records, making him the first American Idol contestant in history to release his own album under his own record company distributed by a major label. This helped him earn a larger share of the album royalties and profits, and made him a partner in the decision-making process into the creative development of the album.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 86 American Idol finalist. He was born in Yalta, Ukraine. He had a tracheotomy as a toddler due to a birth defect in his windpipe, from which a scar is still visible. He was voted off American Idol after singing "I'm Already There" by Lonestar and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Two days after that, his brother was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. He competed in a special Reality TV edition of NBC's Fear Factor along with American Idol season 2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen.
Corey Delaney Clark was born to Duane and Jan Clark on July 13, 1980, in San Bernandino, California. His parents were singers who met on the road in Nashville, Tennessee in early 1978 to follow ther musical aspirations. His father Duane was an R&B and disco singer who performed in San Bernandino, California, opened for Al Wilson and B.B. King and recorded and performed with the James Last Orchestra (a German band established in 1964 and led by Hans Last) and the Hamburger Symphoniker (a German orchestra founded in 1957 and based in Hamburg, Germany), and is of African American, Cherokee, Apache, and Blackfoot descent. His mother Jan, great granddaughter of of a Budapest concert pianist, is of Hungarian-Ukranian, Jewish, Irish, French, Cherokee, and Algonquian descent. Jan met Duane in Nashville, Tennessee, while working in nightclubs specializing R&B and Barbra Streisand. The multiracial nature of the Clarks’ relationship and of Corey’s heritage was a source of racial conflict for the family during the Clarks' early years in Lufkin, Texas, where Corey recalls a story his parents told him about a December 1979 incident in which the couple were driving to church for a Christmas celebration event with his father Duane costumed as Santa Claus, when they were pulled over by a Caucasian police officer, who smashed one of the car’s tail lights, and told Duane he was being pulled over and arrested for driving with a broken tail light.
Less subtle was the racism at school, where Clark says he and his sister got into fights with schoolmates in the first grade who used racial slurs against them. Adding to his sense of identity confusion was the fact that African Americans also rejected him, using a portmanteau racial slur against him and his sister, on which Clark comments, “It’s real unsettling when you’re young and don’t know which group you belong to.” Today, Clark reflects on his multiethnic heritage with pride, and says he wishes more people were open-minded about interracial dating, saying, “Our family could claim to be the ultimate melting pot,” and that being of so many different ethnicities gave him the ability to "adapt to any situation."
Clark's musical interest began at an early age; his first clear musical influences were his parents, his aunt Audrey, and his father's band recording a demonstration tape in a studio in Denver, Colorado. Having attended concerts by Boyz II Men, TLC, and Montell Jordan, he began to sing at the age of 11 without formal training, at school functions and concerts.
Clark received his first formal training job at the age of 13, when Debbie Byrd, a family friend and vocal coach who would later go on to work on American Idol, recruited him and his parents to be among the backup singers for Barry Manilow during a week-long appearance in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although Manilow was not Clark's favorite, he realized his dream during this engagement, saying: "When the curtain went up the first night, I was floored by the response from the sell-out crowd. I’d never been on stage as a professional singer before, and I got to see someone at the peak of his career working the stage and the audience. Every night he made his performance feel fresh, not just going through the motions. Experiencing the energy of a live show wasn’t at all like listening to a tape or a CD, I realized. It was magical. I was hooked!"
At age 14, Clark started and performed as the lead vocalist in a R&B vocal group called Envy. The group also included the now-Grammy-Award-winning R&B Ne-Yo (known by his mother as Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr.), Solomon Ridge, and Ray Blaylock. Envy performed in several talent contests, and a few years later, won the grand prize at a Las Vegas amateur singing contest. Envy also opened major shows for major artists such as Mýa and Destiny's Child (which included Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams), and performed during Amateur Night at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. The group signed a recording deal in 2000, but nothing came of it, and it disbanded after eight years of performances.
Clark and his family relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and while working as a stage hand in 2002, he auditioned for American Idol season 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, with "Never Can Say Goodbye" by The Jackson 5, which would be performed by Jorge Núñez on American Idol season 8. He has been described as "one of the most impressive top ten finalists of the talent search’s second season". Clark names making it to the live rounds during that season to be his proudest moment. During the semifinal rounds, in semifinal group #4, he performed "Foolish Heart" by Steve Perry, and he advanced to the finals alongside Josh Gracin. On top 12 week, he performed "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) by The Isley Brothers. On top 11 week, he performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins from the film Against All Odds. On top 10 week, he performed "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray, and after that he was disqualfied. Due to his disqualification, he was replaced on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003 with Charles Grigsby.
Clark's favorite male musical artist is Michael Jackson. His favorite female musical artist Beyoncé Knowles. His favorite albums are Purple Rain by Prince and II by Boyz II Men. His favorite song to sing is "Doing Just Fine" by Boyz II Men. His other musical influences include Ginuwine, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Brian McKnight.
During the American Idol competition, The Smoking Gun revealed that Clark had been arrested at his residence in Topeka, Kansas, on October 12, 2002, after neighbors called police after hearing a commotion within the residence, including a girl yelling. Police arrived and questioned Clark and his 15-year-old sister Alysha, after which Clark became confrontational with the officers. Clark alleges police misconduct in handling the matter, asserting that he was beaten by the officers, who ultimately wrestled Clark to the pavement and handcuffed him behind his back. After managing to get his handcuffed hands in front him in the squad car, he was shown a taser and warned he would be shot with it if he continued to resist, at which point he relented. He was charged with misdemeanor battery on four police officers and his sister, and endangering the welfare of a child. However, both Clark and his sister Alysha have denied that he ever hit her, and Alysha echoed her brother's account of the way the situation transpired.
On December 4, days after Clark made the top 24 on American Idol, he was charged in Kansas District Court with resisting arrest, battering his sister, and resisting arrest. Clark ultimately pleaded "no contest" to "obstructing legal process" through a plea agreement, and was sentenced to sixth months of unsupervised probation and ordered to pay US$116.00 in legal fees. Clark states in his book, "Initially no charges were filed against me, and I was refunded my US$116.00 bond money after attending a November 11, 2002 court hearing back in Topeka." That December, after Corey had filled out his contracts for American Idol and was publicly named a semi-finalist on the show, the state district attorney elected to proceed with the case and filed charges against him.
According to American Idol's producers, Clark did not disclose his arrest record when joining the competition, although Clark maintains in Chapter 6 of his book entitled "American Paulatics" that he spoke with them and with judge Paula Abdul about his legal troubles. Producers also explained that the background checks conducted on all contestants did not uncover his arrest because of a misspelling of Clark's name in the police report. Clark maintains that this could not be true, as all background checks are conducted via social security numbers (rather than names), which Clark had provided to producers in his contract. The producers disqualified Clark from further participation in the competition nine hours after The Smoking Gun's story was disclosed.
Clark, along with the other second season finalists, recorded RCA Records' The American Idol Season 2: All-time Classic Love Songs soundtrack. Their version of the song "What the World Needs Now is Love" debuted at #6 on the Hot 100 singles sales Billboard Magazine Chart, beating out Jackie DeShannon's 1965 debut of the same song in at #7. With singles charting at #1 ("God Bless the U.S.A.") and #6 ("What the World Needs Now is Love") that year, Clark and the rest of the second season cast became the first act since rapper Nelly to place two titles in the top ten of Billboard Hot 100 Singles sales. In the May 17, 2003, issue of Billboard Magazine, the soundtrack attained Billboards Top Soundtrack #1 spot, Billboards Top internet Album sales at #14, The Billboard 200 hot shot debut at #2, and the single "God Bless the U.S.A." remained at #1 for 3 weeks. The soundtrack sold more than 500,000 copies domestically, giving Clark and his fellow second season castmates Gold record status, as well as making them all #1 artists on the Billboard Music Charts of May, 2003.
Clark's first album, Corey Clark, was published on June 21, 2005. Although the making of the album was highly publicized, the final product received minimal promotion or radio play. Despite high profile superstar featured guest spots from The Black Eyed Peas (which included Will.i.am and Fergie) and Scott Storch, consumers generally overlooked the album. Clark claimed that radio conglomerate Clear Channel refused to play his record due to threats Clear Channel received that all American Idol promotional and advertising dollars would be pulled from any station playing Clark's record.
Clark signed a one album, press and distribution label imprint deal with Universal/Bungalo Records, making him the first American Idol contestant in history to release his own album under his own record company distributed by a major label. This helped him earn a larger share of the album royalties and profits, and made him a partner in the decision-making process into the creative development of the album.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 86 American Idol finalist. He was born in Yalta, Ukraine. He had a tracheotomy as a toddler due to a birth defect in his windpipe, from which a scar is still visible. He was voted off American Idol after singing "I'm Already There" by Lonestar and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Two days after that, his brother was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. He competed in a special Reality TV edition of NBC's Fear Factor along with American Idol season 2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
#88 Lauren Alaina
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Lauren Alaina. She is the runner-up of American Idol season 10. She is vocally compared to American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who is her musical influence. Her favorite quote is the same as Scotty McCreery's. She and McCreery are signed to the same record labels, which are 19 Records, Interscope Records, and Mercury Nashville.
