Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

Lauren Alaina: Wildflower

(picture courtesy of Mercury Nashville)

Because the top few finishing place idols always score record deals, exactly what place
a contestant finishes in no longer seems to be the overall goal. Creating a memorable cd
that won’t get them tossed from the record label a few months down the road is the real
challenge. For the top two finishers this past idol season, the pressure is palpable as the
show’s dazzle seems to be fizzling and winners past have had less than fifteen seconds of
fame. It’s my opinion that both Scotty and Lauren have delivered relatively memorable
albums that will pave the road for a career that will carry them beyond their teens.

My absolute biggest praise for Scotty was that he chose songs that were age appropriate
and a good representation of his character. The same goes for Lauren. The fact that both
albums weren’t chock full of country contradictions is refreshing and revitalizing to a
genre of the industry that loves Jesus one minute and loves getting sloppy drunk in Vegas
with a last name you don’t know the very next. (I’m not judging. I’m just saying. It gets
confusing.)

Like Scotty, Lauren sings about family and faith and young love and even old love that
stand the test of time. Her lead single, “Like My Mother Does,” hadn’t stuck with me
over the summer, but she earned it a new level of appreciation when I listened to this
album. I stopped seeing it as someone else’s song first (I can’t even remember who did
this song already), and loved it for what it is; a great homage to the women in our lives
who loves us so much we learn to love ourselves and who serve as great examples in
everything that we want to be more so as to not let them down. While J-Lo was wrong
and this didn’t get Lauren the win on the show, something more priceless is gained with
choosing this song…fans, of every age.

I also appreciated the song “Eighteen Inches.” While I won’t spoil the story for you or
what exactly eighteen inches is the measurement of, I will say that it tells a great story
as a country song should, and I looked forward to hearing it every time I listened to the
album from beginning to end. While it doesn’t condone bad decisions that are made, the
song celebrates that all things can be made good.

What I absolutely love best, though, about this album is that on the faster tempo songs,
Lauren’s personality shines through. A little bit spunky, maybe a little sassy, she’s young
and vibrant and commands your attention. I love the nuances and inflections of her
voice; the way she sings “c’mon” in “I’m Not One of Them” where she maintains her
independence and refuses to fall for the cheap lines other girls fall over themselves for.
She has enough twang to be country but enough personality to make it endearing and not
annoying. The best line of the album also appears on this song; “I won’t be a notch on
your facebook wall.”

Standouts for me besides the songs already mentioned are “Funny Thing About Love”
where two people just can’t seem to have the right timing and “Georgia Peaches” where
Alaina pays respect to where she is from and who she is. “Wildflower” is incredibly
catchy and “Growing Her Wings” tells the story of a girl who feels like she is stifled in
a small town and in a strict family, but through it all, she’s becoming a better person that
will be eventually released.

Like Scotty again, Lauren also ended her album with a song about her faith. In “Dirt
Road Prayer,” Lauren sings about praying, no matter how much time has passed. I
sincerely hope that she takes this song to heart and doesn’t lose this focus later on in her
career when it might be tempting to please the music industry executives who challenge
her to embrace those country song clichés.

Please visit www.laurenalainaofficial.com for more information and be sure to download
from a digital store of your choice.

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

Scotty McCreery: Clear As Day

(picture courtesy of www.scottymccreer-official.com)

Scotty, at 17, is the youngest American Idol Winner so far. But what I appreciate most
about him is that he has a stronger sense of self and who he is than most people twice his
age. While I may have had a few concerns for what the industry might try to push on him
for his first album, they were obliterated with the very first listen. Clear As Day has an
equal amount of ballads and fun loving country songs that reflect a very centered singer
with an impressive amount of talent. He chose songs written by great song writers,
including Keith Urban, that not only showcase his vocal abilities but who Scotty is.

Scotty’s deep voice makes him sound much older than he is. In fact, he’s just now
turning 18. He needed songs on this album to represent that, and he delivers. The album
begins with “Out of Summertime,” the only up-tempo track out of the first four. A fun
song about a relationship beginning and ending in one season; “She could have been
mine/But we ran out of summertime.” “Better Than That” lists several firsts that he has
experienced-seeing the ocean, driving his first Chevy, but he tells a girl that her love is
better than any of them. “You Make That Look Good” follows that same sensibility,
listing several circumstances where a girl doesn’t exactly look glamorous, but he thinks
she looks beautiful anyway. And although the song is more mid-tempo than the faster
ones I just listed, “Trouble With Girls” explains that, well, he is a guy, and he notices
girls, and he has a problem with that, apparently.

