Showing posts with label Album. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Album. Show all posts

Video - Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Talks to the Wall Street Journal

Thursday, October 13, 2011

17-year-old Season 10 American Idol winner Scotty McCreery has given one of his best interviews to date when he sat down with the Wall Street Journal.

Scotty talks about his new album “Clear as Day” and his thoughts on not being just another country singer.

Scotty says,

“It’s got a good mixture of songs. I remember sitting down with my producer and saying I don’t want this to be one of those poppy country albums. I want it to be current and up to date.”

Most of the songs on Scotty’s album are original songs and several have a gospel influence.

McCreery also announced that after his summer tour and record deal with Mercury that he has decided to return to his home town of Garner and rejoin his friends in high school to finish out his education.

Even though he had security tag along with him to school Scotty says things slowly returned to normal.



McCreery’s album “Clear as Day” is available now at Amazon.com and on iTunes.

Even though Scotty has decided to return school you can still stay up to date with his career at his official web site at Scottymccreery-official.com

Sales reports indicate that “Clear as Day” has already sold over 200,000 copies which make Scotty the first Idol winner to achieve these sales levels since Ruben Studdard in 2003, and it puts him just ahead of Adam Lambert’s debut album first week sales.

Wow, what a cool guy.

Scotty seems to be very level headed and has set his expectations accordingly.

We wish him nothing but the best!

Follow @InfoStar on Twitter – We can’t sing either…

Video - Ronan Parke Answers Twitter Questions From Fans – How Cute is This?

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

13-year-old British singer and up and coming musical artist Ronan Parke took some time yesterday to answer questions sent to him by his fans via Twitter.

For those of us in the United States it is a rare glimpse into the “Britain’s Got Talent” runner-up as most of his videos are blocked in the U.S. by Sony Music.

Company spokesmen have not made it clear yet as to why U.S. fans can’t watch most of Ronan’s YouTube or music videos but some do seem to sneak through.

Related: Sony blocks Ronan Park videos in the U.S.

At least the following videos have been made available for all to see and enjoy!





13-year-old Ronan's debut album, the self-titled “Ronan Parke” is due on 24th October 2011 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon.

Ronan lost on BGT to winner Jackie Evancho who has already released her first album “Dream With Me” that went gold in August 2011.

Follow @InfoStar on Twitter – we can’t sing either…

Jackie Evancho to Release a Line of Dolls and Toys This Fall

Saturday, September 3, 2011

The journey to stardom has already started for young crossover phenomenon Jackie Evancho.

Like they say in Hollywood, “You’re not a true celebrity until somebody makes a doll or action figure of you.”

Now, Jackie can lay claim to that very title as it has been announced that she will be releasing a new product line of dolls, merchandise, and other toys later this year.

The first item that will appear in stores will be a special collector’s edition singing Holiday doll that will play a snippet of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

The first doll will be positioned for release along with Evancho’s recently announced Christmas album due in December 2011.

Related: Jackie Evancho confirms Christmas album

Next spring there will be more dolls and other product placements – all created by the toy company “The Bridge Direct”.

The official statement is,

This fall, The Bridge Direct will be launching a line of collectible dolls, play sets, and accessories based on singer Jackie Evancho, the “little girl with the big voice” who stunned crowds on the 2010 season of America’s Got Talent.”

The Bridge Direct is no stranger to youth toy marketing and has already developed toy brands for Sponge Bob Square Pants, Miley Cyrus’s “Hannah Montana”, The Lord of The Rings, Care Bears, Britney Spears, and Cabbage Patch Kids.

Hannah Montana
They have also created a successful line of action figures for pop singing sensation Justin Bieber that sing and talk, and come complete with various clothing items like watches, shoes, backpacks, and sunglasses.

And these toys and action figures are more than just dolls.

They come complete with a stage, microphone, music CD, various clothing selections, furniture, activity books, and musical instruments.

Most range from $12-$30 and the idea is the age old marketing tactic of “Collect them all!” with each action set sporting different clothing, furniture, gadgets, and musical selections.

Justin Bieber Figure
The Bridge specializes in not only talking and singing dolls but also stickers, wristbands, activity books, pins, patches, key chains, outdoor toys, party goods, costume jewelry, Christmas ornaments, play sets, microphones, dance items, karaoke, kids electronics, sunglasses, pillows, and clothing accessories.

Expect a large selection of merchandise for Jackie.

The Bridge has a knack for integrating various products along a brand – meaning they will launch an entire set of different toys, clothing, and personal items for a particular brand or artist.

Look for Jackie Evancho items to start rolling out later this year and timed to her Christmas album release.

And if Jackie can pull off a Grammy Award win this season then expect the pace of merchandise to accelerate.

Related: Jackie Evancho already getting Grammy nods

We just hope the world is smart enough to not get lost in Evancho’s “Brand”, and remember what attracted us to her in the first place – her music.