Lauren Alaina Kristine Suddeth was born on my 15th birthday, November 8, 1994, to Kristy and J.J. Suddeth of Rossville, Georgia. Her father works as a process technician in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Alaina is a strong Christian, and often states that she lives for Jesus Christ.
At the time of her stint on American Idol, Lauren was a Sophomore at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where she is a cheerleader. Alaina was inspired to sing by her cousin, Holly Witherow, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Before her stint on American Idol, Alaina performed at several Chattanooga-area venues and was the first winner of the WinniSTAR youth talent contest at Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in 2009. In addition to performing, Alaina wrote several songs including "Leaving" and "Set Me Free".
Alaina auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Nashville, Tennessee, with the songs "Like We Never Loved at All" by Faith Hill and "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. From then on, she was a judge favorite. After her audition, American Idol judge Steven Tyler said "We found the one." During the first Hollywood Round, Alaina performed "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan. During Hollywood Group Round, her group performed "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Soul Brothers Six. During the third Hollywood Round, she performed "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. During the Las Vegas Round, her group performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, she performed "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan.
On top 24 semifinal week, Alaina performed "Turn On the Radio" by Reba McEntire. On top 13 week, she performed "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain, which was previously performed by Siobhan Magnus on top 6 week (the week of Magnus' elimination) of American Idol season 9. On top 12 week, she performed "I'm the Only One" by Melissa Etheridge. On top 11A week, she performed "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes. On top 11B week, she performed "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John. On top 9 week, she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. On top 8 week, she performed "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus, featured on the 2009 film Hanna Montana: The Movie. On top 7 week, she performed "Born to Fly" by Sara Evans. On top 6 week, she performed a solo "Where You Lead" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Scotty McCreery. On top 5 week, she performed "Flat on the Floor" by Katrina Elam and an encore of "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan. On top 4 week, she performed "Anyway" by Martina McBride and "Trouble" by Elvis Pressley. On top 3 week, May 14, 2011 was proclaimed "Lauren Alaina Day" in her hometown of Rossville, Georgia. Alaina then performed "Wild One" by Zaca Creek as chosen by herself, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, which was previously performed by Scotty McCreery during the third Hollywood round, as chosen by the judges. During finale week, Alaina performed an encore of her first top 5 performance, and then performed "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis, as chosen by Carrie Underwood, and her would-be coronation song "Like My Mother Does", which was originally recorded by American Idol season 7 finalist Kristy Lee Cook. During the finale, she performed "Before He Cheats" with her American Idol Carrie Underwood. On May 25, 2011, Alaina was declared the runner-up to Scotty McCreery.
Alaina released her single "Like My Mother Does" following the finale of American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country charts at number 49 and the Hot 100 chart at number 20 and sold 121,000 copies in its first week.
Following the finale of American Idol season 10, Alaina has appeared and performed on several talk shows like NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live With Regis and Kelly, and The Today Show. On June 8, 2011, she and McCreery presented at the CMT Music Awards. In addition, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on June 9, and she performed with Martina McBride during her LP Field performance at the CMA Music Festival the day after that.
As the runner-up in the competition, Alaina won a contract that gave her $87,500 in advances which will be doubled when she records an album. Alaina has been signed to Mercury Nashville Records, 19 Recordings and Interscope. On October 11, 2011, Alaina released her debut album, Wildflower and sold sold 69,000 the first week.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 87 American Idol finalist. He is known for his highly publicized disqualification from American Idol season 2 and later allegations of a sexual relationship between him and then American Idol judge Paula Abdul. He was replaced on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003 with Charles Grigsby. He was ranked at number 74 in the The Los Angeles Times' top 120 American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Lauren Alaina Kristine Suddeth was born on my 15th birthday, November 8, 1994, to Kristy and J.J. Suddeth of Rossville, Georgia. Her father works as a process technician in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Alaina is a strong Christian, and often states that she lives for Jesus Christ.
At the time of her stint on American Idol, Lauren was a Sophomore at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where she is a cheerleader. Alaina was inspired to sing by her cousin, Holly Witherow, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Before her stint on American Idol, Alaina performed at several Chattanooga-area venues and was the first winner of the WinniSTAR youth talent contest at Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in 2009. In addition to performing, Alaina wrote several songs including "Leaving" and "Set Me Free".
