Paris Bennett

Bobby Valentino Vs. Bjork, Plus Bone Thugs, Paris Bennett, Elliott Smith, H.I.M. & More, In New Releases

8 May 2007 06:01:00 EDT

Also due Tuesday: Sea and Cake, Bad Plus, Sea Wolf, Shannon Wright, Travis, Master P, Radiohead.
By Kurt Orzeck

Bobby Valentino's Special Occasion
Photo: Def Jam

With everyone still reeling from Saturday's riveting de la Hoya/ Mayweather match — we wanted more blood, but UFC has been spoiling us — what better time for another edition of New Releases face-offs? Here are the record-bin battles you can expect to see this week:

Calling Timbaland - Fight for the Crown: Bobby Valentino's Special Occasion vs. Björk's Volta
>>> The Mississippi R&B singer made a stunningly auspicious debut with his 2005 eponymous LP, which peaked at #3 on the Billboard albums chart. Valentino has invited even more friends to his new Special Occasion — Timbaland ("Anonymous"), Fabolous ("Let Him Go") and Ludacris ("Rearview [Ridin']") among them. Also featured is a cover of Babyface's "Soon as I Get Home," as well as a boatload of hit-making producers and songwriters: Sean Garrett, Bryan Michael-Cox, Dre & Vidal, Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins.

>>> Björk's Volta is also spewing with collaborators, chiefly producer Timbaland, who is behind three of the tracks: "Earth Intruders," "Innocence" and "Hope." With Antony Hagerty of Antony and the Johnsons duetting on two songs — "The Dull Flame of Desire" and "My Juvenile" — plus a 10-piece brass section, a band from the Congo and other diverse guests, Björk is ready to break out. That her last studio LP, 2004's Medúlla, was her highest-charting one yet in the U.S. only helps poise her for even greater success.

As Not Seen on TV - The "Idol" Contest: Paris Bennett's Princess P vs. Paula Abdul's Greatest Hits: Straight Up!
>>> While Jordin, LaKisha, Blake and Melinda keep hashing out on season six of "American Idol," one of last year's contenders doesn't want you to forget about her. Fifth-place finisher Bennett has at last dished up her solo debut, named after the nickname Ryan Seacrest endowed her with during the competition. Adding even more frothy "Idol" goodness is a guest spot by fellow contender Kevin Covais on "Let Me Rap"; other tracks on the LP, partly produced by Rodney Jerkins, include "All Hail the Princess," "Burnt Up" and "Get Bizzy."

>>> Meanwhile, "Idol" judge Abdul doesn't want you to forget that she's got pipes of her own — her Greatest Hits: Straight Up! bundles together 18 selections by the Grammy-winning singer, including "Opposites Attract," "Forever Your Girl" and "Rush, Rush." The clips for her six #1 singles are also coming out this week, so be on the lookout for MC Skat Kat.

A Bone to Pick - The Rap Battle: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Strength & Loyalty vs. Bone Brothers' Bone Brothers 2
>>> Cleveland's Thugs have clocked roughly 40 million CDs sold worldwide, but they've been on the wane lately — last year's Thug Stories barely scraped the top 25 on the Billboard albums chart. But with a new label — they were on Koch but now call Interscope home — and a litany of high-profile peeps lending support (Mariah, Akon, Bow Wow, Swizz Beatz, Will.I.Am), the now-trio are aiming a bit higher. The Best Buy edition of Strength & Loyalty, originally called The Bone Thugs Story, has the exclusive cut "Just Vibe," while Hastings Entertainment's version features an exclusive "I Tried" remix.

>>> While those guys are hoping for a resurgence, two other bros — founding members Bizzy Bone and Layzie Bone — have a few things of their own to say with Bone Brothers 2. While Layzie has kept it real with Bone Thugs, Bizzy has since been ousted — which should make the first song on their LP, "Bone Thugs-N-Harmony," pretty interesting. Also featured is "We Are Warriors," "Thugs Need Luv" and "Bone Thug 4 Life."

Lest You Forget - Vying in the Vaults: Elliott Smith's New Moon vs. H.I.M.'s And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997-2004
>>> Smith fans got a raft of unreleased material with 2004's From a Basement on the Hill, which culled 15 songs the singer/songwriter was on the verge of releasing before he passed away in 2003. Digging a little deeper, his label Kill Rock Stars has chalked up 24 more songs he recorded from 1994 to 1997, including "Looking Over My Shoulder," "All Cleaned Out" and an early version of "Miss Misery." Let's just pray that this is the final word on Smith and that his estate doesn't plunder the vaults ad nauseum à la Jeff Buckley's.

