's "Beautiful Day".Thursday, July 29, 2010
Lee DeWyze's parents thank all Lee's fans/"Beautiful Day" video
American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze's parents wrote an article for "The Daily Herald" which they wanted to share with the world. Here it is on video along with Lee's version of U2's "Beautiful Day".
's "Beautiful Day".
Monday, July 26, 2010
Best of Lee DeWyze comes out at NJ Idols Live show, plus Lee Dewyze interview! (video)
American Idols Live! Shows Best of Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox
Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens also sound better on Newark, New Jersey stage than they ever did on TV.
By Jim Cantiello, MTV
Fans of all ages donned their finest homemade puff-paint T-shirts for the American Idols Live! tour stop at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night. And judging from the excitement in the healthily populated arena, they did not leave disappointed.
Without a TV-friendly two-minute time limit for songs (and without a panel of judges ready to lay into them for any missteps), many of the season-nine performers were well-served by the live setting, particularly winner Lee DeWyze, who smiled more in his five-song set than he did in his entire run on "American Idol."
Also-rans like Didi Benami and Andrew Garcia each delivered sets that reminded the crowd why they emerged as faves during Hollywood Week. In particular, Garcia's take on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up," now with added funked-up fuzzy synths, suggested he may have made it farther had he brought that energy and ear for arrangement to more of his "Idol" performances.
The most-improved award goes to the youngest performers, high school student Aaron Kelly and recent grad Katie Stevens. If a Nashville scout saw the way Kelly owned the stage during uptempo country hits by Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts — and the crowd's warm reception to him — he or she would be insane not to scoop him up and groom him to be a Justin Bieber for the NASCAR crowd.
Meanwhile, Stevens took her "Idol" persona (wear the clothes of a middle-aged secretary, sing like an untrained teen with self-esteem issues) and completely flipped it on its head. She's now dressing her age (in a fun, flirty dress and killer knee-high boots) and singing like a seasoned veteran. Demi Lovato might regret clearing "Here We Go Again" for Katie, because it will never sound this good live again.
For some singers, the "Idol" tour is a shot at redemption. Heartthrob Tim Urban boldly tackled the Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days," the song that got him eliminated on the show, and then followed it up with an earnest "Viva la Vida." It was a surprisingly serious set from a guy whose greatest asset is his smile and charming personality. When Urban finally did show off his pearly whites, the little girls in Newark shrieked loud enough for folks at the Jersey Shore to hear. Here's hoping it didn't interrupt Snooki from important business.
Speaking of shrieks, Siobhan Magnus delivered her signature wail at the end of "Paint It Black." While the audience appreciated the energy she brought to that Rolling Stones classic and No Doubt's "Spiderwebs," Muse's "Stockholm Syndrome" flew over the heads of the young ticketholders. It was a bit like watching a Tim Burton character stuck in a Ron Howard movie.
Michael Lynche (a.k.a. Big Mike) kicked off the second half of the show with a smooth, mellow R&B set that relied heavily on his falsetto. (He was, after all, performing songs by Kate Bush and India.Arie.) But it was an uptempo Justin Timberlake track, "My Love," that proved to be the most entertaining, if only for his out-of-left-field rap. (Don't worry, T.I., Big Mike ain't stealing your job anytime soon.)
Casey James, often stiff and awkward on "Idol," had one of the more effortless sets of the night. His impressive guitar work on the Black Keys' "I Got Mine" and the Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now" made many forget they were watching an "Idol" concert.
Season-nine runner-up Crystal Bowersox kept that energy going with a showstopping set that further proved that the dreadlocked singer is more than just your everyday coffeehouse troubadour. If MamaSox can connect this deeply and emotionally with karaoke staples by 4 Non Blondes, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge
, (not to mention a chill-inducing "Up on the Mountain" reprise), it's downright scary to imagine how well she'll perform her own self-penned music. We're in for a hell of a debut album this fall, folks.
As much love as Crystal received, there was no question whom the audience was there to see. "Idol" champ Lee DeWyze's entrance caused near hysteria from his New Jersey fans, and not just because his pants' zipper was accidentally down. (Whoops!) The winner appeared to be positively giddy as he darted back and forth from one side of the stage to the other. The singer rarely stopped moving while putting his laid-back, gruff spin on '70s lite-FM staples "Rocket Man," "Hallelujah" and "Treat Her Like a Lady," showing off a looseness rarely seen on "Idol." Like Crystal, Lee gave the impression that his talents would be better displayed by performing originals. On the other hand, then we'd be deprived of a massive audience sing-along of Kings of Leon
's "Use Somebody."
Much has been said (often snarkily) about the latest crop of "Idol" finalists, and while the live concert might not turn haters into slobbering fan-girls, it may leave them pleasantly surprised.
Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens also sound better on Newark, New Jersey stage than they ever did on TV.
By Jim Cantiello, MTV
Fans of all ages donned their finest homemade puff-paint T-shirts for the American Idols Live! tour stop at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night. And judging from the excitement in the healthily populated arena, they did not leave disappointed.