“Water Tower Town,” was one of my favorite songs because Scotty sings about small
towns found all over America with such honesty, it made me smile. “”You can see
who loves who from miles around.” “Walk in the Country,” also upbeat, shows his
appreciation for where he came from.

The slower tracks reveal Scotty’s foundation; not only the slower, old-school country
that he grew up listening but also respect for his family and a firm faith in God. “Dirty
Dishes” is an interesting spin on prayer, one that his mom says at dinner. It’s a good
song about optimism and finding the silver lining in circumstances of life that are usually
daily annoyances. “Back on the Ground” reveals what it is that truly grounds him; he
sings about growing up with an eagerness to get out and away from home, but he has
found in the bustle of success, what he wants to do most is sit down and listen to his
mom. “That Old King James” tells about the life of a Bible, the experiences of those who
have held it close, before it is handed off to him with the advice, “Read it when you’re
feeling down.”

“Clear As Day,” the title track, is a song about remembering a girl who promised she
would call the next day but didn’t because her life ended unexpectedly. While many
struggle to remember every detail of those who pass on, in this song Scotty sings about
just the opposite; the vivid memories he doesn’t forget.

I love that Scotty is such a whatyouseeiswhatyouget type of guy and that he doesn’t seem
to be bending to fit anyone else’s expectations. This album focuses on enjoying life,
especially the simple everyday things, and loving his family. It’s difficult not enjoy it.

Please be sure to download from a digital retailer of your choice and visit
www.scottymccreery-official.com for more information.

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

David Cook: This Loud Morning

I run the risk of ruining or gaining all credibility by admitting I’ve followed American
Idol from the beginning and still watch, but I’ll take that chance. Kelly Clarkson won
me over in season one, and she’s still my favorite female voice. Not until David Cook
arrived did I discover one of my favorite male singers. But with him, it was more than
his powerful voice. It was his individuality and his creativity, the fact that he’s as much
a musician as he is a vocalist that sets him apart from all the other guys who’ve won the
reality show.

This Loud Morning takes David to a different place that his debut didn’t allow. First,
his debut was done in less than five months. This latest release took a year to complete.
And like Kelly had done with My December, this album stays within a theme, a journey.
While Kelly’s focused on a lot of heartbreak, This Loud Morning takes the listener
from the beginning of a relationship where things are wonderful to the midpoint, where
you start to see cracks, to the end where it all falls apart and you’re left to analyze and
discover how to move on. He compares it in iTunes interview as “falling asleep to
waking up.”

The fact that This Loud Morning didn’t open with the numbers his debut sold tells me
one of two things; people aren’t appreciating great music or they’re thieving it from the
internet. Both of which saddens me. David’s voice is still in perfect form. His vocals
soar with impressive power and just as much emotion and conviction. And his musical
vision is just as inspiring. There are layers of sound that mesh so well together, creating
a great listening experience. They can be appreciated as a whole, or they can be picked
apart like layers as the listener tries to comprehend what it took to create such a sound.
He took his time with this album, and it shows. Nothing this good happens overnight.

With all that said, it’s difficult to pick favorites. “Circadian,” the opening song, is
gorgeous. I love the optimistic anthem of “We Believe” and the lyrical artistry of “Fade
Into Me.” I adore his vulnerability of “Take Me As I Am” as I can see him standing
there, arms wide open with a “take it or leave it, the good with the bad” attitude as the
midpoint of the album and the story is reached. “The Last Goodbye” and “Paper Heart”
are broken heartedness at his best. But, really, every song is well crafted and wonderfully
delivered; there are no throwaway tracks to be found here.

Please visit http://www.davidcookofficial.com for more information and be sure to
download from iTunes.

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

Kimbery Caldwell: Without Regret

(pic courtesy of vanguardrecords)

If anyone remembers American Idol’s second season beyond the Clay Aiken/Ruben
Studdard finale, Kimberly Caldwell may come to mind. I, personally, don’t remember
many particular performances that far back, but I can recall her version of “Come to My
Window.” With ten seasons of ho-hum performances, it says a lot that she comes to
mind without effort.

It also says a lot that Kimberly has stuck to her guns and released this material almost
nine years later. I remember thinking then that I couldn’t predict what kind of music she
would do, whether she was country or rock, and while I don’t like pigeon-holing any
artist, I also wondered if she would be a musician with integrity. As it turns out, she is.