>>> While New Moon showcases material up through 1997, Finnish goth gushers H.I.M. begin at that year and take their best-of set through 2004. The band pours its heartagrams out on two new songs, "And Love Said No" and a cover of — yes, they really did it — Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man." Fans pining for more unreleased material can hold their collective breath for two weeks, when Uneasy Listening Vol. 2 hits stores.

Ahoy, Mateys — Battle on the High Seas: The Sea and Cake's Everybody vs. Sea Wolf's Get to the River Before It Runs Too Low
>>> While Chicago indie cognoscenti Sam Prekop, Archer Prewitt and John McEntire are always rearing their heads in one form or another — via side projects, collaborations, etc. — it's taken them four long years to crank out another opus. This one marks the first time in the band's 14-year history that it's looked outward for production help — the honors go to Brian Paulson (Wilco, Slint). Songs include "Up on Crutches," "Middlenight" and "Introducing."

>>> Look deeper in the underground ocean and you'll find Sea Wolf, who got their handle from the Jack London book of the same name. Roaming California troubadour Alex Brown Church is actually the man at the heart of the band, and he sews together guitar, cello and other lush sounds for his five-song debut EP. "You're a Wolf," "The Garden You Planted" and "I Don't Know if I'll Be Back This Time" are featured on the disc, which is issued by the red-hot Dangerbird Records (Silversun Pickups, All Smiles).

Yo Momma - Family Feud: Mother Mother's Touch Up vs. Mothernight's Mothernight
>>> Last Gang Records — which brought you Metric and Death From Above 1979 — rolls out the carpet for its latest hopefuls, Vancouver, British Columbia's jazz- and classical-influenced popsmiths Mother Mother. Better yet, they really are a family affair — singer/guitarist Ryan Guldemond is the brother of singer Molly. Their first set was produced by New Pornographers collaborator Howard Redekopp and features "Polynesia," "Oh Ana" and "Ball Cap."

>>> Also being introduced are Mothernight, an industrial-metal band from Warsaw that sounds nothing like the above. Fronted by Freya, the four-piece found a strange time to put out its maiden release — after all, Kurt Vonnegut, who wrote a book called "Mother Night" died less than a month ago. The song titles featured on Touch Up, however, don't quite mesh with Vonnegut's dark comedy — among them are "Someone to Feed On," "Shadowsblack" and "Infect Your Soul."

Song Title of the Week:

"Crackle Rotcha Tee Thout" from Chasing Victory's Fiends

Other Notables:

Lavender Diamond's Imagine Our Love
These country folksters have been making some pleasant noise in their Los Angeles hometown and beyond lately, and Matador is hoping they become the label's next Belle & Sebastian or New Pornographers. Giving Lavender Diamond — who are led by cool singer Becky Stark — an extra boost is their recent performance at South by Southwest, overseas deal with Rough Trade and recent tour with the Decemberists.

The Mary Timony Band's The Shapes We Make
Timony's former band Helium were one of Matador's key '90s linchpins, as a matter of fact, but after many subsequent years of obscurity, she's hoping to rebound with this release produced by Jawbox's J. Robbins. Timony enlists keyboards, banjos, analog synths, the melotron, viola, and even an old Casio PT1 for the LP, which was crafted in Robbins' Baltimore studio and Timony's attic studio in her Washington, D.C., home.

Wooden Stars' People Are Different
This Canadian band nabbed the Juno Award for Best Alternative Album for its collaborative effort with Julie Doiron in 2000 — and it celebrated the prize by disbanding for four years. Now the Wooden Stars are shining bright again with their first release in eight years, which sounds something like XTC jamming with the Clash. If these guys can count the Arcade Fire among their fans, surely they can count you as well.

