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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Poll of the week: Kelly is would-be judge of choice

In last week's poll of the week, IDOL LIVE readers chose Kelly Clarkson as the fourth judge of choice from an assortment of eight qualified female possible alternatives to Kara DioGuardi. Kelly was the lone Idol alum represented in the poll and walked away with 23 votes (29%). She was closely followed by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, who has served as a guest celebrity judge in seasons past. Warren received 18 votes, good for 23% of the total take.

America's Got Talent judge Sharon Osbourne and former diva Whitney Houston tied for third with 10 votes (12%) and Mandy Moore was close behind with nine votes (11%). Jewel and Brandy failed to excite readers, as they received four and one vote(s), respectively.

In this week's poll of the week we ask readers which fall release by an Idol alum they are most excited for. You have exactly one week to vote.

Brandy 1 (1%)
Kelly Clarkson 23 (29%)
Whitney Houston 10 (12%)
Jewel 4 (5%)
Mandy Moore 9 (11%)
Sharon Osbourne 10 (12%)
Kelly Rowland 3 (3%)
Diane Warren 18 (23%)

Total votes: 78

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Keeping up with LaKisha Jones

LaKisha Jones, the soulful fourth-place finalist from Season 6, was overshadowed by some of her peers on the show. But she has been able to catapult herself into a multitude of areas of the entertainment industry following her stint on Idol.

LaKisha wrapped up a six-week run on Broadway on Feb. 24, as The Color Purple unexpectedly closed, unable to boost ticket sales following the departure of Fantasia from the show.

Despite the disappointing news, LaKisha is not just sitting on her hands, and has instead shifted her focus to completing her debut album. It will be released to digital retailers like iTunes in August and in stores later in the fall. Her first single, "Same Song," is written by Diane Warren and will be released in the near future according to her record label's Web site.

There is currently a clip of a song that will be featured on her album, "So Glad I'm Me," up on the site.

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