J-Hud Takes the "Spotlight"

Here's a look at the cover of Jennifer Hudson's debut CD, "Spotlight."




And if you're thinking that something about the picture doesn't look quite right, you're not alone. The Internet buzz is already building.

Hmmm...

"Spotlight" is scheduled to hit stores September 30th...

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Taylor's "Big New Deal"?

Taylor appeared on “Good Day New York” yesterday morning and performed “Beauty School Dropout” from “Grease.”

Taylor said during the interview before his performance that he is recording a new album for—of course—the fall and he also plans to release a DVD. But most intriguing is the “big new deal” Taylor promised to announce soon…

Hmmm…

You can see the interview and performance for yourself here.

Ace Young CD Review: A Little Disappointed

You know that I’m a big fan of Ace Young, so I was looking forward to his debut CD, “Ace Young.”

But after hearing it, I have to say I’m a little disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong. The CD does have its good points. There just aren’t as many as I was hoping for…

The CD kicks off in a great way with “Addicted.” Why more radio stations aren’t playing this one is totally beyond me…

“The Letter” is a moody number with a story (and sound) along the lines of “Billie Jean”…
The new single, “A Hard Hand to Hold,” starts out kind of blah, but it manages to gain some steam toward the end…

“You Redeem Me” is a pretty ballad, but it kind of loses its way toward the end. And in all honesty, it sounds more like David Cook than Ace Young…

“Where Will You Go” is cute and catchy, while “Fast Life” sounds like a copy of an 80s R&B song—just not a really great one…

“Young Money” comes off as cheesy and Ace is trying way too hard to work in the falsetto…
“How You Gonna Spend Your Life” has some pretty sappy lyrics, but I’m a sucker for a sweeping chorus…

“The Girl That Got Away” is cute, but doesn’t have a lot of substance…

“Dirty Mind” has a great beat, but it’s doomed by its silly lyrics…

The Lionel Richie-esque “The Gift” closes the CD out…

Since I’m an Ace fan, I’m still going to buy this one. I just wish it had some stronger songs to set it apart from all the other bubblegum pop that’s already out there…

Plus, just once, I’d like to see one of my Idol guys succeed. I don’t really think this one will make that happen…

“Ace Young” hits stores Tuesday, July 15th. You can listen for yourself here.

Be sure to let me know what you think…

Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group

Jordin and Jesse Team Up

Jordin Sparks is teaming up with Jesse McCartney for a 16-date tour…

“Jesse & Jordin Live” will kickoff August 5th and run through August 30th.

The tour is not hitting anywhere near the Tri-State, however…

Hear the Triple Threat for Yourself

You can now hear the Lyric Street Idol Triple Threat for yourself as AOL is now streaming “Country Sings Disney” online.

You can hear it here.

Be sure to let me know what you think...

Photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records

Mandisa Returns for More "Christmas"

Add Mandisa to the list of Idols releasing a CD in the fall…

“It’s Christmas” is scheduled to be released in October. This will be Mandisa’s second Christmas release after last year’s EP, “Christmas Joy.”

Mandisa’s second album, “Freedom,” is scheduled for release in March…

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