Scotty McCreery covers "Man of Constant Sorrow" at first solo concert

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery performed his first solo concert last night in Lancaster, CA. With 1600+ fans in the audience, Sctty performed hits off of his debut album Clear As Day, as well as a cover of "Man of Constant Sorrow" by Foggy Bottom Boys. Watch the performance below:


Credit to i52tennis

Top 10 American Idols throughout 10 Seasons

With American Idol Season 11 beginning tonight, I thought it was only fitting to take a look back at the past 10 seasons, and name the best Idol contestant from each year.

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson
Who else would it be, right? Kelly wowed everyone from the very beginning, proving she was in it to win it each week of the brand new reality show back in 2001. Pairing off against Justin Guarini in the end, Kelly was named the winner, and the first American Idol. Now, with four albums, two Grammy Awards and hits in pop, rock and country, though Kelly has stemmed away from the show, she still holds the true Idol title.

Season 2 - Clay Aiken
Clay Aiken was the smooth crooner on his season, who in the end competed against Ruben Studdard in Idol's first of three guy vs. guy finales. Though Studdard took the crown in the end, it was no doubt Clay would go far, releasing a total of seven albums including a Christmas alum and a Best of Clay Aiken compilation CD. Now, Clay and his Claymates are still going strong, making him the best and most popular contestant of Season 2.

Season 3 - Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson was the one who left too soon, being by far the most talented singer of her season, yet went home at 7th place?? JHud took the elimination in stride and came back strong when she released two albums and made her Broadway debut in Dreamgirls, and later making her film debut in the Sex in the City movie. Today, Jennifer is one of the best known Idols and one of the most popular singers around.

Season 4 - Carrie Underwood
It was obvious from the beginning of Season 4 that Carrie Underwood would top them all. After winning her season, the pop/country diva went on to release three albums, chart topping singles and winning a total of 10 Country Music Awards and five Grammy Awards. Now, Carrie is one of the most popular country stars in the business and by far one of the most popular American Idol winners.

Season 5 - Chris Daughtry
Chris Daughtry was one of the many Idols who went home too soon despite their great talent. The rockstar went home in fourth place, which inspired his first single "Home," which made #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2007. Since then, Chris and his band Daughtry have released three albums and numerous hit singles. Daughtry proved to be the best of his season and one of the best Idol contestants the show has had.

Season 6 - Jordin Sparks
Though she was denied at her first audition, Jordin didn't give up, auditioned again, and ended up winning the sixth season of American Idol at just 17 years old, the youngest winner during her time. After her season, Jordin went on to tour with artists like Alicia Keys, the Jonas Brothers and NKOTBSB, releasing two hit albums and being nominated for a Grammy for her "No Air" duet with R&B singer Chris Brown. Now, Jordin will be making her film debut, starring alongside Whitney Houston in the upcoming movie Sparkle, in theaters this August. Jordin was by far the best performer on her season and definitely deserved to take home the crown.

Season 7 - David Archuleta
David Archuleta auditioned for the seventh season of American Idol at just 16 years old, and became the youngest runner-up in his time at 17. Competing on one of the most popular and talented seasons, later to be up against David Cook in one of the most watched season finales, Archuleta won the hearts of everyone, ranging from teens, young adults, moms and grandmas with his stunning version of John Lennon's "Imagine." Now at the age of 21 with three albums and a best selling book, David will be making his first full-on acting debut, starring in Nandito Ako, a Filipino mini series, airing in February. Though he has a strong career and much more up ahead, David announced last month that he plans to take a two-year hiatus to go on an LDS mission for his church. David was, and still is, one of the most popular, most remembered and most talented singers that ever graced the Idol stage, and was definitely the best of his season.

Season 8 - Kris Allen
After a battle against Adam Lambert, Kris Allen came on top in the end of American Idol's eighth season. Soon after, Kris' single "Live Like We're Dying" became popular quick, making it to #18 on the Billboard 200. Later, he released his self-titled debut album and toured with numarous artists such as Keith Urban, Maroon 5, The Barenaked Ladies and Lifehouse. Kris is currently working on his second album, and has proved in the last three years that he was the most talented singer of his season.

Season 9 - Crystal Bowersox
After a long struggle on the reality show, Crystal Bowersox became the runner up to Lee DeWyze on the ninth season of the show. Since then, Bowersox has released her debut album Farmer's Daughter. One of Idol's duller seasons, though Crystal came out on top from it, and today is probably the most remembered contestant of Season 9.