Alaina auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Nashville, Tennessee, with the songs "Like We Never Loved at All" by Faith Hill and "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. From then on, she was a judge favorite. After her audition, American Idol judge Steven Tyler said "We found the one." During the first Hollywood Round, Alaina performed "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan. During Hollywood Group Round, her group performed "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Soul Brothers Six. During the third Hollywood Round, she performed "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. During the Las Vegas Round, her group performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, she performed "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan.
On top 24 semifinal week, Alaina performed "Turn On the Radio" by Reba McEntire. On top 13 week, she performed "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain, which was previously performed by Siobhan Magnus on top 6 week (the week of Magnus' elimination) of American Idol season 9. On top 12 week, she performed "I'm the Only One" by Melissa Etheridge. On top 11A week, she performed "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes. On top 11B week, she performed "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John. On top 9 week, she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. On top 8 week, she performed "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus, featured on the 2009 film Hanna Montana: The Movie. On top 7 week, she performed "Born to Fly" by Sara Evans. On top 6 week, she performed a solo "Where You Lead" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Scotty McCreery. On top 5 week, she performed "Flat on the Floor" by Katrina Elam and an encore of "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan. On top 4 week, she performed "Anyway" by Martina McBride and "Trouble" by Elvis Pressley. On top 3 week, May 14, 2011 was proclaimed "Lauren Alaina Day" in her hometown of Rossville, Georgia. Alaina then performed "Wild One" by Zaca Creek as chosen by herself, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, which was previously performed by Scotty McCreery during the third Hollywood round, as chosen by the judges. During finale week, Alaina performed an encore of her first top 5 performance, and then performed "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis, as chosen by Carrie Underwood, and her would-be coronation song "Like My Mother Does", which was originally recorded by American Idol season 7 finalist Kristy Lee Cook. During the finale, she performed "Before He Cheats" with her American Idol Carrie Underwood. On May 25, 2011, Alaina was declared the runner-up to Scotty McCreery.
Alaina released her single "Like My Mother Does" following the finale of American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country charts at number 49 and the Hot 100 chart at number 20 and sold 121,000 copies in its first week.
Following the finale of American Idol season 10, Alaina has appeared and performed on several talk shows like NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live With Regis and Kelly, and The Today Show. On June 8, 2011, she and McCreery presented at the CMT Music Awards. In addition, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on June 9, and she performed with Martina McBride during her LP Field performance at the CMA Music Festival the day after that.
As the runner-up in the competition, Alaina won a contract that gave her $87,500 in advances which will be doubled when she records an album. Alaina has been signed to Mercury Nashville Records, 19 Recordings and Interscope. On October 11, 2011, Alaina released her debut album, Wildflower and sold sold 69,000 the first week.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 87 American Idol finalist. He is known for his highly publicized disqualification from American Idol season 2 and later allegations of a sexual relationship between him and then American Idol judge Paula Abdul. He was replaced on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003 with Charles Grigsby. He was ranked at number 74 in the The Los Angeles Times' top 120 American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
#89 Scotty McCreery
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 89 finalist, who is none other than the current American Idol, country singer Scotty McCreery. He is the winner of American Idol season 10. He is my least favorite American Idol winner. He was pimped (or shipped) all throughout the voting rounds. He won with significantly inflated voting margins. I am glad Adam Stanton did a pop cover of McCreery's coronoation song "I Love You This Big." McCreery worked as a grocery store clerk at the time of his stint on American Idol. I never voted for him on American Idol. His favorite quote is, at Phillipians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." His musical influences are Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, Garth Brooks, Josh Turner, George Strait, and Elvis Pressley.
Scott Cooke McCreery was born on October 9, 1993, to Judy (née Cooke) and Michael McCreery in Garner, North Carolina. His mother Judy is a realtor, and his father Michael works as a manufacturing systems analyst. His father was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to a Puerto Rican mother from San Juan and an White American father. His mother is the daughter of a retired school teacher from Gates County, North Carolina. McCreery used to impersonate Elvis Pressley during childhood, and began to study guitar at the age of ten. He attended Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner, North Carolina, and later West Lake Middle School where he sang at his graduation. He also attended Garnet Magnet High School where joined vocal ensemble known as Die Meistersingers, that performs across the United States. He started out singing at the tenor register but switched to the bass register when his voice turned lower in his sophomore year.
