Have you heard Elliott Yamin’s new single “Fight For Love”?  I really liked it and judging from the poll on Popeater’s site, most people love it too. 

Listen to it here and then come back and tell me what you think.

What I like best about it is that the tempo and feel of the song changes so many times in a way that goes along with the intent and emotion behind the lyrics.  Very clever.  The chord changes are also really nice, especially during the verse because they aren’t what you’re expecting (at least not for me). 

image used with permission

The fifth season of American Idol produced one of the biggest shocks I’d ever felt watching the show. 

When Chris Daughtry was up against Katharine McPhee for elimination, I was sure it was Kat’s time to go.  Even she looked shocked and horrified.  Chris was a fan-favorite and has gone on to enjoy HUGE success as the frontman for Daughtry so I still just don’t understand how he got eliminated.

Taylor Hicks went on to win with Katharine McPhee as his runner-up.  I personally adored Elliott Yamin and was disappointed he didn’t win or come in second place.  I also have to admit that I really liked Kevin Covais, especially his performance of “Starry, Starry Night.”  Of course, this is also the season that brought you Kellie Pickler.

I could go on and on.  Here’s the Top 12 (elimination dates from 2006):

1. Taylor Hicks – Winner
2. Katharine McPhee - May 24
3. Elliott Yamin - May 17
4. Chris Daughtry - May 10
5. Paris Bennett - May 3
6. Kellie Pickler - April 26
7. Ace Young - April 19
8. Bucky Covington - April 12
9. Mandisa - April 5
10. Lisa Tucker - March 29
11. Kevin Covais - March 22
12. Melissa McGhee - March 15

Here’s a video of the winning moment (look for Carrie Underwood and Anthony Federov in the audience) and Taylor singing “Do I Make You Proud?”

image: Newscom

Elliott Yamin has a new Christmas CD out this year called My Kind of Holiday and, from what I’ve heard, it’s pretty good.  Of course, it’s got "This Christmas" which I’m sure many of you have heard (it’s so good!).

The disc also featured completely reworked versions of classic songs like "Jingle Bells," "Little Drummer Boy," "The Christmas Song" and "Merry Christmas, Baby."

There are some new songs like "Warm Me Up," "Back Door Santa," "Let’s Be Naughty" and a tune that he co-wrote called "Christmas Without Carol." 

I think it’s a fine example of Elliott’s distinctively smooth vocals.  Pick up a copy today!

image: Amazon.com

Back in October, I wrote about Elliott Yamin’s involvement in the “Inspired by Diabetes” contest.  Now, I am happy to show you all some pictures of Elliott with the winners (click to enlarge)! 

Inspired by Diabetes builds on the theme of World Diabetes Day 2007-08, and is dedicated to children and adolescents living with or at risk of diabetes worldwide.  For the complete story, click here!

images used with permission

Elliott Yamin returned to the American Idol stage last night where he performed “Free” and held up a touching message to his mother, Claudette, who passed away a couple weeks ago.

Watch the video of his performance:

I’m very sad to announce that Elliott Yamin’s mother, Claudette, has passed away.  Elliott, a finalist on American Idol’s fifth season, was very close to his mother who died last night at 65 years of age.  Her cause of death has not been released but it was reported that she spent the weekend in the hospital. 

etrainstation.com put up a statement saying that the family has asked for privacy and that in lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Central Virginia chapter (Elliott has Type 1 diabetes).

My heart really goes out to Elliott and his family.

photo by khphotos/newscom.com

Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin have reportedly recorded this song “Real Love” for American Idol judge Randy Jackson’s upcoming album.  Some people are saying they hate it but I actually kind of like it (thanks to MJsBigBlog for the song).

Listen to it and tell me what you think!

Elliott Yamin made an appearance at a charity event at the Virginia Center Commons and Lilly was nice enough to send me some pictures and a description of what went down.  Thanks, Lilly!!!

Here’s what she wrote:

Elliott made a charity appearance this afternoon at the Virginia Center Commons mall in Richmond northside. He arrived about 2:50pm and the roar of screams was heard long before we actually saw Elliott walking up through the mall toward the Children’s Miracle Foundation booth.

He was waving and smiling and was very upbeat and gracious to all.

Elliott gives so much of himself and he does it with a kind spirit and genuine love for his fans. He is so charitable. It was priceless to see even the very young little girls giggling and yelling " Hi Elliott" from behind the roped area. He loves the little ones. He would get down on their level and smile and chat with them.

Elliott is a genuine wonderful kind soul and he deserves much happiness and success. I’ll send a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Here are those wonderful pics (with Lilly’s captions):

Elliott giving a "shoutie outie" to thank the E_Maniacs group.  E_Maniacs are a small group of dedicated fans that work day and night to help promote Elliott’s success. He is so deserving and we all are driven by a labor of lovE. 12-7-07 Richmond

More after the jump!

Read more

Elliott Yamin spoke to "On the 411" about his video for "One Word" and his holiday album.  Enjoy E-maniacs!

I was sent some videos of Elliott Yamin’s appearance on Montel.  It was wonderful.  Check it out: