Ruben to release 'Love IS" on May 19

The second season's big, lovable velvet teddy bear champ may have lost his record deal with J Records, but he need not worry thanks to Hickory Records. Ruben Studdard was picked up by the independent label, which also is home to Elliott Yamin, and plans to release his fourth studio album Love IS in partnership with 19E on Tues., May 19. Per Croshal Entertainmnet Group (CEG)'s Web site:

Ruben Studdard's new album is officiall titled "Love IS" and will be released May 19th on the 19 Entertainment/Hickory label and will feature new songs along with classics from the past American Idol winner. The first single titled "Together" is going to radio this week!

The single is available to stream on CEG's Web site, along with Elliott's new single "Fight For Love." No word yet on when "Together" will hit digital retailers.

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Keeping up with Elliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin had a banner year in 2007 with the success of his self-titled debut, which went gold and has sold approximately 518k copies to date. Now, the soulful fifth season second runner-up is going for a repeat in 2009.

Newly signed to the Croshal Entertainment Group (CEG), Elliott just finished working on his sophomore album, which is slated for a May 5 release after being delayed two months from its original March 2009 due date. On the album, he worked with such industry icons as Diane Warren and Jermaine Dupri to assist with songwriting and production. It was reported that Midi Mafia also collaborated with Elliott. Listen to "Be Apart" below, a demo that is likely to appear on his yet-to-be titled album:

The yet-to-be determined first single is scheduled for a February release, which makes it seem like he will be vying for a performance slot on an Idol episode this season. Another demo that recently leaked is "The Bridge Is Burning," which also stands a good chance at making the final cut of the album.

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