New Releases:

· Keren Ann - Keren Ann (Blue Note)
· The Bad Plus - Prog (Heads Up)
· Bassnectar - Underground Communication (Om)
· The Bellamy Brothers - Jesus Is Coming (Curb)
· Paris Bennett - Princess P (306)
Read: "Idols Now: Paris Bennett Debut Includes Rapper ... Kevin Covais?"
· Steve Bertrand - Pain Is a Megaphone (enhanced; Icon)
· Björk - Volta (Atlantic) [Buy]
Read: "Tsunami, Timbaland Help Shape Bjork's Forthcoming Volta"
· Bone Brothers - Bone Brothers 2 (Real Talk/ Koch)
· Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Strength & Loyalty (Full Surface/ Interscope) [Buy]
Read: "Bone Thugs Dropping Two New LPs; Second Disc To Feature Dre, Kanye, Mariah"
· The Boggs - Forts (Gigantic) [Buy]
· The Brakes - The Beatific Visions (enhanced; Rough Trade)[Buy]
· The Breakers - Here for a Laugh (Funzalo)
· The Brokedowns - New Brains for Everyone (Thick)
· Chanticleer - And on Earth, Peace: A Chanticleer Mass (Warner Classics)
· Chasing Victory - Fiends (Mono vs Stereo)
· Circus - Labertino (Locomotive)
· The Clientele - God Save the Clientele (Merge)
· Dan Deacon - Spiderman of the Rings (Carpark)
· Linda Draper - Keepsake (Planting Seeds)
· Earthless - Rhythms From a Cosmic Sky (Tee Pee) [Buy]
· Edge of Dawn - Enjoy the Fall (Metropolis)
· Electrelane - No Shouts No Calls (Too Pure)
· DJ Encore - Unique (Koch)
· The Exies - A Modern Way of Living With the Truth (Eleven Seven)
· Fields - Everything Last Winter (Atlantic)
· Scott Fisher & 1 a.m. Approach - Step Into the Future (1 a.m. Approach)
· Foreverinmotion - The Beautiful Unknown (111)
· Sage Francis - Human the Death Dance (Epitaph)
· Lisa Gerrard - Silver Tree (High Wire)
· Goon Moon - Licker's Last Leg (Ipecac)
· Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara (Nettwerk)
· Harper - Day by Day (Blind Pig)
· Dave Hole - Rough Diamond (Blind Pig)
· The Ike Reilly Assassination - We Belong to the Staggering Evening (Rock Ridge)
· Jackiem Joyner - Babysoul (ARTizen)
· Kotipelto - Serenity (Candlelight)
· Jimmy LaFave - Cimarron Manifesto (Red House)
· Lavender Diamond - Imagine Our Love (digipak; Matador)
· Fred Lonberg-Holm Trio - Terminal Valentine (Atavistic)
· Hamilton Loomis - Ain't Just Temporary (Blind Pig)
· Lord Belial - Revelation (Regain)
· Maxïmo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures (Warp)
· Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours - Trailercana (DPR)
· Mother Mother - Touch Up (Last Gang)
· Mothernight - Mothernight (Locomotive)
· Mystery Jets - Zootime (Dim Mak)
· Neon Horse -- Neon Horse (Tooth & Nail)
· New Years Day - My Dear (enhanced; TVT)
· No Second Troy - Narcotic (None)
· Page France - Page France and the Family Telephone (Suicide Squeeze)
· Chuck Ragan - Los Feliz (Side One Dummy)
· Rush of Fools - Rush of Fools (Midas)
· Sage Francis - Human the Death Dance (Epitaph)
· The Sea and Cake - Everybody (Thrill Jockey)
· Sea Wolf - Get to the River Before It Runs Too Low (EP; angerbird)
· Richard Shindell - South of Delia (self-release)
· The Stranger's Six - A Date With Daylight (Orange Peal)
· Barbra Streisand - Live in Concert 2006 (two CDs; Columbia)
· Tarwater - Spider Smile (Morr)
· The Mary Timony Band - The Shapes We Make (Kill Rock Stars)
· Travis - The Boy With No Name (Epic)
· Bobby Valentino - Special Occasion (Def Jam) [Buy]
Read: "Bobby Valentino Looks Out For The Ladies With New Album, Jean Line"
· The Voyces - Kissing Like It's Love (Planting Seeds)
· Wax Tailor - Hope & Sorrow (Decon)
· Weatherbox - American Art (Doghouse)
· Wooden Stars - People Are Different (Sonic Unyon)
· Shannon Wright - Let in the Light (Quarterstick)
· Yacht - I Believe in You. Your Magic Is Real. (Marriage)
· Various artists - New Arrivals, Vol. 2 (MPress)

