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6/30: Kristy Lee Cook gets 19 Recordings deal, local Idols Live concert appears sold out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Following in the footsteps of Kellie Pickler (minus the personality), Kristy Lee Cook is getting a 19 Recordings/Arista record deal, according to an exclusive story in USA Today.
19 Recordings, an arm of the “American Idol” industrial complex, has only occasionally signed contestants who didn’t finish in the top 2. Daughtry is one of the few others.
Pickler has been a huge success, outselling Taylor Hicks with three top 20 country hits. Daughtry has four top 20 pop hits and more than 4 million albums sold.
Will Cook do as well as Pickler? I doubt it. But it appears they are going to release her album before the two Davids, just like Pickler. And if she can give us good songs, you never know! (They rushed Pickler’s album out but surprisingly, it wasn’t half bad. That’s a testament to the Nashville’s Tin Pan Alley of songwriters.)
Here are the details:
Her first single, “15 Minutes of Shame,” arrives Aug. 11, and the album follows in the fall. The album is being produced by Brett James, who co-wrote “Jesus, Take the Wheel” for former Idol champion Carrie Underwood. The signing marks the return for Cook, 24, to Arista Nashville. She was signed to the label as a teen but dropped before recording anything. Cook will record her album while touring with American Idols Live, which kicks off Tuesday in Glendale, Ariz., and runs through Sept. 13.
More Idol news:
-Check out Fantasia photos from around Atlanta over the weekend, courtesy of www.sandrarose.com. She looked good for her 24th birthday, especially her hair. (I didn’t hate on her dress but some folks on the site weren’t fans.)
-The Idol download and sales info last week was pretty darn slow.. Only three albums on the top 200 from “Idol” folks: two Carrie Underwood albums, Daughtry and Jordin. Jordin’s third single “One Step at a Time” isn’t gaining much momentum so far. Not sure if she’s going to have a hit out of it. If not, her effort to get to a million in sales is threatened.
Speaking of Jordin, here she is performing the song during last week’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”
-The “Idols” live tour starts in Glendale, Ariz. tomorrow. I’ll post reviews as soon as I get them. Some spoilers here but I’ll post the actual show’s itinerary by Wednesday.
Tickets for the August 18 show at Gwinnett Arena appear to be sold out, save for a few stray single tickets. Prices range from $39.50 to $68.50. That’s up from $37.50 to $54.50 a year ago. Looks like the only option now is the stubhubs of the world. I don’t recall it selling out this quickly last year. At stubhub.com, the prices range from $89 to $686 each.
Comments
By Deirdre
June 30, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Kristy…although there were much better people on that show who don’t have contracts yet…what’s up with that?
By Lara
June 30, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Good morning blogsters! Are you kidding me? I guess they will give anyone a contract these days….wel, good luck to her. But I really don’t see her album doing too well.
What happened to AI making sure that the winner’s album came out first - well before anyone else in the top 10 or 24?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Lara, i understand your comments, where you’re coming from, but … i’d rather have a more deliberate attempt to put out a GOOD album than a “rush to be first” fiasco … so maybe it’s not such a bad thing? i dunno, frankly. Perhaps they should be recording the kids during the season, LOL, so that the winner can then plop out at least a “cover” album to get in the market while their name is still at least lukewarm, instead of waiting until it’s just tepid?
By Deirdre
June 30, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I think that’s a great idea, linny. After all, we voted for our favorites based on the songs we heard them sing. And with I-tunes involved, they already have studio versions of each of their performances. The company would make a fortune and I’m honestly surprised that they haven’t done it yet.
Then, the winner could do an album with his/her choice of music.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
^5 Deirdre ~¿@
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
holy catfish batman! i had let my eyes gloss over, i guess, on the final paragraph of today’s thread, Rodney… did you say
Tickets for the August 18 show at Gwinnett Arena appear to be sold out, save for a few stray single tickets. Prices range from $39.50 to $68.50. That’s up from $37.50 to $54.50 a year ago. Looks like the only option now is the stubhubs of the world. I don’t recall it selling out this quickly last year. At stubhub.com, the prices range from $89 to $686 each.
as in Six HUNDRED Eighty Six dollars?????!!!!! wow.
By Rodney Ho
June 30, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
well—some greedy capitalist is ASKING for $686. Doesn’t mean he or she will get it!
By Deirdre
June 30, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Rodney…speaking of greedy capitalists(just kidding Rodney’s boss)…have the powers that be at the newspaper come up with a new blog format yet or do we get to remain in the dark ages?
