It’s been a few days since Katharine McPhee’s video for her new single “Had it All” hit the internet and I’d love to know what you think of it. 

I know that she wants to set herself apart so she chopped off those gorgeous brown locks of hers and has opted for a short, blonde hairdo and I’ve got to say that I don’t really love it.  It feels like she’s trying too hard but, then again, maybe I just need to get used to it.

As for the song, it’s not bad but I feel like her voice could have carried something far more complex and interesting.  The track is from her upcoming sophomore album, Unbroken, which has been pushed back to a January 5, 2010 release date.

If you haven’t seen it already, check it out and please let me know what you think!

image: Amazon

Jason Castro has just recently released the music video for his single, “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again.” The album has not yet received an official title, but rumor has it that the album will be self-titled. Originally, Jason was supposed to release the album on November 17th, but it has since been pushed back to have a release date in 2010.

The sweet singer explained of his forthcoming album, "I’ve poured my life into this album for the past several months – writing over 50 songs, recording a bunch of them and working to get each one just right. We’re really close but are making some final tweaks so it can be exactly the album that I imagined it would be!"

This is a song that can be pretty much expected from a guy like Jason. The song is sweet and so is the music video! Check it out the music video below.

Love Carrie Underwood?  If so, you might want to check out her performance on Walmart Soundcheck tomorrow!  Some great exclusive videos will be uploaded which you can watch here.

If you’d like more information, visit any of the following links:

• Carrie Underwood’s Soundcheck
• Free Soundcheck iPhone Apps
• Soundcheck on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook

You can also watch this very cute video of Carrie talking about the performance as well as talking about her new album, Play On.

image used with permission

For those of you who have been anxiously waiting, the wait is now over!  David Archuleta’s holiday album Christmas From the Heart is now available.  I know a lot of you had it pre-ordered (some of you even had multiple copies set aside)

If you haven’t already secured your copy it’s not too late.  Buy it now so that you can enjoy David’s voice all through the holiday season.  I know that’s what I’m going to do!

If you’ve been hoping to hear a little more from Carrie Underwood’s upcoming album Play On you’re in luck!

image: Amazon

Billboard has put up a teaser of “Mama’s Song,” a track that was co-written by Carrie and American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi.  You can check out the clip HERE but come back and let me know what you thought of it.

Of course, Carrie’s voice is amazing and I can really feel the emotion behind the words.  I’m not completely sold on the actual song but I think I need to hear all of it before I form a real opinion.

Kellie Pickler is very comfortable being a country singer and isn’t planning on making her music more pop-friendly in the near future.  Nor is she going to release dance remixes.

“I love country — that’s what I grew up listening to,” said Pickler. “As long as I’m played on country radio, I don’t care if any other stations play my music or not. If they want to play my music, that’s fine. But I’m not changing it for them.  I don’t care if I’m on pop stations.”

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: FOX

I’m always really happy to hear that someone is happy and confident with themselves.  Good for Kellie!

She also talked about how excited she is for her favorite holiday, Halloween.  “This is the first Halloween I don’t have to work,” said Picler. “I might have to take advantage. I’ve been witches, monsters, Barbies – I was obsessed with Barbie when I was younger — Dolly [Parton]. Gosh, I need to find those pictures… It’s such a fun holiday. It’s your chance to go out and get away with anything – as long as it’s legal.”

After being graciously welcomed by everyone at American Idol, as the new judge for the show, it seems like talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is doing all that she can in order to ensure that she’s fully prepared for her new duties.

According to rumors, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi have been looking back on past seasons if Idol to get a hang of what’s in store.

A source tells The National Enquirer, “Ellen and Portia have been watching old seasons on DVD to see how the judges interact with contestants and audience. Ellen wants to live up to the high expectations.”

It seems like host, Ryan Seacrest has very much embraced Ellen being part of the show and says that she’ll have one definite role – cutting the “sexual tension.”

He has said, "We love Ellen, she is a superstar. She will change the sexual tension. Simon and Paula had a specific sort of tension, but this will be quite different…"

I really hope Ellen will feel welcomed! Seems like she’s already become so devoted to the show. I’m sure she’ll add a lot to the show, and it should be interesting to see how she does!

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Have you had a chance to listen to Blake Lewis’ new album, Heartbreak on Vinyl?  If you haven’t, you definitely need to check it out (it’s out today!  Buy it on Amazon or iTunes!). 

It’s a lot closer to what you would expect from Blake than the music he released on Audio Day Dream and I really can’t say enough about how happy I am for him.  I had the opportunity to chat with Blake this morning.  Here’s the quick interview!

Idol Stalker: What were your main inspirations for the songs on Heartbreak on Vinyl?

Blake Lewis: My ex-girlfriend, actually.  When I started making the album, it was back in January when I was getting out of a relationship and suffered my first heartbreak.  I first wrote ‘Our Rapture of Love’ and then I wrote ‘Sad Song’ after we broke up.  I tried to get her back which led to ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and ‘Left My Baby For You.’

IS: How is this album different than Audio Day Dream?

BL: The content is different.  Before, I set out to make a dance album versus a heartbreak album.  This one is more personal and a little deep and sentimental.  ADD already had a set concept since it had been in my head for four years before.  Heartbreak on Vinyl is kind of organic.  ADD was a pop album that was made in a hurry but Heartbreak was recorded at my house and I got to collaborate with my friends.

IS: Has signing with Tommy Boy Records given you more creative freedom?

BL: Yeah.  I got the record done, created it and then turned it in.  With Clive Davis, there was too much meddling where he’d say things like “I don’t like this chorus” and we’d have to make changes.  It’s not like that now.  I have my job and they have theirs.

IS: What is your favourite track?

BL: They are all sentimental.  ‘Binary Love’ is very seductive.  It was in the works before the rest of the songs while the others came about more organically.  Heartbreak on Vinyl is close to my heart and is one of my favorite songs that I have ever written.  I gave a copy of the album to my ex.

IS: Really?  How did that go?

BL: It was great.  She’s a great person and we’ve been friends for 6 years.

IS: You seem to be the sort of artist who is always learning and evolving.  Who are your main influences right now?

BL: I’m listening to a lot of electro and I’m in a DJ-conscious frame of mind.   I’ve got Jamie Lidell on repeat.  It’s feel-good music.  I’ve also been listening to Discovery and Glitch Mob is just amazing.  It’s the direction that I wish hip hop would take in the future.

IS: What have you got planned over the next few months?

BL: Gigs here and there.  Live performances and deejaying.  My favorite holiday is just around the corner – Halloween.

IS: Do you dress up?

BL: Oh yeah.  I love it.  I’m also looking forward to the Heartbreak on Vinyl launch parties. 

Thanks again for the interview, Blake!

image: Amazon

Country cutie, Carrie Underwood, was spotted looking adorable in pink (magenta?) with her pup at Los Angeles International Airport.  I wish that I could look that good after traveling!  Looks like the pooch was unfazed by the flight as well!

image: Bauer-Griffin

The original American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, was spotted grabbing a bite to eat at a deli in New York City over the weekend.  She definitely was sporting a casual look but I’m glad she’s trying to live a normal life and almost blends in with the other pedestrians – I wouldn’t have recognized her.

Maybe if she wants to go incognito in the future, she should tone down the shirt.

image credit: splashnewsonline.com