LOS ANGELES, CA (RCA Records) - The ratings are higher than ever. The water-cooler factor is more intense than ever. The contestants are more talented than ever. No wonder the anticipation is running so high for "American Idol Season 5 Encores," the fifth compilation album of songs by the finalists from America's No. 1 television series.
The fifth season compilation CD will be released by 19 Recordings/RCA on May 23, the same day that the top two finalists will battle it out in the exciting season finale of Fox-TV's "American Idol."
"American Idol Season 5 Encores" will feature the top 12 finalists singing their best performances from this season. Rocker Chris Daughtry offers his take on Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." Kellie Pickler contributes her special version of Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight." And Taylor Hicks sings the classic, Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It to the Streets."
Just 17 years old, Paris Bennett, granddaughter of gospel singer Ann Nesby, uniquely updates Gladys Knight & the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia." Also 16, Kevin Covais impresses with his interpretation of the Nat King Cole classic, "When I Fall in Love." Katharine McPhee, lauded by the judges for her beauty and talent, sings Aretha Franklin's "Think."
Elliott Yamin, excels on James Moody's "Moody's Mood for Love." Dubbed "Man-Diva," Mandisa is outstanding on a song that was a hit for Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston, "I'm Every Woman." Heartthrob Ace Young does a turn on George Michael's "Father Figure."
Known for his country pipes, Bucky Covington sings the Stevie Ray Vaughn with Double Trouble arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." Teenager Lisa Tucker also turns to the Stevie Wonder songbook, with a perfect rendition of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." And Melissa McGhee sings a song the judges raved about, her version of Heart's "What About Love."
The first four "American Idol" compilations have sold a combined total of 2.4 million copies. Counting all of the contestants who have released albums since the series debuted in 2002, the "American Idol" franchise has sold over 19 million albums and 4.5 million singles.
19 Entertainment Boilerplate:
The 19 Group of Companies was founded by Simon Fuller in 1985 and to date has been involved in the creation of 113 Number 1 singles and 87 Number 1 albums with an impressive tally of 298 Top 40 albums and 467 Top 40 singles. Fuller created and managed the Spice Girls, who became a global phenomenon under his guidance, selling over 38 million albums. In 1998, Fuller's 19 launched S Club 7, which has sold over 10 million CDs worldwide, while its four television series were sold to over 100 countries around the world.
In 2001,Simon Fuller's 19TV created and produced the television phenomenon "Pop Idol" and in 2002, AMERICAN IDOL. "Pop Idol" launched the singing careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates in the UK, while AMERICAN IDOL did the same for Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Tamyra Gray, Fantasia, Diana Degarmo, Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood in the United States.
