Clay Aiken Sings 'Solitaire' for Neil Sedaka Tribute

Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride

Today, MSN Canada posted a full sneak peek of Carrie's new album, Carnival Ride which will hit the stores on Oct. 23. I have listened to the whole album once and have some initial thoughts. First, it's a good album but I don't think it's as good as Some Hearts. When I first heard Some Hearts I didn't think it was a very good album and was a little disappointed in it. However, after listening to a couple of times I grew to love it and it's one of my favorite Idol albums yet. I feel like Carnival Ride is trying to be a little more "serious" and the songs don't have the same fun feel to them that some of the songs on Some Hearts did.

The other big thing that I noticed about it is that they are really trying to show off Carrie's voice. We all know that she has a powerful voice but it seems like every song has a power note in it that she's always going for. After a while it gets really old and begins to sound as if she's yelling through every song (I Know You Won't is the worst offender of this. I almost just skipped the song because I got tired of the high note over and over again).

With that being said, I did hear about 4 songs that will probably make radio play and I am sure that those songs will only give Carrie many more awards in the next year or two. I am sure that this will be another huge album for her. Grade on the initial listen: B-. I am sure that will change after I've listened to it a couple of times.

To hear the album go to MSN Canada.

Fantasia!?

Hell to the NO! Why comes, Tay Tay? Why comes?

This recently leaked picture of Fantasia on vacation shows a little more of our Idol than we wanted to see (ok, maybe a lot more!) Why would Fantasia go out and do something like this? Yeesh!

After seeing this, I need to cleanse my palette a little. Where are the shirtless pics of Chris Richardson?

Thanks to lovebscott.com for posting the pics.

Clay Aiken in Spamalot!

Clay Aiken will make his Broadway debut in "Spamalot" this January reports Playbill. He will play the role of Sir Robin originated by David Hyde Pearce. He will play the role through May 4th.

Director Mike Nichols said, "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for Spamalot."

Elliott Yamin Christmas Album

The NBC Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection is now available at Target stores.

Yes, Elliott Yamin is Jewish, but he loves Christmas music. The songs include: “This Christmas”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Merry Christmas, Baby”, “The Christmas Song” and “Jingle Bells”.

Elliott also recorded three originals: “A Very Merry Christmas”, “Let’s be Naughty (And Save Santa the Trip)” and “Warm Me Up”.

Shayne Ward - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"

A short while ago I posted about a young man named Shayne Ward and a video for his sexy single, "No U Hang Up". After viewing that video a few times I started checking out his performances on X-Factor. Turns out, he's really talented, really cute and really really sweet! Check out this video and watch the entire 6.5 minutes (you can do it) to see him talk about how important the competition is to him and how much he wants to be a professional singer:

Kelly Clarkson - Don't Waste Your Time

Here's Kelly Clarkson's newest video/single, "Don't Waste Your Time". It's one of the more radio-friendly tracks on her album My December, however I think we're all ready for a HAPPY Kelly. All her songs are so bitter that I'm starting to get a permanent sour taste in my mouth. Let's hope her next album (Clive-influenced or not) will focus on some new life themes.

We still love you Kelly and you look beautiful in this video!

Best line of the song:

Don’t waste your time on me my friend
Friend, what does that even mean?

**UPDATE: Apparently this is the single for the UK. The US single is "Sober" and the video is going to be released next week.

Zach Efron vs. Clay Aiken

It's not really a showdown of singing abilities, but more a chance to compare and contrast their looks...