By Lara
June 30, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
I agree with ya Linny. But I always thought the first album release thing was kind of a show of respect for the winner. For instance, I have been kinda irritated that this year, all the follow up press seems to be about both Davids and not really the David the won. Did the winner and runner up always go on shows together?
HEY RODNEY!!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
true enough, re greedy capitalist and getting it or not … but still … wow. That’s more than i take home in a week of hard work. yuk.
Let’s see — Nashville Star (such as it is sign) tonight
AGT Tuesday (shaping up to be pretty good, i think, this year)
SYTYCD Wednesday and Thursday (getting tighter and tighter, and some good dancers doing their stuff)
also tomorrow night is Japanese game show and hell’s kitchen, wednesday night next installment of baby borrowers (which is actually kind of interesting to watch if you’ve raised kids, LOL)
i’m sure there are more, but for a summer lineup, this ain’t half bad, LOL
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
I’m WITH you on the David+David thing, Lara, I’m SICK of archie being given as much press, if not MORE, than Cookie!!! we did not VOTE Archie to be #1, he’s #2. Take that how you want to!!!
By Jericho 19
June 30, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Kristy totally deserves this. Now she will actually get a chance to prove herself. I predict she will outsell Blake Lewis who somehow managed to finish 2nd in season 6.
By Menana
June 30, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Good Afternoon to all!!!!!!!
I’m so glad the heat is off of Paris, so maybe we can get back to normal posting.
Linny, I totally agree with you. I would like to have a CD made as the contestants progressed toward the win. We would have already heard the performances and would know if the CD is one that we would purchase. If the higher ups at AI ever grasp that concept, I think they would hit a minefield and make a bunch of $. It would be nice if this could be suggested to them in some manner and give them some food for thought. Linny, you just came up with an excellent idea, at least we think you did.
Although I liked KLC, I don’t believe she will make it like Pickler and will come nowhere close to Carrie. Even Kellie, doesn’t come close to Carrie. However, I am glad to know that she was signed by 19. I supposed someone saw the potential in her and I hope she makes them proud and does really well. Only time will tell.
By Anna
June 30, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Kristy Lee Cook outsell Blake Lewis? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That isn’t setting the bar very high for Miss No Talent now is it? I liked Blake but his CD didn’t sell very well and I would buy his over that Carrie Underwood wannabe any day.
By JTesla
June 30, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Jericho, a recording of a hamster being stepped on would sell more than Blake Lewis, so let’s set the standard a little higher for Kristy Lee Cook.
By DawnH
June 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Good for KLC, but I am surprised. I just never thought she was that good. I would be more likely to buy a Taylor Hicks CD than a Kristy Lee Cook CD. I would NEVER buy a Blake Lewis CD.
Her deal is with the Nashville side, so it looks like she will be going into country music. Maybe the others didn’t get deals (yet at least) because so many of the other runners up have not really been that successful. They may be hoping for another Carrie Underwood with KLC, or at the very least, a Kellie Pickler. Might work if they put nude pictures of her inside the CD case.
By Menana
June 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter who likes or dislikes KLC, the powers that be at AI and 19 DO and thereforth, she has the contract. She will no doubt do a heck of alot better than Blake, and IMHO, she doesn’t want or need to be a Carrie wannabe. Both have their own style and do not need to be a clone of another. Why can’t people just be happy for someone who is trying to make a living doing what they love to do? May there be a little bit of jealousy hidden inside some of us?
By DawnH
June 30, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I’m a little jealous Menana! I have to admit I would like to look like her for maybe a week. Not really interested in the singing part though, and I am not sure I would want her personality but would like to be thin and blonde just once in my life! I wouldn’t mind owning and riding horses either!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
LOL Dawn!!! ^5 — although i’d rather be redheaded instead of blonde, LOL!!!
i wouldn’t mind a little extra cash along the way, either…
By Anna
June 30, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, am I not entitled to my own opinion? Jealous? No. I happen to dislike her, is that a crime? Does that make you jealous of people that you dislike? I didn’t think so. Therefore, you can have your opinion without me making personal observations about you and I can have mine, thank you very much.
By DawnH
June 30, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Hey Linny - blonde or a redhead - either one’s OK with me. I’m more interested in the thin part, not to mention the nice, perky… well, you know. I’ve forgotten what those are like! Obviously if you look like that, the money will follow!
Gone for the day - safe trip home everyone!
By Rodney Ho
June 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard zilch about a new blog format yet. I’ll have to bug Da Man about that this week!
By Menana
June 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
DawnH and Linny: If I were about 40 years younger, I wouldn’t mind having a bod like hers, plus the extra money then maybe I could quit working. Oh and linny, I am a natural redhead.