McCreery won a singing contest called "Clayton Idol" at the Clayton Harvest Festival in Clayton, North Carolina. He was one of the 36 finalists in a "Rip the Hallways" contest featuring teenage vocalists in North Carolina. He has performed at various local charity events. He also attended Caswell Youth Retreat in the summer of 2009, and participated in the talent show there singing Long Black Train by Josh Turner.
McCreery is very religious. He often states that his religion plays a significant role in his life and that God helps him get through the things he has to face in life. He openly tells others that he loves Jesus Christ with all of his heart and that he needs to stand by Him all the time, because God is the only way he can get through the competition. He also states that Sunday is his favorite day of the week because, he gets to attend the First Baptist Church in Garner and helps his mother prepare meals for the church.
McCreery auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the songs "Your Man" by Josh Turner and "Put Some Drive in Your Country" by Travis Tritt. The judges were struck by his deep bass voice unusual for his age. During the first Hollywood round, McCreery did an encore of "Your Man" by Josh Turner. In the Hollywood group round, he joined the "Guaps" and became embroiled in the drama when fellow group member Clint Jun Gamboa expelled Jacee Badeaux from the group. They performed "Get Ready" by The Temptations. He later expressed regret for not standing up for Jacee. During the third Holywood Round, McCreery performed "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. In the Las Vegas Round, he performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, he performed "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner. He was one of the five male vote getters in the semi-final round to advance to the Top 13. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, he confirmed that has Puerto Rican ancestry, specifically his paternal grandmother. McCreery was never in the bottom 2 or 3 during the season joining past winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Lee DeWyze.
During top 24 semifinal week, McCreery performed "Letters from Home" by John Michael Montgomery. During top 13 week, he performed "The River" by Garth Brooks. During top 12 week, he performed "Can I Trust You with My Heart" by Travis Tritt. During top 11A week, he performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11B week, he performed "Country Comfort" by Elton John. During top 9 week, he performed "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup. During top 8 week, he performed "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, featured on the 1992 Western film Pure Country. During top 7 week, he performed "Swingin'" by John Anderson. During top 6 week, he performed a solo "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Lauren Alaina. During top 5 week, McCreery performed "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry and "Always on My Mind" by Brenda Lee. During top 4 week, he performed "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson and "Young Blood" by The Coasters. During McCreery's top 3 homecoming day, Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams gave McCreery the key to the town of Garner and officially made May 14 "Scotty McCreery Day." During that week, McCreery performed "Amazed" by Lonestar as chosen by himself, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "She Believes in Me" by Kenny Rogers as chosen by the judges. During finale week, he did an encore of his first top 5 peformance and then performed "Check Yes or No" by George Strait, and then his coronation song "I Love You This Big." He won American Idol season 10 on May 25, 2011, with Lauren Alaina as the runner-up.
McCreery released his coronation single "I Love You Tis Big" shortly after winning American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 32, becoming the highest debut for a debut single since the chart converted to BDS data the week of January 20, 1990. The song sold 171,404 units in its first week, and was RIAA certified gold on August 25, 2011. A music video for the song, shot on Angels Point near Dodger Stadium, was released on August 9 2011. He signed with Mercury Nashville, earning a contract that gave him over $250,000 in advances for recording the first album. On October 19, 2011, McCreery sang the United States National Anthem in Game 1 of the World Series between the Saint Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers at Busch Stadium in Saint Louis, Missouri.
McCreery's first album, titled Clear as Day, was released on October 4, 2011. His coronation single "I Love You This Big" is the second track on the album. Tracks from the album include a song from Keith Urban, and the title track "Clear as Day." A single from this album, "The Trouble With Girls" was premiered on radio on August 30, 2011, and released onto iTunes on September 1, 2011. An exclusive pre-order package on the album was offered in his website on August 8, 2011.
The album sold 197,000 on its debut week, and Scotty McCreery made history as the first country act to debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 ith their first studio album, as well as the youngest man to open at the top of the chart with his debut release. It reached No. 1 on five separate Billboard charts - Billboard 200, Top Current Albums, Digital Albums, Internet Albums, and Top Country Albums.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 88 American Idol finalist. She lost the finale to the subject of this blog entry.
Scott Cooke McCreery was born on October 9, 1993, to Judy (née Cooke) and Michael McCreery in Garner, North Carolina. His mother Judy is a realtor, and his father Michael works as a manufacturing systems analyst. His father was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to a Puerto Rican mother from San Juan and an White American father. His mother is the daughter of a retired school teacher from Gates County, North Carolina. McCreery used to impersonate Elvis Pressley during childhood, and began to study guitar at the age of ten. He attended Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner, North Carolina, and later West Lake Middle School where he sang at his graduation. He also attended Garnet Magnet High School where joined vocal ensemble known as Die Meistersingers, that performs across the United States. He started out singing at the tenor register but switched to the bass register when his voice turned lower in his sophomore year.
