American Idol kicked off season 12 last night, bringing in 17.9 million viewers. Everyone expected a drop in the ratings. But something else we can always expect at the start of another season is the judges predicting that a girl will win. Also in today’s Roundup, Adam Lambert has left 19 Recordings, while Lee Dewyze joins a new label. And Phillip Phillips continues to hold strong on the Billboard 200.
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Judges Predict a Girl Will Win Season 12
For the past six years, American Idol has crowned a White Guy With Guitar as its winner. The three that have been around the longest — David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee Dewyze — have since been dropped by their label. Fortunately, the two most recent winners, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips, have found success, though it’s still too early to tell if they’re in it for the long haul. Because of this, every year the judges predict that a girl will finally win, but it never comes true. And this year’s panel is rolling out the same soundbites.
In an interview with People, Randy Jackson said, “Girls, do not disappoint the Dawg. I think it’s the girls’ year. There are some talented boys, but I must say, I think the girls could really win one. We haven’t had a girl winner in so long.”
Even the new judges are echoing the same prediction. “The girls are exceptional,” said Nicki Minaj. “I mean, a girl will definitely win this year, I think.” She also says the girls are “more seasoned, more poised, more professional.” That’s usually the case in most years, yet we all know who ends up winning.
While things have turned around the past couple years with our male winners, overall the success rate is not that high. On the flip side, every single female winner has had some sort of success, and none of them have been dropped by their label. With most of the talented singers featured during last night’s season 12 premiere being girls, and the WGWG not receiving a golden ticket, maybe the judges and producers are going to push even harder this year to make sure a girl finally wins again.
Adam Lambert Departs 19 Recordings
I guess having a #1 album and becoming the first openly gay artist to debut at the top of the charts means nothing anymore. I’m kidding, but it’s no joke that Adam Lambert and his record label, 19 Recordings, have gone their separate ways. According to The Hollywood Reporter, their contract ended this month, and was not renewed. But it’s critical to note that Adam still is part of RCA Records. So if that’s anything to go by, then he’ll have strong marketing and promotional support when he releases his next album.
An inside source is quoted as saying, “It’s good for both sides. Adam can move forward with his plans and 19 isn’t stuck in the middle.” When an artist leaves a label, you never know sometimes if there was bad blood between them or if they left on good grounds. Adam’s representative makes it clear that the departure was done “amicably and with the upmost respect for each other.”
19 Entertainment released this statement: “It has been wonderful working with someone as talented as Adam over the years. Through the recording process, we have seen him grow into himself as an artist and we are proud of the success we’ve had together. We wish him luck in his future endeavors.” Having already released two solid and successful albums, For Your Entertainment and Trespassing, it’s likely fans will have much to look forward to with his future music at RCA.
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Lee Dewyze Signs with Vanguard Records
We’ve got some good news to report for season 9 winner Lee Dewyze. He has signed a new record deal with Vanguard Records. He tweeted, “I signed with @vanguardrecords Couldn’t be happier 🙂 There will be a press release, but I wanted to be the first to share with all of you!!”
He made further comments later by saying, “I’ve never felt better about being in a place that I am right now. I don’t think I could have asked for anything better. This is a huge step and a huge leap forward in what’s going to happen. I can’t wait for you all to be there with me.” On the new album, he says, “You are all going to be pleasantly surprised when you hear this album.” Expect a single and album in early 2013.
The Top Idol Album Sales: Phillip Phillips Still on Top
He may have dropped 10 spots from last week, but Phillip Phillips remains in a strong position on the Billboard 200 and continues to top all other Idol winners. Take a look at the latest Idol album sales, according to USA Today:
Phillip Phillips’ The World from the Side of the Moon at #14, Selling 23,000 units (Total Sales: 619,000)
Kelly Clarkson’s Greatest Hits — Chapter One at #23, Selling 18,000 units (Total: 229,000)
Carrie Underwood‘s Blown Away at #40, Selling 11,000 units (Total: 1.237 million)
Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger at #198, Selling 2,000 units (Total: 1.011 million)
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(Image courtesy of FOX)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
