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

Hot Video Alert: Fantasia - Bittersweet

Again - apologies for the delay here. While I'm not BOWLED over by the song, it is great to have Fantasia back in her element belting out some powerhouse vocals all the while dripping in gorgeousness. Fantasia looks FABULOUS in the video for her new single, "Bittersweet," the new single off of her third album, Back To Me. Written by Claude Kelly and produced by Chuck Harmony, "Bittersweet" is a nice return to form for the the American Idol alum. The Lenny Bass-directed video premiered at the end of June on VEVO and features professional football player Devin Thomas as Fantasia's love. The single peaked at #106 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and at #13 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Back To Me will be released August 24th on J Records.

Check out Fantasia on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//VEVO

American Idol's Fantasia to Release Third Album this Summer

American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia is back with a brand new album on July 27th.  Released via J Records, Back To Me saw the talented R&B singer collaborate with writers/producers Ne-Yo, Jim Jonsin, Claude Kelly, Rico Love and more...not to mention a special guest vocal by Cee-Lo Green.  Available for digital pre-order on June 22nd, Back To Me is Fantastia's third album and is lead by the single "Bittersweet," which is currently climbing various Billboard R&B charts (sitting pretty at #9 on the Hot Adult R&B Airplay Chart) (listen to the single below).  Unlike a lot of R&B albums out there today, Fantasia's isn't filled with guest appearances from every R&B artist and rapper under the sun, relying mostly on her own vocals and strong songwriting and production.  The sole guest vocalist is the very talented Cee-Lo Green (Gnarls Barkley) which I can only imagine is going to be amazing.  Also appearing on the album is "I'm Here," which Fantasia sang on Broadway in The Color Purple.



According to a press release, comedian and actor Steve Harvey helped come up with the album title, Back To Me, after interviewing the singer on his radio show.

“I’ve willingly let the world into my life through my book, the Lifetime television movie and now the VH1 reality show. Now, it’s time to go back to how things used to be when America first laid their eyes on me on American Idol. I want to focus everyone’s attention back to me and back to music that everyone can relate to and enjoy.”

Fantasia's debut album Free Yourself went platinum and featured two chart-topping hit singles, "I Believe" and "Truth Is" (the latter of which spent 14 weeks at the top of the charts).  While her second album, the self-titled Fantasia was not as successful as her debut, it did produce one #1 R&B single, "When I See You" and eventually went gold.  While not everything she's put out is up my alley, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing a proper return to form for this talented artist.  Fantasia has no doubt done a lot of growing since she first emerged on to the scene as a mainstream artist and I honestly don't think she's reached her true hit potential.

Check out Fantasia on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//VEVO