Part of the contract that American Idol finalists must sign says they cannot join a record label outside of the ones associated with the show until the contract expires. Well, that date has now passed, and this year’s seventh place finalist, Colton Dixon, has announced he has signed with EMI CMG Label Group/Sparrow Records, a label that focuses on Christian music. This comes as no surprise, as Colton himself has hinted that this is the musical direction he wants to take with his career.
In a press release, the President of EMI CMG, Peter York, had this to say about Colton Dixon: “We are extremely excited to partner with 19 Management in presenting Colton Dixon’s recorded music to the world. His successes on American Idol exposed his vocal abilities to millions of viewers. He is a world class vocalist with passion, a mission and a sincere depth of character. We are honored to bring his recordings to those fans that have championed him along his musical journey and introduce him to those who have not yet had the pleasure.”
While the album itself won’t be released until February 2013, his debut single, “You Are,” will hit radio stations beginning October 19. Another original song of his, “Never Gone,” which he has been performing all over the country during the American Idol Live! 2012 tour, will be made available on iTunes even earlier, on September 25.
Pia Toscano and Interscope Go Their Separate Ways
Upon reading this headline that season 10 finalist Pia Toscano has left her record label, 19 Recordings and Interscope, you may be wondering, when did her album even come out? The truth is she never even made it that far before departing, although a single, “This Time” was released the summer she toured with her fellow contestants.
According to Toscano herself, who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, there was a “difference of opinion” between herself and the label. While she originally planned on releasing her debut album this fall, she says, “it makes sense for me [to leave] because I really want to get my music out there. It’s been a little while, yes, but to be honest, I’m happy for this delay because I don’t think I was ready for it when this all started happening.”
Christmas with Scotty McCreery
Get ready, all you Scotty fans, because the upcoming holidays are about to get a whole lot merrier. The season 10 winner is coming out with a Christmas album called Christmas with Scotty McCreery on October 16. If you want to know which festive tunes the country crooner will be serenading us with, check out the track list below:
1. Holly Jolly Christmas
2. Santa Claus is Back in Town
3. Mary, Did You Know
4. The First Noel
5. Christmas in Heaven (original song)
6. Christmas is Coming Around (original song)
7. Winter Wonderland
8. Jingle Bells
9. Let It Snow
10. The Christmas Song
11. O Holy Night
Not to put everyone in a downer mood after this announcement, but I’m sure Scotty fans are hoping that this doesn’t spell doom for sales of his future albums. Whenever an Idol contestant has put out a holiday album after their debut release (Clay Aiken, David Archuleta), their career hasn’t rebounded back. But Scotty is still riding the wave of his platinum record, Clear As Day, which should definitely spell success for Christmas with Scotty McCreery.
The Top Idol Album Sales
Music sales numbers from the past week are now available. And here is a list of the four Idols on the Billboard 200 chart right now, courtesy of USA Today:
Carrie Underwood‘s Blown Away at #8, Selling 28,000 units (Total Sales: 749,000)
Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger at #74, Selling 5,000 units (Total: 920,000)
Phillip Phillips’ American Idol Season 11 Highlights at #129, Selling 3,000 units (Total: 74,000)
Mandisa’s What If We Were Real at #130, Selling 3,000 units (Total: 208,000)
(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.