Season 10 - Scotty McCreery
At just 17 years old Scotty McCreery won the tenth season of American Idol, and proved why every week with his delightful, country voice. After touring with his fellow Idol contestants, Scotty released his debut album Clear As Day, which made #1 on the Billboard 200. The album broke records, being the first debut from an American Idol since Kelly Clarkson's Thankful album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. The album was just recently certified platinum after only 3 months of it's release. Not even a year since his Idol debut, and Scotty has proved that he was the best of his season.

Be sure to tune in to American Idol tonight at 8pm EST on FOX!

Scotty McCreery duets with Brad Paisley during tour

Scotty McCreery and Brad Paisley kicked off the Virtual Reality Tour last week in St. Paul, MN. After Scotty's opened, Brad took the stage, and not too long after did Scotty join Brad on stage for a duet of "Celebrity." Watch the performance below:


Credit to BlueNotch89

Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day certified platinum

Scotty McCreery's debut album Clear As Day has just been certified platinum. After only 3 months of it's release, the album has sold over 1 million copies.

Scotty says in a press release, "It means the world to me. It’s one of the highest honors you can get with your album and it’s a huge testament to the loyalty of country music fans and how great they have been to me this year."

Clear As Day was certified gold last month, and reached #1 on the Billboard 200 in its' first week.

Congrats, Scotty!

Top 10 Albums of 2011

From debuts to come backs to re-leases, 2011 was full of hot albums from pop, rock, American Idols and even soap opera stars. Here are my Top 10 album picks of the year.

10. Scotty McCreery - Clear As Day
The latest American Idol winner Scotty McCreery released his debut album Clear As Day last month, selling 197,000 copies in it's first week. The country singer became the second American Idol winner to reach #1 on the Billboard 200 with a debut album, and if you've heard it, you know why. With hit songs like "I Love You This Big" and "The Trouble with Girls," Scotty shows off his stunning voice in these sweet, country songs.

9. Port Chuck - Port Chuck
General Hospital based band Port Chuck released their self-titled, debut album this past April, featuring pop and rock covers. Between the fast-paced "No One Like You" and Scott Reeves' slow "Hallelujah," which was featured on the soap, this album showcases the guys' unique voices, as well as their personalities.

8. David Cook - This Loud Morning
After a lot of waiting and anticipation, David Cook released his sophomore album this past June, titled This Loud Morning. This time around, Cook has a more mature and distinct sound with songs like rock single "The Last Goodbye" and the soft "Fade Into Me." Better than his debut, this new album does not disappoint.

7. Enation - My Ancient Rebellion
General Hospital star Jonathan Jackson and his Indie rock band Enation released their latest album My Ancient Rebellion a few months ago, on the same day they were honored by About.Me.com and featured on a billboard in New York City. With songs like their single "The Rushing Wind" and "Tears of Hope," this album is soulful and artistic, just like Enation.

6. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger
Kelly Clarkson came back stronger than ever on her newest album, featuring powerful anthems like her single "Mr. Know It All" and the title track "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)," as well as soft ballads like "Breaking Your Own Heart" and "Standing In Front of You." This is one of the best and strongest albums of 2011.

5. Hot Chelle Rae - Whatever
I never thought twice about Hot Chelle Rae until I saw them live in concert. Boy bands in the rock genre have never really been my thing, until now. Hot Chelle Rae released their debut album Whatever last month, and prove that their more than just a rock 'n roll boy band. Between their upbeat, hit singles "Tonight Tonight" and "I Like It Like That," to showing a sensitive side in songs like "Keep You With Me" and the beautiful ballad "Why Don't You Love Me?" with Demi Lovato, these guys show their uniqueness and creativity in every song.

4. Big Time Rush - Elevate
Big Time Rush's sophomore album Elevate is bigger and better than their first, featuring all new pop and rock songs, eight of which were co-written by the guys themselves. The guys show off their fun side in songs like their single "Music Sounds Better With U" and "Time of Our Life," and a sensitive side in songs like "Invisible" and "Cover Girl." Though the guys are mostly known for their pop rock sound, Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan also show off the balladeer in them in songs like "You Are Not Alone" and "All Over Again." This album is fun and sweet, just like the guys!

3. Jack and White - Gemini
The Brooke White and Jack Matranga collaboration took off with the release of their first EP Gemini. The 6-song EP features their single "Double Trouble," as well as other cheery and upbeat songs, perfect for this one-of-a-kind duo.

2. David Archuleta - The Other Side of Down: Asian Tour Edition
After making the decision to leave his record label this past year, David Archuleta re-released his sophomore album The Other Side of Down in Asia, just in time for his summer tour there. The Asian Tour Edition features four brand new songs from David, along with his hit song "Zero Gravity." David shows a more mature sound on songs like ballad "Everything And More" and the longing, pop song "Wait." This re-release became #1 on CDWow.com, and though he plans to take a two-year break to serve an LDS mission next year, I know there's still a bright future for David in the music industry.

1. Demi Lovato - Unbroken
Demi Lovato made the biggest come back this year after spending months in rehab. Demi came back stronger than ever, musically and personally. Her third studio album Unbroken became #1 on iTunes within hours of it's release. With the hit single "Skyscraper," along with ballads like "Lightweight" and "Give Your Heat A Break" to upbeat songs like the title track "Unbroken" and "Hold Up," this album shows the best of Demi, and I know things are just going to get better from here.

There's my Top 10 albums of the year. Happy New Year!

Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day has been certified gold!

Announced in a press release today from Mercury Nashville was that Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day has been certified a gold record:

Scotty’s McCreery’s Debut Album, Clear As Day, Is Certified Gold

Album Sits at No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums Chart for Fifth Week

NASHVILLE, TN – Scotty McCreery’s debut album, Clear As Day, has been certified gold for sales of more than 500,000. The album currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a spot it has held for an impressive five weeks since its Oct. 4 release.

Scotty goes on in the press release to share his excitement thank his fans, “It’s huge! Every artist dreams of a gold album and works hard for it, so it’s a major accomplishment to have your debut album go gold. This is just incredible. I want to thank the fans. This is a testament to how great the fans are.”

Congrats Scotty!

Scotty McCreery and Straight No Chaser perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and a capella group Straight No Chaser were some of the many performers at today's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watch videos of Scotty singing "The Trouble With Girls" and SNC singing "This Christmas" below:




Credit to jazzthis2000

CMA Awards videos! Blake, Scotty and Carrie & Brad!

Videos of some great performances tonight at the CMA Awards!

Blake Shelton performing "Footlose" with special guest Kenny Loggins

Credit to TigerCancerRuby

Scotty McCreery performing "Walk in the Country"

Credit to amberberkoff47

CMA Awards hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley performing "Remind Me"

Credit to CarrieCMA2010

Scotty McCreery & Straight No Chaser among others at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year!

NBC.com has just announced a long list of guests who will be at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year! The Macy's Parade will be celebrating it's 85th year and has an awesome lineup! Among the stars will be American Idol winner Scotty McCreery, Straight No Chaser, Neil Diamond, Ingrid Michaelson, the cast of Broadway's Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and many more! For the full list go HERE.

The Macy's Parade will air at 9:00am on November 24th, Thanksgiving Day on NBC.

Scotty McCreery's new music video for "The Trouble With Girls"

Behind the scenes of Daughtry's "Crawling Back To You" & Scotty McCreery's "Trouble With Girls" music videos

Two Idol's have posted behind-the-scenes looks at their new music videos!

Behind the scenes of Daughtry's new music video for "Crawling Back To You":



Behind the scenes of Scotty's new music video for "Trouble With Girls":

Brad Paisley tour dates, Scotty McCreery opens!

Brad Paisley has announced next year's tour, The Camobunga! 2012 World Tour, starting on January 12th in Grand Rapids, MI. American Idol winner Scotty McCreery, as well as The Band Perry will open.

2012 First Quarter Tour Dates
1/12   Grand Rapids, MI      Van Andel Arena
1/13   Milwaukee, WI          Bradley Center
1/14   St. Paul, MN              Xcel Energy Center
1/19   Kansas City, MO        Sprint Center
1/20   Wichita, KS                Intrust Bank Arena
1/21   Denver, CO                Pepsi Center
1/26   Boise, ID                    Idaho Center
1/27   Salt Lake City, UT     Maverik Center
1/28   Las Vegas, NV           Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
2/9    Spokane, WA             Spokane Arena
2/10   Eugene, OR               Matthew Knight Arena
2/11   Tacoma, WA              Tacoma Dome
2/16   Lubbock, TX              United Spirit Arena
2/17   Las Cruces, NM          Pan AmericaCenter
2/23   Madison, WI              Alliant Energy Center
2/24   Moline, IL                  iWireless Center
2/25   Springfield, MO         JQH Arena
3/1     Baltimore, MD           1st Mariner Arena
3/2     Knoxville, TN             Thompson-Boling Arena
3/3     Lexington, KY            Rupp Arena

More info HERE.