Without Regret really seems to be the theme of this album, and Kimberly chose songs
that cohesively tell the listener about what type of person she is. With lyrics like, “It’s
not alright you took what’s mine/I’d rather let you break my heart than live with your
mistakes” (Heart Like Mine), I appreciate that she’s willing to take the high road, even
if she is in pain. “I’m strong enough to leave you/Not strong enough to desert you”
(Say Love) she acknowledges to a loved who refuses to identify what he feels. “Said I
loved you first/You weren’t the man I deserve” she sings confidently in “Frozen”, adding
several times, “You will not destroy me.”

My favorite song was “Taking Back My Life.” “I can’t help the way I feel today/I know
you will never feel the same way.” She doesn’t deny that she’s in agony (“I cried at
night/I cried all the time”), but she’s not about to let that destroy her.

Kimberly has some power vocals that remind me of the less mature Allison Iraheta
who came many AI seasons later-they both have power pipes with the smoky flavor
of someone like P!nk. But more importantly, Kimberly has some powerful words that
reflect a strong woman who didn’t jump at the first recording contract offered to her. She
could have settled for so much less, but she didn’t, and that inspires me. This album,
having been shelved for nearly a year (it was finally released in April even though it had
been promised as far back as last summer), is worth the wait. There can’t be any regret in
that.

Visit www.kimberlycaldwell.com for more information.

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

Jason Castro: Who I Am, relatemag.com

(photo courtesy of www.jasoncastromusic.com)

I remember Jason from the seventh season of American Idol as the quirky, blue eyed
singer-songwriter with the dreads. I also remember him admitting on television that
while his version of “Hallelujah” was deemed brilliant or genius or some other such coin
phrase from Simon Cowell, Jason humbly admitted that he was embarrassed by his voice
cracking. It was that humility that won me over and what I remember about him three
years later.

Rather than release a five song EP containing only the newly recorded Christian songs,
Jason paired the new ones with the standouts from his debut, including “Let’s Just Fall
In Love Again.” The conviction in the new song, “What If I Fall,” a song about the fear
in the human soul about disappointing God, and the wonderful worship song, “You Are,”
are pleasant in Jason’s signature style. They are in fact, so enjoyable I regret that I didn’t
explore what his debut had to offer in April and am finding I have some catching up to
do. Whether he’s singing about human love or loss or his relationship with Jesus Christ,
he makes it all sound so good.

Who I Am is honest and exposes Jason in a new light. And while I at first regretted that
this talent didn’t choose the Christian route to begin with simply to quiet the nay sayers
who claim he’s selling out because he couldn’t make it in mainstream music, I have
changed my mind. Regardless of when he decided to do this, I’m just simply grateful
that he listened to what God put on his heart and shared this with his fans. He has a lot to
offer, secular or not.

Visit www.jasoncastromusic.com or iTunes for more information.

Written by: Jill Sheets

America Ferrera

Picture source: www.abc.com

At some point, most girls think about their dream wedding. What kind of dress they will ware? Will they have a dance? Will they get married in the church that they grew up in or on the beach in Hawaii? What type of guy will they marry? For two celebrities, the wait is almost over, and they can now start to plan the wedding of their dreams.

Publicist Carrie Byalick has confirmed that “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera is engaged to her long time boyfriend, Ryan Piers Williams. The Emmy Award winning actress met her fiancé at the University of Southern California. He cast America in his student film.

Not only did America star in her future husband’s student film, she will be staring in the up and coming independent drama “The Dry Land,” which was written and directed by her fiancé. The movie is also staring “That 70s Show,” Wilmer Valderrama, Ryan O’Nan and Jason Ritter. The movie is set to be released on July 30, 2010.

Kellie Pickler

Picture source: www.amazon.com

America is not the only person that recently got engaged. Country singer and American Idol contestant, Kellie Pickler is engaged to her boyfriend of two and a half years, songwriter Kyle Jacobs. The couple met through friends. Kellie herself confirmed the engagement on her twitter account. The happy couple got engaged on June 15th on a beach in Florida, which was on her late grandmother’s Birthday.

Kelly told People Magazine, “It turned out to be the most amazing day of my life. My whole world changed. We both feel like we got my grandmother’s blessing.”

At this moment, there are no dates set for either America or Kellie’s wedding.

Relate Magazine would like to congratulate both America and Kellie on their engagement and up and coming weddings.

