Another one bites the dust, as they say. Katharine McPhee is the latest casualty to be dumped by BMG Records. The American Idol runner up did have a CD that was number two on the charts but when it didn’t hit gold – the label showed no mercy.
Taylor Hicks, winner of season five was actually dumped from the same label before runner up McPhee. Number five in the same competition was Chris Daughtry, who is enjoying a very successful run at releasing albums and accepting awards. His music has been riding the top of the billboard charts in several categories.
Ruben Stoddard released an R&B album in the fall of 2006 and also got the ax from BMG. He has become a vegetarian and is working to get to a healthier weight His number two, Clay Aiken, is enjoying a new Broadway gig that starts on January 18, when he joins the cast of Monty Python’s Spamalot.
Kelly Clarkson has hit some highs and lows in her career. Several of her CD singles have had success on the charts but she canceled tour plans when her venues did not spark any ticket sales. She was also involved in a widely publicized feud with Clive Davis over the content of her last album. They have since repaired the rift.
Fantasia Barrino has released an album, a book and has appears in a TV movie. Her latest album, released one year ago, received critical praise but had a disappointing debut at number 19.
Jordin Sparks, the newest Idol winner is also the youngest. The high school student is now being home schooled in order to have the flexible schedule needed to further her music career. She has been tapped to sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLII in Arizona. She and Blake Lewis performed on the Fox special New Years Eve Live.
Kellie Pickler is toying with fame. She has the look and the voice and has enjoyed some success with several CD singles. She was also nominated for the CMA Horizon award. Whether she can harness the momentum and truly launch herself into a full blown career is yet to be determined.
The biggest success has, of course, been the career of Carrie Underwood. She has turned everything she has touch to gold and platinum and has won awards too numerous to mention. Her country style has launched her into the stratosphere, and her maturity, grace and talent will provide her with the staying power necessary to ‘have it all’.
American Idol has given some winners no more than a fleeting glimpse of fame. Others are on their way, thanks to the doors that were opened by a reality talk show – American Idol.
The new season of American Idol premieres on Fox this week, with two hour shows on January 15 and 16.