Follow @InfoStar on Twitter – We’re Jackie Fans!

Jackie Evancho Confirms She is Releasing a Christmas Album!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Good news for fans of our favorite little crossover singer Jackie Evancho!

Jackie confirmed today that she will be releasing a Christmas Album this December.

This won’t be the first Holiday album for Evancho either.

Last year she released “O Holy Night” and sold 240,000 units within the first ten days and it later went on to become her first platinum selling CD-DVD.

Details are thin but we do know she will be working with producer Rob Mounsey who has also produced some of her stage shows.

Watch Jackie Evancho Sing “O Holy Night”


Jackie took to her Facebook page today to announce,

“Yes the rumors are true. I am releasing a Christmas cd this year. So excited for you to hear it and I hope that you are liking my Dream with Me cd :)”

And yes, we ARE enjoying your “Dream with Me CD”. The album has already gone gold and will soon be verified as platinum.

Related: Jackie Evancho’s “Dream With Me” Goes Gold!

Jackie is also getting Grammy nods and is expected to perform at this year’s ceremonies and hopefully take home an award.

The rules for the competition have changed this year and there seems to be some confusion as to what category Jackie would fall into.

Related: Jackie Evancho already getting Grammy nods

Jackie is also scheduled to perform "Nessun Dorma" live during the September 14th finale of “Americas Got Talent”.

This performance has been confirmed on her official website.

Keep on doing what you do Jackie because the World loves you.

Follow @InfoStar on Twitter – We’re Jackie Fans!

Watch – Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Releases "I Love You This Big" Music Video

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

It’s here!

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery has finally released his music video for his first single “I Love You This Big”.

McCreery, who walked away with the Idol top prize this year, is currently on the road with his fellow contestants with the “American Idol Live Tour 2011” and from what we hear is bringing down the house.

His first single is now #1 on iTunes and on the Billboards 100 Hot Ten list.

Watch Scotty McCreery “I Love You This Big” Music Video


“I Love You This Big” will also be featured on his first album due out later this year.

Scotty told reporters,

“I’m really excited to let people hear what we’ve been working on and putting so much effort and energy and time into. It’s something that I’m really proud of. I can’t wait for them to hear it! Hopefully they’ll feel what I was feeling in the studio.”

I got to say, after watching this video he seems so natural, like he has been in the country music business for years.

He just has that magic touch.

Related: Watch Scotty perform in the Idol 2011 Summer Tour - Video

Scotty has also just opened a new official web site at “ScottyMccreery-Official” where you can pre-order his album, see his latest blog posts and photos, and read about his experience this summer while on tour with the rest of the American Idol contestants.




Watch Scotty's AI Win!
The summer concert tour runs through September and then you can expect to see him in the studio fulltime finishing up his album says his manager.

He also has plans to make the rounds on late night television visiting with Jay Leno and David Letterman as well as daytime stops with Ellen and The View to help promote his new project.

Way to go Scotty – you made Garner North Carolina proud!

What do you think? Will you buy his album when it comes out?

Follow @InfoStar on Twitter – We follow back!

Video - Greyson Chance Covers Michael Jackson and Releases New Album Details

Monday, June 27, 2011

Move over Justin Bieber – there’s a new kid on the block.

13-Year-Old Greyson Chance stormed the world after being discovered on YouTube playing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” and has quickly turned into a rising star.

Of course the inevitable comparisons to Bieber are to be expected, but Greyson is a lot more “rock” with a little pop, where Bieber is nothing but “pop” and very little rock.

As it turns out, Ellen DeGeneres took young Greyson under her wing and is producing his album and managing his career after creating her “eleveneleven” record company and signing Greyson as her first artist.

Now, after his two hit singles “Waiting Outside The Lines” and “Unfriend You”, he is preparing his first full length album due this August.

As a tease, Chance released the cover art for the highly anticipated album titled “Hold On ‘Til Night”.

Greyson Chance's New Album Cover

Greyson says it’s not just art and there is meaning to it saying,

“The album cover is not just about art – it’s mainly about words. Words mean everything in this world and can both help and hurt people. The words on the piano, and all over the cover, are happy words, positive words. I like to think of my music as a way to convey positive words to the entire world.”

Okay, maybe a little deep coming from the mind of a 13-year-old but we definitely get the idea.



Greyson credits Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson as his two main influences because they have amazing music and are (were) not afraid to be who they wanted to be regardless of who the world felt they should be.

In a tribute to Jackson’s two year anniversary since his tragic death, Chance covered one of his favorite Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5's song “I Wanna Be Where You Are.”

Watch Greyson Cover Michael Jackson


And if Greyson wasn’t busy enough, he is currently traveling around North America with his friend and tour mate Cody Simpson on their “Waiting 4 You” tour.

