I have it on good authority (mainly because one of USA TODAY's music reporters was pitched by a publicist about it) that Paris Bennett, who finished fifth last season, has signed a deal and is expected to have an album out in February. No other details, including the crucial one about whether it was a major or independent label (and if independent, what gradation of indie -- obviously, they can range from sizable to pure vanity label).
In any case, more as I hear about it.
Elliottfan sent in a comment saying, The Minneapolis Star Tribune carried a cute story about Katharine and the other young idols relying on Paris Bennett's mom for comfort and advice during the tour. It can be found .
It is a fun story, and I didn't want it to get buried in a comments thread, so I've taken the liberty of posting it.
Thanks for the tip!
Year of birth song: Good choice for Paris -- a strutting version of Prince's all-time strut vehicle, Kiss. I liked her style, but the song didn't show off her voice particularly well.
Very assured, though, and a valiant gesture. Simon looked (and sounded) as though he'd rather get his molars drilled than be there at this point, although he later warmed up (even for Paris' second song).
Current hit: It's a dangerous thing, covering Mary J.
Blige, and the audio cut out, at least on my TV. I think she did a fine job on the ominpresent recent No. 1 Be Without You, a strong vocal showing on a song that requires just that.
But neither of her performances is going to be enough to save her, I'm afraid.
I was looking toward Chris and Taylor to break the chain of slushy or overdone songs, and I expected Paris to choose something predictable. She did not disappoint -- The Way We Were?
Shlock around the clock tonight.
I usually like the way Paris delivers her songs, but this seemed passionless at first, then, as if to compensate, hopelessly overwrought at the end. Might be my bias against the song, but I was not thrilled.
Will Paris' show go on?
Sporting Tina Turner hair, black boots and fingerless gloves (mercy!), Paris probably would have been a sensation if Kellie hadn't beaten her to it. A few hesitant moments aside, she rocked dramatically enough, but I'm not sure she'll reverse her slide with this performance.
I think my problem tonight is that I actually like country music, listen to it, and perhaps am more offended by people singing it half-heartedly than I would be with, say, modern rock or pop, which I don't care as much about.
Paris took a typical pageant singer number, How Do I Live by (take your pick) Trisha Yearwood (the country hit) or LeAnn Rimes (the pop hit).
It takes a big voice to handle it, which Paris has, but her version dragged at first, as if she was reading the lyrics off cue cards. Powerful finish, but lackluster overall.
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