Notable Reissues and Archival Material:
· Paula Abdul - Greatest Hits: Straight Up! (Virgin/EMI) [Buy]
· The Coasters - The Definitive Soul Collection (Rhino) [Buy]
· Easy Rider - Lo Mejor de Easy Rider (Locomotive)
· The Heptones - Sweet Talking (Heartbeat/Rounder) [Buy]
· H.I.M. - And Love Said No: The Greatest Hits 1997-2004 (Universal Republic)
· Jethro Tull - The Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull (Capitol/EMI)
· Carole King - Love Makes the World - Deluxe Edition (two CDs; Rockingale)
· KMFDM - Adios and Symbols (Metropolis)
· Dave Mason - Live at XM Satellite Radio - The Deluxe Edition (Friday Music)
· Master P - Ghetto D - 10th Anniversary Edition (two CDs; Priority)
· Radiohead - Com Lag (2Plus2IsFive) (enhanced EP; Capitol) [Buy]
· The Rascals - The Definitive Pop Collection (Rhino)
· Leo Sayer - The Definitive Pop Collection (Rhino)
· Elliott Smith - New Moon (two CDs; Kill Rock Stars) [Buy]
· Terry Strafford - Say, Has Anyone Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose (Koch)
· Tankard - Disco Destroyer (Locomotive)
· Dale Watson - The Little Darlin' Sessions (Koch)

Music DVDs:
· John Coltrane - "Trane Tracks: The Legacy of John Coltrane" (Jazz Movie Classics) [Buy]
· Dinosaur Jr. - "Live in the Middle East" (Image)
· The Knack - "On Stage at World Cafe Live" (Decca)
· Living Colour - "On Stage at World Cafe Live" (Decca)
· Rhett Miller - "On Stage at World Cafe Live" (Decca)
· David Poe - "On Stage at World Cafe Live" (Decca)
· Baden Powell - "Self Portrait - 1990" (DRG)
· Rainbow - "Up Close and Personal" (with book; Hurricane)
· Spooky Tooth - "Nomad Poets - Live in Germany 2004" (Koch)
· Thin Lizzy - "Up Close and Personal" (with book; Hurricane)
· Grover Washington Jr. - "Live From Atlantic City" (Immortal)

Coming Attractions:

May 15:
· Megadeth - United Abominations (Roadrunner) [Preorder]
· Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight (Warner Bros.) [Preorder]
Read: "Linkin Park Finish Apocalyptic Album, Revive Projekt Revolution Tour"
· Wilco - Sky Blue Sky (enhanced; Nonesuch) [Preorder]

May 22:
· Tim Armstrong - A Poet's Life (with bonus DVD; Hellcat)
· The Bravery - The Sun and the Moon (Island) [Preorder]
· KRS-One and Marley Marl - Hip Hop Lives (Koch)
· Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long (Octone) [Preorder]
Read: "Maroon 5 Back With 'Harder' Album After Adam Levine Gets Sick Of Partying"
· Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain (Epic)

May 29:
· Les Claypool - "Fancy" DVD (Prawn Song) [Preorder]
· Danzig - The Lost Tracks of Danzig (two CDs; Megaforce) [Preorder]
Read: "Glenn Danzig Preps 'Final' Tour, Film, Box Set And, Uh, Dolls"
· R. Kelly - Double Up (Jive) [Preorder]
Read: "New R. Kelly LP Includes Akon, Jeezy, 'Flirt' — But No 'Closet' Till July"

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'American Idol' Vets, Industry Pros Say How They'd Improve The Show

29 Jan 2007 06:01:00 EST

Taylor Hicks, Randy Jackson make suggestions for judging, performances.
By Corey Moss

Taylor Hicks
Photo: Vince Bucci/ Getty Images

"American Idol" is a cultural phenomenon and a ratings juggernaut, but let's face it, it ain't perfect. There are singers who can't sing, judges who don't judge and, well, whatever that whole Meatloaf thing was at last season's finale.

While the show's sixth season is already going strong, critics and fans have questioned how long it can last (see " 'American' Invincible? 'Idol' Watchers Weigh In On Show's Shelf Life"). And since "Idol" does seem to be the thing everyone has an opinion on, we thought we'd ask some people close to the show or the music industry in general what they'd change if they were in charge.

Surprisingly, no one suggested bringing Brian Dunkleman back.