Written by: Jill Sheets

Kimberly Caldwell

Image credit: Matt Beard

Recently we had the honor of interviewing singer-songwriter Kimberly Caldwell. Her new album, “Without Regret,” should be out in June. Continue to read and learn more about Kimberly and her new album.

R: When did you start to sing? Was singing something that you have always wanted to do?

K: I have always known I wanted to be a performer. My first time falling in love with being on stage was at age five and I haven’t stopped since. Growing up, I traveled the country singing and when I was eleven, I started performing two shows a day in a production show in Branson, Mo. Entertaining has always been a part of who I am.

R: Tell us about being a contestant on “American Idol.” What was the best and worse part about doing the show?

K: It seems like a thousand years ago but it definitely made a mark in my life and career. The best part was the tour. Fifty something cities in two months. It was bananas! We all really got to bond together being on a bus 24/7 and we had a blast, to say the least! Worst part was not being able to share these unforgettable experiences with my family and friends.

R: What was it like performing at the Grand Ole Opry?

K: When I was thirteen, I sang for George and Barbara Bushes 50th wedding anniversary and opened the show for some of my idols like Vince Gill, Amy Grant and The Oak Ridge Boys. I was pretty nervous but my mom held my hand until I went on. It was definitely something I am still very proud of today.

R: You were also a five-time junior vocalist winner on “Star Search,” what was that like?

K: Star Search was my everything as a kid. It was what American Idol is today to young singers. I couldn’t believe it was really happening and I loved Orlando where we filmed the show.

R: You are also a song-writer. How long have you been writing? What is your writing process? Do you start with the words first? What was your first song about?

K: I started writing when I was a lot younger but I was always too nervous to really put my ideas out there. My inspirations, like DianeWarren and Melissa Etheridge helped me to jump over to the fearless side and just be vulnerable. It feels so good to have people really connect and accept my music. A writing process for me is all about story-telling and unloading your feelings onto paper. I’m sure my first song was probably about a silly boy. That’s some good material to work with.

R: Tell us about your new album “Without Regret.”

K: I try to always live with no regrets and it’s also something I try to teach all of my little sisters. This album has been a goal of mine for a very long time and it’s about being human and rising from the fall.

Kimberly Caldwell

Picture credit: Matt Beard

R: All the songs on the album are great, but what is your favorite song and why?

K: “Say Love” is my favorite on the album and probably the song I’m most proud of co-writing. The lyrics and melody just poured out of me and it was like therapy. Love is a scary word but sometimes you just need to hear it.

R: How would you describe the music on the album?

K: It’s emotionally vulnerable but still empowering at the same time. I allowed myself to really go there with these songs and be completely open so the listeners could truly relate.

R: What song is your favorite to perform on stage and why?

K: I really enjoy jamming with the band to “Going Going Gone.” I’m so outta breath by the end because it’s so filled with sass and attitude.

R: Are there any plans for an up and coming tour?

K: Stay Tuned!

R: If you could tour with anyone in the world, who would it be?

K: Melissa Etheridge because I have always looked up to her as a strong female artist and I think I could learn a lot about being authentic by sharing the stage with her.

R: What singers and bands can be found on your ipod or mp3 player? What is your favorite song by each one?

K: Right now, my jam is “Cooler Than Me” by Mike Posner. I love The Judds, Annie Lennox, Heart, Etta James, and Kisha Cole. I love listening to all types of music.

R: Who has been your biggest influence?

K: I grew up in Texas on country music, so Wynonna Judd and Reba McEntire had a huge influence on me growing up. But, Melissa Etheridge is, without a doubt, my biggest influence. I have also been inspired by Ann Wilson of Heart and, of course, Diane Warren as a songwriter and all-around inspiring woman.

Kimberly Caldwell

Picture credit: Matt Beard

R: What are some of your future goals?

K: I have way too many to list, but my main goals are to tour the world and be a good mom one day in the future.

R: Tell us about your obsessions with flea markets. What do you like to look for?

K: I live for vintage clothes and antiques. I love one of kind things that have a story behind them. My house is filled with my favorite findings and special things I’ve found over the years. And I just truly enjoy the process of shopping or searching for something you don’t even know you’re looking for.

R: What is the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

K: My Grandma always says “Always remember everything happens for a reason.” It makes rough times seem easier and happy times seem even more special.

R: What advice would you give teenage girls?

K: Listen to your mother! She actually knows what she’s talking about. One day she just might be your best friend.