McCreery won a singing contest called "Clayton Idol" at the Clayton Harvest Festival in Clayton, North Carolina. He was one of the 36 finalists in a "Rip the Hallways" contest featuring teenage vocalists in North Carolina. He has performed at various local charity events. He also attended Caswell Youth Retreat in the summer of 2009, and participated in the talent show there singing Long Black Train by Josh Turner.
McCreery is very religious. He often states that his religion plays a significant role in his life and that God helps him get through the things he has to face in life. He openly tells others that he loves Jesus Christ with all of his heart and that he needs to stand by Him all the time, because God is the only way he can get through the competition. He also states that Sunday is his favorite day of the week because, he gets to attend the First Baptist Church in Garner and helps his mother prepare meals for the church.
McCreery auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the songs "Your Man" by Josh Turner and "Put Some Drive in Your Country" by Travis Tritt. The judges were struck by his deep bass voice unusual for his age. During the first Hollywood round, McCreery did an encore of "Your Man" by Josh Turner. In the Hollywood group round, he joined the "Guaps" and became embroiled in the drama when fellow group member Clint Jun Gamboa expelled Jacee Badeaux from the group. They performed "Get Ready" by The Temptations. He later expressed regret for not standing up for Jacee. During the third Holywood Round, McCreery performed "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. In the Las Vegas Round, he performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, he performed "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner. He was one of the five male vote getters in the semi-final round to advance to the Top 13. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, he confirmed that has Puerto Rican ancestry, specifically his paternal grandmother. McCreery was never in the bottom 2 or 3 during the season joining past winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Lee DeWyze.
During top 24 semifinal week, McCreery performed "Letters from Home" by John Michael Montgomery. During top 13 week, he performed "The River" by Garth Brooks. During top 12 week, he performed "Can I Trust You with My Heart" by Travis Tritt. During top 11A week, he performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11B week, he performed "Country Comfort" by Elton John. During top 9 week, he performed "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup. During top 8 week, he performed "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, featured on the 1992 Western film Pure Country. During top 7 week, he performed "Swingin'" by John Anderson. During top 6 week, he performed a solo "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Lauren Alaina. During top 5 week, McCreery performed "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry and "Always on My Mind" by Brenda Lee. During top 4 week, he performed "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson and "Young Blood" by The Coasters. During McCreery's top 3 homecoming day, Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams gave McCreery the key to the town of Garner and officially made May 14 "Scotty McCreery Day." During that week, McCreery performed "Amazed" by Lonestar as chosen by himself, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "She Believes in Me" by Kenny Rogers as chosen by the judges. During finale week, he did an encore of his first top 5 peformance and then performed "Check Yes or No" by George Strait, and then his coronation song "I Love You This Big." He won American Idol season 10 on May 25, 2011, with Lauren Alaina as the runner-up.
McCreery released his coronation single "I Love You Tis Big" shortly after winning American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 32, becoming the highest debut for a debut single since the chart converted to BDS data the week of January 20, 1990. The song sold 171,404 units in its first week, and was RIAA certified gold on August 25, 2011. A music video for the song, shot on Angels Point near Dodger Stadium, was released on August 9 2011. He signed with Mercury Nashville, earning a contract that gave him over $250,000 in advances for recording the first album. On October 19, 2011, McCreery sang the United States National Anthem in Game 1 of the World Series between the Saint Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers at Busch Stadium in Saint Louis, Missouri.
McCreery's first album, titled Clear as Day, was released on October 4, 2011. His coronation single "I Love You This Big" is the second track on the album. Tracks from the album include a song from Keith Urban, and the title track "Clear as Day." A single from this album, "The Trouble With Girls" was premiered on radio on August 30, 2011, and released onto iTunes on September 1, 2011. An exclusive pre-order package on the album was offered in his website on August 8, 2011.
The album sold 197,000 on its debut week, and Scotty McCreery made history as the first country act to debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 ith their first studio album, as well as the youngest man to open at the top of the chart with his debut release. It reached No. 1 on five separate Billboard charts - Billboard 200, Top Current Albums, Digital Albums, Internet Albums, and Top Country Albums.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 88 American Idol finalist. She lost the finale to the subject of this blog entry.
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