'Idol' odds 'n ends: Kimberly Caldwell signs with Vanguard

The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:

>It was announced on Wednesday via a press release that Season 2 seventh-place finalist Kimberly Caldwell has signed with Vanguard Records. Kimberly had the following to say about the signing:

Kimberly stated, "There are no words that can truly express how thrilled I am about joining the Vanguard Records family. Music has always been my first love so I'm beyond excited to release my debut album and it's such an honor to get to do so alongside the amazing artists who call Vanguard home."

According to the release, Kimberly's debut album will be produced by Marshall Altman and is expected to be out early next year. (Photo courtesy of Matt Beard.)

>Kelly Clarkson will be one of four female artists taking part in VH1's Divas special alongside Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis and Adele. Per the press release issued on Tuesday:

Continuing in true Divas tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

This is the first Divas special the network has hosted since 2005. VH1's Divas will be broadcast live on VH1 from the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House on Thurs., Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. ET.

>Chris Daughtry tweeted yesterday to alert fans that lyrics for four bonus tracks off Leave This Town had been posted on his band's official Web site. The songs are "Long Way," "Traffic Light," "Get Me Through" and "One Last Chance."

>As part of her continuing promotional tour for her sophomore album Battlefield, Jordin Sparks appeared on MTV's talk show It's On with Alexa Chung on Wednesday. Watch the first segment from the show below:



In the second segment featuring Jordin, she played "Will You Drink It" in which she had to drink concoctions ranging from "Red Devil" (tomato and pineapple juice) and "Rootbang" (rootbeer and tang).

>Phil Stacey launched his new official Web site last week to coincide with his upcoming sophomore release Into the Light (Aug. 25) on Reunion Records. In his welcome message, Phil said in part:

This new project represents my heart. I come from a long line of ministers. These songs are lessons I have learned along the way that I feel have drawn me closer to Jesus. I am excited to share them with you.

In the meantime, please check out my tour dates. I have a lot of events coming up, including a tour with Michael W. Smith this fall. I would absolutely LOVE to see you out there on the road. Until then, God bless you! Be safe.

Phil's new single, "You're Not Shaken," is currently #3 on Amazon MP3's Top 100 downloaded songs chart. It has been available as a free download for the past few weeks.