Greyson also has his own professional web site at Greyson-official.com and YouTube Channel that already has over 67 million views.

Keep your eye on this kid, he’s going to be a star.

See Also:
> Meet Jackie Evancho – She’ll Melt Your Heart – Video
> Greyson Chance Does Lady Gaga on the Ellen Show

Follow InfoStar on Twitter – no waiting here…
  

Video – Meet Jackie Evancho – She Will Melt Your Heart and Make you Cry!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Move over Lady Gaga – there’s a new kid in town.

And we mean move over, as in get out of the way.

If you haven’t heard of Jackie Evancho you will soon.

Why?

Because Jackie just released her first feature length CD, “Dream With Me”, and it’s outselling every major artist on the pop music scene today.

Young Ms. Evancho is only 11-years-old and was born is Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. She has several brothers and sisters and says she fell in love with music after seeing “The Phantom of the Opera” on television.

After hearing her sing, her mother, Lisa, entered her into a local talent contest where she came in second place – Jackie was only eight years old.

After narrowly missing out on winning several more talent contests, her parents allowed the ten-year-old prodigy to audition for the television show “America’s Got Talent.”

Jackie seemed to blow away the competition and seemed to be on track to win, but unfortunately came in second place.

Her performances were so flawless that there were accusations that she had lip synced her songs and it was all a scam by producers.

But the cat was out of the bag and America had heard, and seen, what was to become one of the youngest artists to skyrocket to Platinum sales status in over thirty years.

After “America’s Got Talent”, Jackie immediately released her first single “O Holy Night.” This was her first national exposure and won her a spot singing for President Barak Obama in Washington D.C. during the annual Christmas tree lighting.

Watch Jackie Evancho sing O Holy Night in Washington D.C.


The reaction to her “O Holy Night” single was amazing, and immediately shot to the top of the Billboard music charts and became a best seller on Amazon. It was certified as Platinum in 2010.

She also setup her own web site at JackieEvancho.com, and created her own YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

Jackie had hit it big and people wanted more.

After doing the rounds on the daytime and late night talk shows, she was approached by producer David Foster who worked with Jackie in the development of her first full length album “Dream With Me”.

Together, the two fashioned a collection of tracks, one which Jackie wrote herself, that combined both opera and crossover songs like “The Lord’s Prayer”, “When you Wish Upon a Star”, and “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan.

Watch Jackie Evancho and David Foster Interview


Jackie says,

“The title of my new album is ‘Dream With Me’ because it means I’m basically living the dream and there’s more to come.”

Jackie also plays violin and piano and has said she would like to collaborate with Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, and Andrea Bocelli.

Evancho's Sarasota Florida concert is currently being featured on most national PBS stations and showcases some of her best music and features several songs off her new album.

Theses PBS shows are the first time many viewers have seen Jackie and have caused quite an interest in the young singer.

She says she understands that in order to remain popular she has to do more than just sing opera songs, and realizes she will have to be a crossover singer in order to stay relevant.

On “Dream With Me” you will find her favorite opera pieces like “Nella Fantasia”, “Nessun Dorma”, “O Mio Babbino Caro”, and “Ombra Mai Fu”, along with incredible duets like “A Mother’s Prayer” with Susan Boyle and “Somewhere” featuring Barbra Streisand.

Watch Jackie Evancho sing Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” on PBS


Now you see why Jackie is going to be a star.

In fact, InfoStar has not really been able to find a bad review or other critical comment about her anywhere – and that says a lot in the world of the internet.

Composer Tim Janis says,

"Jackie's voice is so pure and natural, there's no flaw in it. People say 'I can hear her potential coming,' but no, it's here, it's now. She is truly an Angel and I can’t wait for the World to hear it and see it."

We agree.

And Jackie says the only thing she does to prepare for a big show is to “Say a prayer that God will be there on the stage with her and that He will sing along with her.”

Wow. Sniffle sniffle. Goose bumps…

So we set out to find the one performance piece that often separates the good from the bad in critical operatic singing – “Ave Marie”.

We figured if Evancho can pull off that tune with its massive complexity, then she really must be a true angel sent from Heaven.

Well - we found it. And it will make you cry.

So ladies and gentlemen, here is Jackie’s version of “Ave Maria” by Schubert accompanied by The Houston Chamber Choir and The Treble Choir of Houston.

Watch Jackie Evancho Sing Schubert’s “Ave Maria”


See. I told you.

I’ll say it again. Move over Lady Gaga - because I would love for my kids to learn, respect and look up to an artist like Jackie.

I know it won’t happen but I can dream can’t I?

If you only buy one CD this year... buy "Dream With Me."

You can sample each song and purchase Jackie’s new CD here at Amazon.

Follow InfoStar on Twitter – no crying allowed...