Kris Allen's self-titled album on Jive
They found fame on reality television singing songs made famous by other musicians but today Dilana, Leona Lewis, and Kris Allen are sharing their own music with the world. These three reality television all-stars released their sophomore albums today and just like in the world of reality television, only one will come out on top. Who will dominate the sales chart next week?
In alpha order
Even though he released an album, Brand New Shoes, in 2007 the reigning American Idol Kris Allen's latest release is being billed as his debut album. Perhaps he was born again by signing a major label contract.
The self-titled album's cover is rather ominous. Allen sits alone in an auditorium, gazing back at the empty seats behind him. He looks disheartened, as if nobody purchased a ticket to his show. Lucky for Allen his album is more captivating than the cover.
His first single "Live Like We're Dying" is an honest representation of the rest of the album - playful yet harmless, emotional yet light and breezy. Even when he sings about honesty being the hardest thing in "The Truth" he still comes across as charming. "Bring It Back" is beautiful and haunting but somewhat hauntingly similar to Nick Lachey's "What's Left of Me." Simon Cowell might enjoy "Can't Stay Away" because it is not only catchy and radio-friendly but Allen finally shows some spunk in this song. Kris Allen performed on the American Idols Live Tour which stopped at the Verizon Center this summer. (More on Idol)
Dilana's Inside Out
Before Chris Daughtry tried out for American Idol he auditioned for CBS' Rock star: Supernova. Daughtry did not make the cut but Dilana, who has been compared to Janis Joplin with her earthy voice and salty stage presence, did.
Dilana is receiving a lot of buzz with her new indie label release. The album Inside Out was released today by Maryland-based Kabunk Records and includes cameos by legendary guitarist Mick Mars and pink tu-tu wearing drummer Adrian Young of No Doubt. (More on Crue Fest and No Doubt)
Inside Out includes Dilana's poignant tribute to hurricane disaster victims called "Loud Silence" (video) and a more hopeful "Somebody Else".
She sold out Jammin Java when she came to town in 2006. Her debut album Wonderfool was released in 2000.
Echo
Ryan Seacrest gave Leona Lewis her American-radio debut back in 2006 but Lewis was discovered by the bane of Seacrest's existence, Simon Cowell when she won the British television show The X Factor in 2006.
According to Lewis she has "written much more on this album" than on her debut release Spirit. She co-wrote her first single "Happy" with Ryan Tedder and said the song came quickly and naturally to her. According to Lewis "Happy", "has a bit of pain in it but also a lot of hope in it."
Other major releases this week include John Mayer, Robbie Williams, Paul McCartney and Norah Jones.
In this ultimate reality television showdown will it be the reigning American Idol Kris Allen, 2006 X Factor winner Leona Lewis or Rockstar Supernova runner-up Dilana who sells the most albums this week? Vote in the Poll below.
Comments
Kris Allen got where he is by cheating everyone in Season Eight. Is it fair to have a PR team and raise tens of thousands of dollars to get your home state to vote for you? Is it fair to have AT&T help you? Is it fair to be funded by a corporation that spends thousands of dollars on you, not because you sing well but because they do not like gay men? I am sick of Kris and all the bigots who voted 10,000 times each. Kris sold at least $45,000 worth of T Shirts to help finance his win. He should have his title taken because he cheated by having corporations feed his voters at his watch and vote parties and he has rewarded them by mentioning their name. Kris Allen is a Cheat!
I know that Kris Allen is the Chick-fil-a Idol. The "Christian" owners are the type that do not approve of alternative life styles. They spent thousands down in Arkansas feeding the power text voting teams that got Kris his to win and gave them prizes for the most votes. They voted thousands of times each and blocked Adam's phone lines on the East Coast. Why should any contestant be allowed to have a corporation sponsor them? Everyone got mad when Danny was thought to have ties with eyeglass companies, but Kris is the one who has ties to Chick-fil-a. He took thousands from them for his campaign and paid them back with shout outs and twitters. He even twittered a picture of a Chick-fil-a cow in his car. Vicki is right he needs his title taken away for taking bribe money and doing commercials for a bigoted company.
Cassidy & Vicki: Are you ever going to give it up? The competition was over 6 months ago and you both post on every article about Kris stating the same b.s. There was no conspiracy and Kris won the competition fair and square. If you knew the true facts you would know this. By the way, how old are you? You sound like spoiled little brats that didn't get your way on the playground. Drop the b.s. Time to move on children and grow the hell up! Kris and Adam support each other and are friends. You're not helping Adam by posting hateful crap about Kris. Do you not remember Adam stating that he doesn't want or need fans that say negative stuff about him or his friend. Deal with it you dumb ass!
To Cassidy: Another thing, why bring up the fact that Kris is Christian? He never brought up his religion on the show. What the hell is wrong with his beliefs? He's a great human being with a heart of gold. Adam said Kris is the most genuine, kindest, soulful person he has ever met and a true friend. By the way, Adam is Jewish... why didn't you mention that? Imagine that, a straight Christian that found a great friend in a gay Jew. You need to back away from the computer and grow up!
I'm so disappointed and fed up with the negative comments about Kris and the media build up for Adam. They aren't competing, let it be. Why can't people separate the two of them? Kris is a very talented artist with a vision and it shines through on his debut album. He's the one guy I followed on the show because he's a real artist with a gift. He feels and connects to his songs and the fact he's musically talented is the icing on the cake. His new album is beyond what I would have expected and it's very, very good! This one will definitely go down as one of my favorites because it's real, heartfelt, and just damn good! Not sure which song is my favorite yet because I have several.
Wow!, some of you bashers need to chill out! What did Kris ever do to you to bring on so much hate? I for one, love his new album. It's a great mix of good music. I'm so sick of all the crap being played on the radio today. Sex, sex, sex, partying, sex, partying, sex, partying, etc.. Oh, did I mention sex and partying? This guy has some mad talent and it shows through his music and lyrics. It's about time someone his age showcases good music without all the b.s. He's not flashy but he's genuine and that's very appealing!
I knew the first time I saw Kris on Idol he had something special. He rearranged songs and made them his own. He remained true to himself week after week even though the judges didn't always give him the respect he deserved. His ability to play guitar and piano only added to his appeal. I gladly voted for him week after week and think his debut album is stellar! Not every song is perfect but there is not a bad song on the album that I would have to skip over.
Vicki/Cassidy: It's obvious you are the same person. Get a life!
I see the Sparkle Cows are here creating multiple names to spew their hate, but Kris Allen has loyal fans of his art. You have to remember Kris Allen was voted the American Idol of Season 8 by a majority vote of the American People. The Glamskanks dont like the fact they are losers, so their true personality comes out in hate.
Poor babies screaming with so much hate isnt good for da soul. Oh I forget, the Galmberts have no soul. Adam even called them "sweaty and smelly," that's why he refused to meet and greet. Kris Allen did go to meet and greet and there they were, those two faced cows. Old hags trying to act like teens, Oh brother! You go Kris, I like you new CD and I see more air play for ya.
Great Job and I will see you with Justin and the Christmas Show.
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