Without a TV-friendly two-minute time limit for songs (and without a panel of judges ready to lay into them for any missteps), many of the season-nine performers were well-served by the live setting, particularly winner Lee DeWyze, who smiled more in his five-song set than he did in his entire run on "American Idol."
Also-rans like Didi Benami and Andrew Garcia each delivered sets that reminded the crowd why they emerged as faves during Hollywood Week. In particular, Garcia's take on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up," now with added funked-up fuzzy synths, suggested he may have made it farther had he brought that energy and ear for arrangement to more of his "Idol" performances.
The most-improved award goes to the youngest performers, high school student Aaron Kelly and recent grad Katie Stevens. If a Nashville scout saw the way Kelly owned the stage during uptempo country hits by Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts — and the crowd's warm reception to him — he or she would be insane not to scoop him up and groom him to be a Justin Bieber for the NASCAR crowd.
Meanwhile, Stevens took her "Idol" persona (wear the clothes of a middle-aged secretary, sing like an untrained teen with self-esteem issues) and completely flipped it on its head. She's now dressing her age (in a fun, flirty dress and killer knee-high boots) and singing like a seasoned veteran. Demi Lovato might regret clearing "Here We Go Again" for Katie, because it will never sound this good live again.
For some singers, the "Idol" tour is a shot at redemption. Heartthrob Tim Urban boldly tackled the Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days," the song that got him eliminated on the show, and then followed it up with an earnest "Viva la Vida." It was a surprisingly serious set from a guy whose greatest asset is his smile and charming personality. When Urban finally did show off his pearly whites, the little girls in Newark shrieked loud enough for folks at the Jersey Shore to hear. Here's hoping it didn't interrupt Snooki from important business.
Speaking of shrieks, Siobhan Magnus delivered her signature wail at the end of "Paint It Black." While the audience appreciated the energy she brought to that Rolling Stones classic and No Doubt's "Spiderwebs," Muse's "Stockholm Syndrome" flew over the heads of the young ticketholders. It was a bit like watching a Tim Burton character stuck in a Ron Howard movie.
Michael Lynche (a.k.a. Big Mike) kicked off the second half of the show with a smooth, mellow R&B set that relied heavily on his falsetto. (He was, after all, performing songs by Kate Bush and India.Arie.) But it was an uptempo Justin Timberlake track, "My Love," that proved to be the most entertaining, if only for his out-of-left-field rap. (Don't worry, T.I., Big Mike ain't stealing your job anytime soon.)
Casey James, often stiff and awkward on "Idol," had one of the more effortless sets of the night. His impressive guitar work on the Black Keys' "I Got Mine" and the Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now" made many forget they were watching an "Idol" concert.
Season-nine runner-up Crystal Bowersox kept that energy going with a showstopping set that further proved that the dreadlocked singer is more than just your everyday coffeehouse troubadour. If MamaSox can connect this deeply and emotionally with karaoke staples by 4 Non Blondes, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge
, (not to mention a chill-inducing "Up on the Mountain" reprise), it's downright scary to imagine how well she'll perform her own self-penned music. We're in for a hell of a debut album this fall, folks.As much love as Crystal received, there was no question whom the audience was there to see. "Idol" champ Lee DeWyze's entrance caused near hysteria from his New Jersey fans, and not just because his pants' zipper was accidentally down. (Whoops!) The winner appeared to be positively giddy as he darted back and forth from one side of the stage to the other. The singer rarely stopped moving while putting his laid-back, gruff spin on '70s lite-FM staples "Rocket Man," "Hallelujah" and "Treat Her Like a Lady," showing off a looseness rarely seen on "Idol." Like Crystal, Lee gave the impression that his talents would be better displayed by performing originals. On the other hand, then we'd be deprived of a massive audience sing-along of Kings of Leon
's "Use Somebody."Much has been said (often snarkily) about the latest crop of "Idol" finalists, and while the live concert might not turn haters into slobbering fan-girls, it may leave them pleasantly surprised.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Music Review: Lee DeWyze - Slumberland
Music Review: Lee DeWyze - Slumberland
Who says a sophomore album has to be a bad one? Listening to Slumberland, the second album from 2010 American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, is a great musical experience from the first song to the last.
DeWyze's debut album, So I'm Told, was originally released in 2007, and now he's come out with Slumberland, which was released in January 2010. Since his first album there has come a good bit of refinement and richness in the instrumentals and vocals of his music.
DeWyze wrote and performed all of the songs featured on this album, but had some outside help from Ryan McGuire with production, drums, and percussion lines, and Louis Svitek on guitars and sitar. Both men are well known for their musical work and, from the sound of the album, DeWyze made a great choice bringing them onto this project.
"Annabelle," is quite possibly my favorite song on Slumberland.> The beautiful sound of the sitar leads the song and the famous, raspy, full voice of Lee DeWyze follows and pours out on listeners. You can hear the amazing control and sweet power in his notes as he sings about trying to keep "Annabelle," through life's hardships. With talent like this it's no wonder he won the title of American Idol.