American Idol Fun Fact

In it's first week, American Idol winner Scotty McCreery's debut album Clear As Day made #1 on the Billboard 200, while runner-up Lauren Alaina's Wildflower made #5.

Fun fact: an American Idol winner and runner-up haven't charted at the top 5 of the Billboard 200 with their debut albums since 2008, when Season 7 winner David Cook's self-titled debut made #3 and runner-up David Archuleta's debut album made #2. Cool!

Source: Billboard

Scotty McCreery's album reaches success in the first week!

Scotty McCreery's debut album Clear As Day was released just a little over a week ago and already it's breaking records! Scotty is the youngest male artist to debut at #1 on Billboard 200 with a first album. It's also the first debut album from an American Idol winner to be #1 since Kelly Clarkson's Thankful back in 2003. Clear As Day has sold 197,000 copies in it's first week and 36K digital copies.


You can read my review of Clear As Day HERE.

Double Album Review: Scotty McCreery - Clear As Day & Lauren Alaina - Wildflower

Get both this year's American Idol winner and runner-up's album reviews in one spot! Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina both released their debut albums within a week of each other, and both proved that they have huge potential as country music stars.

Scotty released Clear As Day on October 4th, and in my opinion, that boy has the voice of a 50 year old, and I mean that in the best way. His deep, southern voice fits these songs perfectly and shows every ounce of country, as well as maturity, he has in him. The just-turned 18 year-old proves why he won American Idol as he belts out these young love songs and tells a story in each one. "Water Tower Town,", the song that sheds light on small town life and the title track "Clear As Day", the cute love song that ends sadly when Scotty sings, "Last thing you said is I’ll call you tomorrow, But that’s a call you never got to make, They blamed it on the fog and pouring rain, That night’s still clear as day", are only two example of the genius and simplicity of these story-teller songs, and Scotty's soulful voice only adds to these touching tunes.

Lauren Alaina releases her debut album Wildflower on October 11th, and I think Lauren is following in the successful footsteps of fellow 'Idol' Carrie Underwood. These pop country songs are perfect for Lauren's youthful audience and playful vibe, being nearly 17 herself. "Eighteen Inches", "Georgia Peaches" and the over five minute-long "The Locket" are only examples of the creativity on this album, and Lauren's voice shines through in all of them. In sum, there's not a bad song on this album and whether you watched Lauren on American Idol or not, if you're a fan of country music, you'll be a fan of this album after listening to it.

Lots of new music videos from American Idols!

Already posted has been Kelly Clarkson's "Mr. Know It All" video and Brooke White's Jack and White "Double Trouble", now there's even more to add to the mix!

Here's a personal favorite of mine from Season 7, Josiah Leming's "One Last Song":


Siobhan Magnus' "Black Doll":


And originally reported from the Charlotte Observer, Scotty McCreery headed back to his high school to film his new music video for "The Trouble With Girls".

Scotty McCreery & Lauren Alaina's album track lists!

Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day track list, out October 4th:

1. Out of Summertime
2. I Love You This Big
3. Clear as Day
4. The Trouble With Girls
5. Water Tower Town
6. Walk in the Country
7. Better Than That
8. Write My Number on Your Hand
9. Dirty Dishes
10. You Make That Look Good
11. Back on the Ground
12. That Old King James

Lauren Alaina's Wildflower track list, out October 11th:

1. Georgia Peaches
2. Growing Her Wings
3. Tupelo
4. The Middle
5. Like My Mother Does
6. She's a Wildflower
7. I'm Not One of Them
8. The Locket
9. Eighteen Inches
10. One of Those Boys
11. Funny Thing About Love
12. Dirt Road Prayer

               

Scotty McCreery & Lauren Alaina premiere new music videos + their debut albums release dates!

American Idol winner and runner-up Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina both recently premiered their new music videos for their singles. Scotty's "Love You This Big" video premiered on Tuesday:




While Lauren's "Like My Mother Does" video premiered the next day:



The two country singers announced the release dates of their debut albums today on Good Morning America. Scotty's Clear As Day will be out on October 4th and Lauren's Wildflower will be released a week later on October 11th.