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| IDOL CAREERS THAT SHOULD LAST | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 9 2010, 07:38 AM (260 Views) | |
| mouser | Jan 9 2010, 07:38 AM Post #1 |
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I am not sure how much this gal went "out on a limb" with these predictions, but she has Taylor 's number JUST RIGHT. Jan. 8, 2010 4:06PM Beyond 15 minutes of American Idol Fame http://open.salon.com/blog/jayelle_hartley/2010/01/08/beyond_15_minutes_of_american_idol_fame 15 of the Show's alumni who may have careers to stay. As American Idol enters its ninth season in January as the top rated juggernaut of Television, millions will tune in to see a new crop of young hopefuls vying for the coveted title. The show has launched the Superstar careers of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Increasingly however, contestants coming off the show are struggling to find their way from their 15 minutes of idol fame into a crowded field of pop/rock radio and idol-weary radio programmers. As the novelty of the show gradually wears off and its power to generate record sales are cooling across the board, Idol alums are finding it more and more difficult to sustain momentum after their time in the American Idol spotlight is over. So what will it take to keep their careers going into the future? Diversification is key to extending a run on the show into a lasting career. Only a select few have achieved multi-platinum, but album sales alone cannot sustain a career over the long run. Alums must find ways to build on the popularity they gained on the show, keep old fans interested, and bring new ones in. Touring is providing the Lion's Share of income, while Broadway is cherry picking the stage proven performers. Film and TV offers are also in the works for many. Diversification is key and these alums must work hard to maintain momentum. Which idol alum are most likely to achieve long-term success in the entertainment industry? Here is an alphabetical list of 15 idols who may have the best chance for extended careers in entertainment. Clay Aiken (2003 Season Two, 2nd Place) Aiken was the original underdog story of idol. Almost eliminated early on due to his geeky demeanor and un-popstar like appearance, but his excellent voice carried him into a wildcard round, from where he went on to become one of the most popular male performers ever on the show. Boosted by his devoted fanbase, Aiken has gone on to become the top selling solo male idol alum, and still holds the record for first week sales of any artist with his 2003 release "Measure Of A Man" with 612,000 copies sold. Going out as a tour co-headliner with Kelly Clarkson in 2004, he quickly proved himself to be a solid concert draw and engaging live performer. His record sales have cooled of late, but Aiken has expanded into Broadway and acting, turning out critically acclaimed roles in Broadway's "Spamalot" and a winning guest spot on TV's "30 Rock". Chances are Aiken's "Claymates" will support their boy in any future endeavor he wishes to take on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kris Allen (2009 Season Eight, Winner) Allen was the surprise dark horse winner this past season. His understated acoustic performances were often overshadowed by his flashier runner-up Adam Lambert, but he earned his way up the ranks as a musician/singer with solid performances and clever reworks such as Kanye West's "Heartless". His post-idol career is in the early stages, but radio seems to be catching on to his infectious, jangly pop-rock sound. His single "Live Like You're Dying is a moderate radio hit, and his debut album "Kris Allen" though lagging in sales, is a solid musical effort. His skills as a songwriter and musician will sustain him with future acoustic gigs. His all-American good looks and wholesome image should put him in line for public appearances as well as future acting parts. It is still a bit early to tell where Allen will land in the pop music world, as male Idol winners always seem to have a rougher road post-idol. Allen certainly faces his share of future challenges, but given he is one of the handful with the honored title of "American Idol Winner", that should give him enough currency to keep his career afloat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Archuleta (2008 Season Seven, 2nd Place) At age 12, Archuleta entered the world of TV talent competitions, winning the junior vocals division of "Star Search 2". After recovering from a bout of vocal chord paralysis, he took the plunge into the idol world at the tender age of 16. His pristine vocals soon won over a devoted teen audience, along with a good share of older fans as well. His self-titled debut album went Gold, and he scored a huge hit single with "Crush". Starting out as a tour opener for Demi Lovato, he recently launched his own successful tour of mid-size theaters in support of his brisk-selling holiday album "Christmas From The Heart". Archuleta is also a recipient of a Nickelodeon "Teen Choice Award" as well as an ALMA Award for "Rising Male Star". Time will tell if his teen audience will stick with "Archie" for the long-term, but with one of the better male voices ever to come out of idol, our bets are on his survival in the industry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly Clarkson (2002 Season One, Winner) Winning the very first season of the show on the strength of her flawless vocals and girl-next-door charm, this Texas native was the trailblazer for idol-launched careers. Her post-idol career got off to a mixed start: a double platinum debut album "Thankful", along with a