Correct here if I’m wrong, but was I putting anyone down or making rude remarks to anyone in my last post? I don’t believe that I was, but maybe it came across that way to some. I surely do not want to create another blog like the one over the weekend..
Hon, no one said that you weren’t entitled to your own opinion, and no, it is not a crime to dislike someone. If I stepped on your toes, my apologize is given. Just stay cool, take a deep breath and breathe.
PEACE :)
By Menana
June 30, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Going off now, as its time to go home. Be back later this evening.
By Deirdre
June 30, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Rodney…If you need some help, I’m really good at bugging people…just ask my kids! :-)
linny and Dawn….I used to be a redhead…..but bottled red doesn’t look so good so I chose bottled brown.
By Deirdre
June 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Menana…tone is hard to convey…we all end up insulting someone without meaning to…it just happens. You gave a very nice apology. I step on toes without meaning to all the time. comes with blogging…which is why we need a GOOD format with EMOTICONS!!!!!
See…I told you I was good a bugging people. :-)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
My hair would be considered naturally “Chestnut” colored, but in summer, when i used to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when i was in Florida, it would take on reddish-auburn highlights and look really great — i always wanted MORE auburn — did things like combing vinegar through my hair while sunning in the back yard at my parents’ house … kept the bugs away, not sure it helped with the “red” highlights as much as it was supposed to, LOL…
i tried bottled red but… just haven’t found anything i really like… so i pretty much stick with “dark brown” which is pretty close to my natural color.
I second the blog format comments by Deirdre and i too am realllllly good at … bugging …. (or my kids would call it “nagging”) about stuff, so Rodney, if you need help, let us know!!!!!
Menana, you didn’t step on toes in MY opinion, but then, since I’m so very good at being opinionated and stepping on others’ toes, perhaps i’m a little biased on the subject, LOL!!! Nice apology, however — Anna, none of us really think Menana was pointing fingers at you, hon!
Peace :-)
By JTesla
June 30, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
People who state that they are entitled to their opinions are annoying. That’s just my opinion, and yes I’m entitled to it. ;)
By Negativo
June 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
KLC should do well. Her voice is very pleasing, she has the all-american hotness, and she’s a natural for the country genre. Kelly Pickler had much of the same qualities, but she was a total and complete airhead, while KLC seems to be a lot sharper. Probably will have a sexy-country approach.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 30, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Neg???? “KLC seems to be a lot sharper.” really?????? I think Pickler has you all fooled, she’s playing the dumb blonde for all it’s worth, but she’s probably smarter than KLC by a mile! I just don’t get “smart” vibes from KLC. Sorry.
By flats
June 30, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Hey guys.I’m checking in to see what’s up.Busy weekend on the blog..LOL!!!My bulldawgs came up short in omaha.I’m still p** about that.Uga died last friday.:-(.D..I’m fine,I did drop the soap a couple of times and paid the price..LOL!!!ROCK ON BLOG!!
By JTesla
June 30, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Linny, I have to disagree when it comes to a Pickler vs. KLC brainpower matchup. I do think that Pickler is smarter than she lets on, but not by much. I think she has discovered that playing the ‘extreme-dumb’ act covers up her ‘just not that smart’ reality.
Hey flats, all your blog friends are chipping in to buy you some special soap.
By AL
June 30, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Pickler never did a thing for me while she was on Idol. I was really surprised to find out she even had a recording contract and had done fairly well. In the short term, KLC may do better simply because this season became more interesting than the last two with the David vs David thing going.
I never understood why Blake Lewis made it to the level he did, and I will never understand the Taylor Hicks win. But that’s just me, I know plenty of people liked those guys.
Still, more power to any of the Idol singers if they can do well outside the show.
By Rodney Ho
June 30, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Pickler, in my opinion, is street smart but simply not book smart. Not sure what to think of Kristy Lee Cook. She’s just kinda boring to me, both vocally and personality wise.
By Thogwummpy
June 30, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
There’s only been one OUTSTANDING Idol…and that was Kurt Nilsen…the only World Idol they had. He destroyed Kelly Clarkson in the voting! He is simply on another talent level above all these pretenders. From Norway…writes his own songs too. He’s a cut above any voice I’ve heard in any of these competitions. It’s a shame he’s not getting props in America (even though he writes and performs in English); because the idea behind Idol was to find lightening in a bottle. Kurt was it! A plumber; that can frankly outsing anyone on the Idol roster. Yep, he’s THAT GOOD.
By Deirdre
June 30, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
My opinion of KLC is like Rodney’s. Attractive, nice ho hum voice but zero on stage personality. At least little Kellie Pickler HAD a personality. It may have been annoying but it existed!