Out of American Idol

With original judge Simon Cowell gone and recruit Kara DioGuardi following suit plus Ellen Degeneres not coming back all in the same season, it is a big question if American Idol will sustain its stature as ratings top-rater. Of course, Randy Jackson, ever nice and reliable, is still there. And there will surely be a lot of interest in how the new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, will handle the job. But big changes have taken place and while these can be for the better, it is a fact that American Idol is not the same anymore.

Still, no matter what happens this coming season, it will remain a fact that the show has given the moribund music industry a big shot in the arm by nurturing audience interest in music stars, in the old songs and by discovering new talents. There have been many, ever since a young Kelly Clarkson was named the first American Idol eight years ago, and I do not mean just the winners but also the finalists who chose to stay in the business. There will be more. It is also great to know that these talents are no flash-in-the-pan stars. They work on their music and continue to garner success. Here are three who are doing very well.

David Archuleta lost out to David Cook in the finals two Idol seasons ago but that did not in any way stop this cute bundle of energy from making it big. He soared to stardom with the song Crush from his debut CD. This was followed late last year with Christmas From The Heart. Then the 19-year-old from Utah released his third album The Other Side Of Down. Though it has only been in the stores for a few weeks, the CD has already produced two hit singles, Something ‘bout Love and Elevator, one of 12 cuts David co-wrote.

Young is the best word to describe The Other Side Of Down. Archuleta is playing with assorted rhythms. He has a good voice and excels in ballads like Falling Stars, Things Are Gonna Get Better and My Kind Of Perfect. He does okay with pop, Something ‘bout Love, Elevator and the title track. He also has fun, catchy tunes that should go big with radio, Stomping The Roses; Who I Am; Parachutes And Airplanes; Look Around; Good Place; and Complain.

If we are to believe the news going around, Fantasia, American Idol winner from Season 3 is having difficulties in her private life. That is sad and I hope she finds the strength to deal with them. I am happy to tell you though that whatever problems she has have not in any way affected her singing. She has in truth, gotten better. I want a better word than soulful to describe it but that is what it is. Fantasia puts so much soul into every song and takes her listener along to sadness, pain and the joys of a woman fulfilled.

A standout is the laid-back ballad I’m Here, from the musical The Color Purple that she starred in on Broadway. Aspiring divas should take note of this, as it is a very effective contest piece. This makes me think that Fantasia will sound fantastic singing an album of standards. Someday soon. For now though, let us enjoy Back To Me and wallow in heart-wrenching emotions. Single release is Bittersweet. What I like best though are Even Angels; The Thrill Is Gone featuring Cee-Lo Green; and Who’s Been Lovin’ You.

Lovely Katharine McPhee is another also-ran in the Idol derby. She lost to Taylor Hicks in Season 5. But here she is now, getting bigger by the minute and selling more albums than Hicks. I may not have the figures but I can really say selling because no label will record an artist if he does not sell. Katharine is now on her second CD, Unbroken and getting ready to release a Christmas album next week.

Unbroken introduces a new diva in McPhee. Not only has she cut her hair and dyed it blond, she has ditched the pop and R&B mix of her first album for lush, emotional pop ballads. These songs make for very effective showcases of her strong and moving vocals. Titles included are all originals and very good. You will find lots to like in the CD, more so when you hear the bonus track. It is a sexy samba version of Brand New Key, originally by Melanie and the only cover in the album.