critical/commercial flop movie "From Justin to Kelly". Things got much, much better after that. She split with idol management and took more control over her second album "Breakaway", co-writing multiple smash hits for the sophomore effort, and hit a pop/rock sweet spot that vaulted her to mega-success and multi-platinum sales, numerous hit singles, and arena-sized tours. From "Breakaway", Clarkson won Grammy Awards for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" and "Best Pop Vocal Album", along with four American Music Awards. Although Clarkson hit a rough patch in her career due to a much-publicized rift with record mogul Clive Davis and a cancelled arena tour, Kelly has once again rebounded with a solid third album "All I Ever Wanted", mega-hits "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "Already Gone" and a well received theater tour. Clarkson has also taken occasional acting roles. As the most well-known and largest selling worldwide artist to come out of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson is assured a lifelong career in music. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Cook (2008 Season Seven, Winner) This talented performer/songwriter/musician had worked his way on the club circuit in Tulsa Oklahoma and released an indie CD "Analog Heart" before he won a spot on the show and wowed viewers with his epic version of "Billie Jean" and other pop standards skillfully adapted to his alt-rock style. Immediately following his win, Cook broke several Billboard chart records. including the impressive feat of having eleven songs debut on the Billboard Hot 100, the most of any artist from the Soundscan era. While not being able to match sales of fellow idol rocker Chris Daughtry, His post-idol album "David Cook" has scored a platinum album and a few solid radio hits such as "Time Of My Life", "Light On" and "Come Back To Me". The real sustainer of his career will be touring, with a highly successful 2009 solo outing already under his belt. Add songwriting chops to the mix and Cook seems to have solid footing as a solo artist. Cook is currently working on his second post-idol album. Yet another card up his sleeve: previous musical theater experience to carry him to Broadway if he so desires. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris Daughtry (2006 Season Five, 4h Place) After a shock elimination in fourth place, Chris Daughtry regrouped with a clever strategy of going out as frontman for a band instead of a solo artist. The band Daughtry's brand of mainstream pop-rock caught on like wildfire, and top 40 radio put him into heavy rotation resulting in smash hit songs such as "It's Not Over", "Home", and "What About Now". His band's debut album "Daughtry" became a smash hit, fueled in part by fans eager to avenge his early outing on the show. "Daughtry" became the highest selling rock debut album in history, evntually going 5x platinum, and earning four grammy nominations for the effort, as well as a People's Choice Award for "Favorite Rock Band" in 2008. The Band's second album, "Leave This Town" debuted at number one, and although subsequent sales are not lining up to be on par with the blockbuster debut, they remain very strong. Daughtry as a touring band should continue to do well, currently having finished up a tour of small arenas. Chris Daughtry has also made a name for himself as a co-songwriter and acoustic solo performer, which should continue to sustain his place in the music industry for some time to come. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fantasia (2003 Season Three, Winner) At age 19, Fantasia Barrino emerged as perhaps the most unique and dynamic R&B singer/performer spawned from the show. Her electrifying version of "Summertime" will go down as of the greatest performances in Idol history. Her debut album "Free Yourself" sold over two million copies and she became a highly popular live performer. Fantasia is a multiple Grammy nominee, and winner of numerous awards from ASCAP. Billboard, and NAACP. She made her acting debut in the well received "Life Is Not A Fairy Tail", a rags-to-riches Lifetime movie where she starred as herself. Next, she made the jump to Broadway as "Celie" in "The Color Purple" to rave reviews, boosted ticket sales, and a Theater World Award. She is reprising her starring role in a National Tour of the show. Her next project is a VH1 reality show "Fantasia For Real" as well as an upcoming album. With firm roots planted in the R&B and acting world, Fantasia has proven herself to have staying power in the entertainment industry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taylor Hicks (2006 Season Five, Winner) Hicks utilized his decade of experience as a professional singer-songwriter/musician/performer to sail to Idol victory. His joyful, uninhibited performances and soulful voice mobilized an enthusiastic fanbase dubbed the "Soul Patrol". Post-Idol, He debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his single "Do I Make You Proud". The album "Taylor Hicks" debuted at #2 and was certified platinum, but sales soon flatlined due to the music industry's lack of interest in promoting the 30 year old's hybrid rock/soul/blues sound. Touring proved his strength when he became the first alum to come directly off the show as a successful solo concert headlining act, a status he maintains to this day. After a mutual split from Arista, Hicks went indie, formed his own music company and produced 2009's "The Distance" and the 2010 concert DVD "Whomp At The Warfield". In summer 2008, Hicks surprised many with his Broadway debut as "Teen Angel" in Grease. The part went over so well that he was subsequently offered a lucrative deal as their marquee star on the national tour. His box office draw has the charismatic Clooney look-alike fielding future Broadway, TV and film offers. Hicks emphasis on business and artistic control as well as a tireless touring mindset has him in the game for the long term. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jennifer Hudson (2004 Season Three, 7th Place) Hudson had worked as a cruise ship performer before landing a spot in the idol top 12. Despite impressing such industry veterans as idol mentor Elton John during her run on the show, Hudson was eliminated early and subsequently disappeared from the public eye without a record deal. Two years later, Jennifer scored a role as Effie White in the movie "Dreamgirls" which received critical acclaim. Hudson went on to win the Oscar for best supporting actress, as well as numerous other industry awards for the role. Only then did the record company come calling. Her debut album "Spotlight" landed at number two on the Billboard charts and was certified gold. The album won a Grammy Award for R&B album in 2009. Tv and acting roles such as Sex and The City and a starring role in the upcoming Winnie Mandela biopic, Hudson's screen career continues to build steam. With solid backing from heavy hitters in the industry such as Oprah Winfrey and even the President himself being a fan, Jennifer Hudson will surely continue to bask in the acting and performing spotlight. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adam Lambert (2009 Season Eight, 2nd Place) Singing and performing success came early for the vocal dynamo Lambert, who has been landing parts in stage productions, tours since age 12. His flashy, dramatic stage presence and vocal gymnastics quickly gained an enthusiastic following on the show. Although not the season winner, he garnered the Lion's share of publicity and promotion to launch his debut album "For Your Entertainment". Lambert was hailed as one of the best ever performers from American Idol, scoring a Rolling Stone Cover and a feature song "A Time For Miracles" from the movie "2012" His debut album "For Your Entertainment" debuted at #2, despite backlash from an unrehearsed sexually charged performance on the American Music Awards in November 2009. It remains to be seen whether Lambert's cabaret-flavored vocals will go over with the mainstream, but if record sales or a previously offered frontman position with the rock band Queen don't pan out, Broadway will be ready to pounce on this talented and memorable performer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kellie Pickler (2006 Season Five, 5th Place) Pickler charmed her way into Idol viewer's hearts with her aw shucks country girl charm, while at the same time surprising viewers with her performance skills with out-of-genre songs such as Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". The real surprise came after, when her country music career took off due to some great radio singles and plum tour placement as opener for Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift. A memorable performance of "I Wonder" at the 2007 CMA Awards earned her one of three CMT Music Awards, as well as an ASCAP award for co-writing "Red High Heels". To date she has sold a total of over one million albums. Her TV-friendly personality is positioning her as the new Dolly Parton, with endorsement deals and TV appearances assured and the country music industry fully in support, Pickler is clearly in it for the long run. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jordin Sparks: (2007 Season Six, Winner) Sparks at 17 was the youngest idol winner to date, which turned out to her advantage. Fitting nicely into the Disney demographic, the golden throated teen was readily moldable into the world of top-40. A duet with then red-hot Chris Brown on "No Air" fueled record sales and helped her break out of the idol bubble in a big way, with the single being the highest selling downloaded single of any Idol artist to date. From that success, she has gone on to win AMA, BET, Teen Choice and People's Choice Awards. Opening slots on tour with Alicia Keys Britney Spears, and the Jonas Brothers boosted her career even further. Sparks has had great success with the singles market, scoring platinum and multi-platinum hit songs such as "Battlefield", "Tattoo", and "One Step At A Time". As her album sales are slowing down, expect this bubbly songbird to branch out into more endorsements as well as TV and acting. With the momentum she has sustained thus far, Sparks' jump from teen pop princess to adult music artist should be a successful one. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruben Studdard (2003 Season Two, Winner) Dubbed "The Velvet Teddy Bear", Studdard, had cut his teeth on gospel and soul in his native Alabama, became an all-time favorite on the show and arguably the finest pure R&B singer to grace the idol stage. In the finals, Studdard found himself in a virtual tie with runner up Aiken, but in the end the smooth crooner won out, making him the first (and so far only) African-American male to win the title. His first post-idol album "Soulful" debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, went on to sell 1.8 million copies and earned him Grammy BET, Soul Train and AMA nominations, as well as a Image Award win as best new artist. After selling a total of over 3 million albums, record sales finally trailed off. Studdard has made a smooth transition to acting, appearing in guest spots on several TV series, as well as starring as Fats Waller in the touring Company of "Aint Misbehavin". In addition he has recently appeared in concert as part of the touring ensemble "David Foster and Friends". With multiple projects in line, Studdard will continue to have a solid career. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carrie Underwood (2005 Season Four, Winner) Beautiful songbird Underwood exemplifies how an artist's career post-idol can soar when the music industry and fans rushed to get behind the first country idol winner in a big way. Underwood's debut album "Some Hearts" was certified seven times platinum, is the fastest selling country album by a new artist in Nielsen SoundScan history. Her song "Before He Cheats" became a crossover smash hit across multiple formats. In 2007 she received a Grammy Award for best new artist. In addition she has received Grammy and Country Music Association awards for best female country vocalist in for three years in a row. 2009 also had her winning the highly prestigious Country Music Association Entertainer of the year. In 2008 she received the high honor of being inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. With Underwood's second album "Carnival Ride" going 2 times platinum, and her 3rd album "Play On" on its way to platinum. Underwood has become the top idol seller in the US (Kelly Clarkson still leads in worldwide sales), and is currently the only idol artist to sustain top level arena tours of 10,000-15,000. With success across the board, Carrie Underwood is well on her way to being a legend in the country music industry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elliott Yamin (2006 Season Five, 3rd Place) The underdog Yamin quietly made the way up the ranks on Idol on the strength of his incredibly smooth R&B voice. During the show Simon Cowell praised him as one of the best male vocalists ever to be on the show. Post Idol, Yamin signed with indie label Hickory Records and released his debut "Elliot Yamin", which debuted at #1 on the independent artist charts and #3 on the independent artist album chart, making him the highest debuting new independent artist in Soundscan History. the album was certified gold in 2007. Radio latched on to his debut single "Wait For You" and it became a huge hit in 2007, going Platinum and earning an ASCAP award for pop radio airplay. One of the few idol artists to earn a following abroad, Yamin was named one of the Best 3 New Artists (International) by the 23rd Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards. Yamin has a major label record deal in Japan. Yamin has sustained a devoted core fanbase and has had several successful small scale tours in the US and Southeast Asia, as well as a few scattered acting roles. Count on Yamin to be an continued indie success in the future. |
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| Gr8fulheart | Jan 9 2010, 10:01 AM Post #2 |
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I'd say she has it 'Right On'! Love seeing things like this in print. I guess if anyone should ask "What ever happened to that gray-haired guy from American Idol", you could carry a print-out of this; smile from ear-to-ear, as you hand it to them? Suppose they might do a little more research? Upward & Onward, Taylor!
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| Oldiebutgoodie | Jan 9 2010, 11:09 AM Post #3 |
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Best summary I've read-and I agree-she's RIGHT ON with it- He'll be standing in one area or another of "the biz" when all the others bite the dust- One day he'll PRODUCE new artists from that studio in downtown Bham-right next to that club/restaurant dubbed "The Right Place" where the walls are LINED with stuff the Soul Patrol has given him over the years and framed pics of Brother Ray, James Brown, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, the Commodores, Lionel Ritchie, the Temptations, Sam Cooke and of course-Elvis!! (Which makes it easy for Jazzy and me to have a getaway night any time we're in Bham-great food, great music and a super handsome and gracious male host-what MORE could a girl want eh??) |
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| mouser | Jan 9 2010, 12:23 PM Post #4 |
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OBG: Sounds like you have Taylor's life and your life planned for the next 2 decades..... LOL . |
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| tishlp | Jan 9 2010, 04:53 PM Post #5 |
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That made my year!! My 2 favorite sentences: Touring proved his strength when he became the first alum to come directly off the show as a successful solo concert headlining act, a status he maintains to this day. Hicks emphasis on business and artistic control as well as a tireless touring mindset has him in the game for the long term.
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| duffin | Jan 9 2010, 08:04 PM Post #6 |
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Hmm, not sure I agree with all of the writer's predictions for the Idol alum, but ~ as mouser said ~ "she has Taylor's number JUST RIGHT!" I so agree with the end of her "critique" about Taylor, where she says, "His box office draw has the charismatic Clooney look-alike fielding future Broadway, TV and film offers. Hicks emphasis on business and artistic control as well as a tireless touring mindset has him in the game for the long term." And this apparently is the result of "staying true to yourself and following your dream!" ~~ wise words from "the man himself!" Kudos to you, Taylor!! Edited by duffin, Jan 9 2010, 08:06 PM.
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Suppose they might do a little more research?
2:34 AM Jul 11