R: You have great clothing style. What is your favorite thing to wear?

K: I love wearing my black leggings and vintage boots with a baggy flowy shirt and lots of accessories.

Kimberly Caldwell

Picture credit: Matt Beard

R: What are five things people may not know about you?

K:  1. I have five little sisters that are my sweet angels

2. Me and my sister, Kristy, want to open our own animal sanctuary one day

3. The only picture on my nightstand is of my grandma as a girl

4. I love bamboo

5. I truly enjoy cleaning and I get a high off of it

R: What has been your favorite memory so far?

K: My favorite memory so far in life is on an Alaskan cruise with my family. When we docked, we took a helicopter to a glacier and went dog-sledding. It was so liberating!

R: What is you most embarrassing moment?

K: I don’t really get embarrassed too often, but probably walking out naked from the bathroom not knowing my best friend’s boyfriend was there. I screamed and then dropped to the floor so quick!

R: What is it like to be able to communicate with your fans? What is the best thing a fan has ever done or said to you?

K: The fans are my boss. They decide whether or not I get to keep performing by showing me their constant support. I have very loyal fans that keep me going everyday and remind me that I’m where I’m supposed to be. Their words of encouragement mean the world to me.

R: Kimberly, thank you for the interview. Have a great day.

Here are a list of Kimberly Caldwell’s social networking sites and official website.

http://www.kimberlycaldwell.com/

http://www.myspace.com/kimberlycaldwellofficial

http://www.facebook.com/KimberlyCaldwellOfficial

http://twitter.com/_kimcaldwell

Jordin Sparks: The Battlefield Tour

(Jordin Sparks-the Battlefield tour used with permission)

Jordin Sparks: The Battlefield Tour

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

She really doesn’t need an introduction or a list of all of her achievements. Jordin Sparks is a bona-fide pop star after winning American Idol and releasing two albums. She has toured with Britney Spears, the Jonas Brothers, and Alicia Keys, to name a few. Now she is headlining her own tour to over thirty theaters across the country, ending on July 18th. The tour is already in its second half, so to find out more about the tour, visit www.jordinsparks.com, and read on to discover something you didn’t know about Jordin and how she feels about touring.

R: If there is any one in the world you had the opportunity to perform with, who would you want it to be?

Jordin: Hmm, well, he was always on my list to perform with, but now that he’s gone, I really wish he was here. I would’ve loved to perform with Michael Jackson. I probably would’ve asked Michael to sing “Man in the Mirror” with me. That’s one of my favorite songs of all time.

R: Besides winning American Idol, what has been the best moment you’ve experienced in your music career?

Jordin: There have been many, I can’t name just one! Here are some: singing at the Super Bowl. Oh, my goodness, that was amazing. Singing for both President Bush and Obama’s Inauguration, being nominated for a Grammy, touring for the past three years, putting out two albums and seeing my amazing fans!

R: I read that you’ll be making your Broadway debut in In the Heights. What are some of your other goals?

Jordin: Singing will always be my number one love, but I would love to do more acting. It would be so fun to be in a movie or do more tv. I’d love to be in a drama like CSI, Criminal Minds, or Law and Order, SVU. Also, I really want to see our “I’m M.A.D. Are You” Campaign to start to inspire others. One day I’d love to win a Grammy, and maybe a significant other will come along the way. 

R: Name three things you can’t live without while on tour:

Jordin: My laptop, my puppies, and my throat coat tea.

Jordin Sparks

(Jordin Sparks photo used with permission)

R: What are the best things about being on tour?

J: Being able to see all the fans. I love being up on stage and I can put the microphone out and they sing the lyrics back to me. There’s no better feeling. I get to sing every night for my job – what could be better?

R: Which do you prefer more-writing and recording or performing and why?

J: I love both equally, actually. Writing and recording because you can walk into the studio with just an idea and within a couple hours you have this amazing creation. I love performing because I can sing the creation that was made and once the fans get a hold of it, they sing back.

R: Which song do you look forward to performing the most every night?

J: All of them, but definitely the ones everyone knows. It’s amazing to hear the crowd sing the lyrics back to me. I’ll never get used to it!

R: What is your first memory of music?

J: Listening to the Donut Man in the car with my brother and my mom. “Life without Jesus is like a Donut. . .” and Brother For Sale (the whole album) by Mary Kate and Ashley. I used to sing it around my brother and ooooh, he’d get so mad. Ha, ha.

R: What has been your favorite experience with a fan?