Although DeWyze's voice has similarities to John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Jack Johnson, his vocals in Slumberland give him an originality that does make him stand out as a recording artist, something I'm afraid his first album didn't accomplish for me.
I hate to compare but, through songs like "Another Sleep Song" and "All Fall Down," Lee DeWyze shows an amazing progression and transformation from his debut album. From 2007 to current day, DeWyze has gained a confidence in his vocal abilities that comes forth in his talent. The production on this album is also very professional and makes the difference that DeWyze needed as an artist.
On both albums the lyrics are truly outstanding, and there's no doubt that DeWyze puts great thought into his songs and their meanings. From cheating to alcohol abuse, and of course love and relationships, Lee covers real-life issues without being too gritty but at the same time not candy coating anything.
Slumberland is an album I can listen to over and over again. I enjoyed all 10 songs by Lee DeWyze and am looking forward to seeing what this new Idol winner has in store for us next. Fortunately for his fans, he has two great albums under his belt for their listening pleasure. I encourage Lee DeWyze fans to purchase this album for their collection.
ANNABELLE
Who says a sophomore album has to be a bad one? Listening to Slumberland, the second album from 2010 American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, is a great musical experience from the first song to the last.
DeWyze's debut album, So I'm Told, was originally released in 2007, and now he's come out with Slumberland, which was released in January 2010. Since his first album there has come a good bit of refinement and richness in the instrumentals and vocals of his music.
DeWyze wrote and performed all of the songs featured on this album, but had some outside help from Ryan McGuire with production, drums, and percussion lines, and Louis Svitek on guitars and sitar. Both men are well known for their musical work and, from the sound of the album, DeWyze made a great choice bringing them onto this project.
"Annabelle," is quite possibly my favorite song on Slumberland.> The beautiful sound of the sitar leads the song and the famous, raspy, full voice of Lee DeWyze follows and pours out on listeners. You can hear the amazing control and sweet power in his notes as he sings about trying to keep "Annabelle," through life's hardships. With talent like this it's no wonder he won the title of American Idol.
Although DeWyze's voice has similarities to John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Jack Johnson, his vocals in Slumberland give him an originality that does make him stand out as a recording artist, something I'm afraid his first album didn't accomplish for me.
I hate to compare but, through songs like "Another Sleep Song" and "All Fall Down," Lee DeWyze shows an amazing progression and transformation from his debut album. From 2007 to current day, DeWyze has gained a confidence in his vocal abilities that comes forth in his talent. The production on this album is also very professional and makes the difference that DeWyze needed as an artist.
On both albums the lyrics are truly outstanding, and there's no doubt that DeWyze puts great thought into his songs and their meanings. From cheating to alcohol abuse, and of course love and relationships, Lee covers real-life issues without being too gritty but at the same time not candy coating anything.
Slumberland is an album I can listen to over and over again. I enjoyed all 10 songs by Lee DeWyze and am looking forward to seeing what this new Idol winner has in store for us next. Fortunately for his fans, he has two great albums under his belt for their listening pleasure. I encourage Lee DeWyze fans to purchase this album for their collection.
ANNABELLE
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lee DeWyze is Single, For Now!!
Stardom Keeps Idol‘s Lee DeWyze Single — For Now
by Victoria Venegas, People Magazine, July 12, 2010
Is Ms. Right out there? If she’s the one for American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, she better be patient. The single singer can’t quite focus on mingling these days.
“I am single, yes. I think a relationship right now will be pretty hard,” DeWyze tells PEOPLE, saying his demanding American Idols Live! Tour schedule could keep him from starting a relationship.
“That kind of stuff takes a lot of time and patience, and I know right now I just don’t think it’d be fair to anybody,” he says. “When I meet the right girl I’ll definitely have no hesitations to a relationship.”
In the meantime, DeWyze is enjoying his stardom and reveling in the opportunity to meet fans face-to-face.
“The absolute best part of this whole process is to being able to see people who have supported me,” he says. “I’m excited to put out an album and go on tour and meet the fans and that’s why I did this.”
Trust us, they are excited too!
by Victoria Venegas, People Magazine, July 12, 2010
Is Ms. Right out there? If she’s the one for American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, she better be patient. The single singer can’t quite focus on mingling these days.
“I am single, yes. I think a relationship right now will be pretty hard,” DeWyze tells PEOPLE, saying his demanding American Idols Live! Tour schedule could keep him from starting a relationship.
“That kind of stuff takes a lot of time and patience, and I know right now I just don’t think it’d be fair to anybody,” he says. “When I meet the right girl I’ll definitely have no hesitations to a relationship.”
In the meantime, DeWyze is enjoying his stardom and reveling in the opportunity to meet fans face-to-face.
“The absolute best part of this whole process is to being able to see people who have supported me,” he says. “I’m excited to put out an album and go on tour and meet the fans and that’s why I did this.”
Trust us, they are excited too!
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