American Idol Celebrates 10 Years with a 'Hits' Compilation

Wow. It's hard to believe American Idol's been on the air for nearly 10 years. To commemorate the first 10 years of Idol, 19 Recordings and RCA Records are releasing a new compilation for fans of the show to drool over. American Idol 10th Anniversary - The Hits: Volume 1 features hits from Kelly Clarskon, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Daughtry, David Cook, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Lee Dewyze. While there are some notable artists missing from the bunch (i.e. David Archuleta, Katharine McPhee) this is only Volume 1. Presumably there'll be a volume 2?

Due for release on March 15th, the 12-track album features such hits as "Since U Been Gone" (Kelly Clarkson), "Before He Cheats" (Carrie Underwood) and "No Air" (Jordin Sparks). American Idol is currently in the midst of it's 10th season which kicked off last month. It makes sense that RCA is releasing a compilation right now, given the fact that Sony is no longer the label that Idol winners will be signed to. The torch has since been passed to Universal Music Group, who signed a distribution deal with American Idol show runners this past summer. Under the agreement, "Interscope Geffen A&M Records will distribute, promote and market albums from "Idol" finalists and winners" in 2011 and going forward {SOURCE}. As shocking as this might seem initially, I think it's a good move. This will give the Idol contestants a fresh pool of music to dive into, rather than recycling the same old songs season after season. I guess time will tell if this decision was a good one. Check out the tracklisting for American Idol 10th Anniversary - The Hits: Volume 1, BELOW.

Tracklisting:

1. Kelly Clarkson - “Since U Been Gone”
2. Ruben Studdard - “Superstar”
3. Clay Aiken - “Invisible”
4. Fantasia – “When I See U”
5. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
6. Taylor Hicks – “Takin’ It To The Streets”
7. Daughtry – “Home”
8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown) – “No Air”
9. David Cook – “Light On”
10. Kris Allen – “Live Like We’re Dying”
11. Adam Lambert – “Whataya Want From Me”
12. Lee DeWyze – “Sweet Serendipity”

Check out American Idol On The Web: Official Site