J: The other day, after my show, I walked out to the bus and there was a line of fans. When I got to the end of the line, there was this woman who was pregnant. Her mom told me she couldn’t come to the concert (because of how loud the music was) because she was in labor!!! At that moment! Right then! The baby was coming, and she asked me to sign her shirt over the belly. It was the coolest and cutest thing ever!

R: What is the best advice you’ve been given and who gave it to you?

J: Don’t give up and be yourself – my mom, nana, Melinda, and my dad.

R: How has your faith helped you the most?

J: I wouldn’t be the person I am without my faith. How I view things, how I see other people, how I use my music is all because of my faith. And it’s definitely helped me when I’m far from my family and lonely.

R: Out of all your accomplishments so far, which one has meant the most to you?

J: Just being able to use the gift given to me.

R: Please talk about your involvement with X The TXT.

J: I’m lucky to have Allstate on tour with me to promote X the TXT. It’s all about stopping texting and driving and making our streets safer. It’s just as distracting, if not more, than taking a call behind the wheel. We have a booth where my fans and parents can take the pledge to not text and drive. We have to make our streets safer. If they can’t make it to show, they can take the pledge at www.facebook.com/thumbspledge.

Written by: Jill Sheets

Kimberly Caldwell

Picture source: www.amazon.com

If you have watched “American Idol” from the beginning then you are going to remember the season two contestant, Kimberly Caldwell. You may remember her performing on the American Idol stage or being an entertainment correspondent for the TV Guide channel. Kimberly will be soon be releasing her first album “Without Regret.”

“Without Regret” reminds those who watched season two of “American Idol” why we loved Kimberly Caldwell and her husky voice so much. She has no problem belting out notes like first season winner Kelly Clarkson. She does not let down her fans in this pop/rock album that is soon to be released. The rock songs on this album will make you want to hit repeat as soon as they are done, while dancing to strong beat of “Heart Like Mine” and “Going Going Gone.” But this cd doesn’t just have rock songs, but pop ballads like “Human After All” and “Taking Back My Life,” which is a female anthem that every girl will love and can relate to. Ballads are where Kimberly dematrates her control and vocal range of her voice.

(from “Taking Back My Life”)

“I can not help the way I feel today

I know that you will never feel the same way

You will never change

So I will walk away this time

This time I know

I am taking back my life.”

Not only does Kimberly lean her writing talents to this album, so does songs written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Chad Kroeger, Diane Warren and Melissa Etheridge.

If you are a fan of Kimberly Caldwell or a fan of Kelly Clarkson you will like this album.

Song list:

1. Heart Like Mine

2. Going Going Gone

3. Mess of You

4. Say Love

5. Human After All

6. Taking Back My Life

7. Cost of Love

8. Frozen

9. If You’re Gonna Fall

10. When I’m Not Around

11. Sleep While I Drive

Photo by Fox

We are sadly realizing that it is official. One of our favorite judges Simon Cowell is leaving “American Idol,” following in the footsteps of his former coworker Paula Abdul. It has been said that this season will be the last for Mr. Cowell. But do not be too sad… Simon also announced that he is making plans to bring the hit British singing show, “The X-Factor,” to the United States! Simon will be both a producer and judge on the show. So he will not be gone for long. Idol fans, you’ll have to check it out!

Photo by Mirror.co.uk

So we have heard of “The X-Factor,” but what is it about? Isn’t it the same as “American Idol?” Well, no. Not really. What we understand from the British “X-Factor” website is the auditions for the singers will be in front of the judges and a live audience. And here is the part that we love. There are five groups instead of just one. Those groups include male soloists who are between the ages of 16 and  24, female soloists between the ages of 16 and 24 and singers who are over 25. There is no cut-off age for the show, which means almost anyone could audition, and there is even a group section. So even though we love “American Idol,” “The X-Factor” will give us a variety.

You will have to tune in the “The X-Factor” to find out what happens next. The show is supposed to debut here in the United States in 2011. Trust us; you are going to like the program.

Some people may think Simon is mean. And at times, we would have to agree, but he also tells it like it is. Simon will be missed on “American Idol,” but he will have a warm welcome as one of the judges on “The X-Factor” here in the US. We can’t wait.

What do you think about Simon leaving? Will you continue to watch “American Idol?” Do you think this means the end for the show?

Do you think Ellen is a good replacement or do you think he should not be replaced?

If you would like to know about “The X-Factor,” you can go here.