Will he be the next Kelly Clarkson or the next Taylor Hicks?
Regardless what path he takes, a lot is riding on “American Idol” Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze’s major label debut album, “Live It Up.” The album is scheduled to hit stores on Nov. 16, on 19 Recordings/RCA Records.
In a show of solidarity, DeWyze and the album will get an important plug on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, when the first single “Live It Up” premieres on the program on Oct. 13.
The crooner may have beat out Crystal Bowersox for the “Idol” crown, but now comes the real test — can he best the middling record sales of some of the other show winners? Yes, Clarkson and Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood have become bona fide chart toppers, but other victors like Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino have struggled match their success.
A press release hyping DeWyze’s album calls it a “blend of rootsy pop, rock and folk, anchored by DeWyze's soulful, rough-edged voice.” The singer said he jettisoned the pretty melodies in favor of putting the vocals front and center.