Taylor Hicks, season-five winner: "I would probably allow people to play instruments. For me, there's a couple different aspects to my entertaining, two of them being harmonica and guitar. That could be a cool possibility."

David Bloomberg, editor of fan site FoxesOnIdol.com: "I'm not a big fan of the bad auditions. We could be done with those in a week and it would make me quite happy. Also, let us get to know all of the semi-finalists before we start to vote, to make it fair. I would suggest adding a special hour before the voting shows begin to give us short intros to all the remaining contestants. That way we don't have a situation where we've seen and heard a lot about a few contestants while others are brand new to us when they sing for our votes. Finally, Ryan Seacrest needs to stop taking himself so seriously and trying to outdo Simon with his jabs and insults. Enough already."

Randy Jackson, "American Idol" judge: "I could definitely live without [the celebrity guest judges]. I mean, the show works because it's the three of us on the panel, and what we do and how we interact. I think when people come into the arena that we judge in, it's often a little awkward and a little hard for them. I think people look at the show as a fan and go, 'I could do that. I'd love to be there.' It's almost like saying, 'I could be a pitcher.' Actually, I couldn't. I don't even know if I could pitch Little League. I mean, yes, you could do it, but is it going to be great or are you just there for the TV face time?"

JoJo Wright, on-air personality at KIIS-FM, Los Angeles: "Give out a William Hung Award [to the worst singer] at the completion of the audition process. Perhaps have William Hung present the award, himself."

DJSlim (real name: Brent Natzle), editor of IdolBlogLive.com: "I would eliminate all the auditions we have to watch, and of course there would be a huge overhaul to the voting system. Right now it isn't fair that people can vote literally thousands of times for their favorite Idol. Shows like 'Nashville Star' have been successful and they limit the number of votes people can cast. The biggest thing I would change with 'Idol,' though, would be allowing the contestants to use the Internet to blog about their experience on the show. 'Rock Star: Supernova' allowed the contestants to blog and it really helped to get to know the individual singers. Blogging is huge right now and 'Idol' needs to see that and take advantage of it. Instead of getting upset and suing blog owners, grow up and allow the contestants to blog about the show. Who cares if we find out any of the show's secrets?"

Paris Bennett, season-five finalist: "I love that people can call in and vote, but that is very, very controversial. So I'd redo the voting thing. And the genres they pick — our show was good, but we had these slow weeks, love-song week, and sometimes they're stupid."

Bryan-Michael Cox, songwriter/producer (Mariah Carey, Chris Brown): "I would focus more on the positive in the beginning. We think the negative stuff is hilarious, but when you're in the process of launching careers, you shouldn't take the seriousness out of it. You know, William Hung got a record deal, but that could have gone to someone with talent who could be building a career right now."

Todd Brabec, executive vice president/membership, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP): "It would be great to integrate contemporary songwriters into the show who can help write original material specifically suited to the finalists. They could show a behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process and how it helps to shape the artist. I understand the producers are introducing a national songwriting competition into the mix this year, and that is a step in the right direction."

Ace Young, season-five finalist: "I'd change the food they gave the contestants. We didn't get much for breakfast, it was all crescent rolls and fruit. And I'd change the sleeping arrangements. We slept on beds smaller than a twin mattress and I shared a room with Chris [Daughtry] with my feet hanging off the bed. That was the worst thing about the whole deal."

Greg Wells, producer (Deftones, the Pussycat Dolls): "If I ran 'American Idol,' I would immediately ban all Broadway show tunes from being performed."

And finally ... you.: Write in to You Tell Us and explain what you would change about "American Idol."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Idols Now: Paris Bennett Debut Includes Rapper ... Kevin Covais?

19 Jan 2007 06:01:00 EST

Fellow former contestants team up for hip-hop track 'Let Me Rap.'
By Corey Moss

Paris Bennett
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

While former "American Idol" finalists often attempt to distance themselves from the show, Paris Bennett is embracing her status as season five's fifth-place finisher.

Her upcoming debut is called Princess P, the nickname Ryan Seacrest gave her on the show, and the album features appearances from fellow "Idol" contestants Lisa Tucker and Kevin Covais.

"What people don't know is that he can rap," Bennett said of the diminutive, bespectacled Covais in her squeaky speaking voice. "He loves Kanye West. He'd rap whole songs. He used to freestyle backstage. I was like, 'I have to do that on my album.' "

Their collaboration is in fact a hip-hop track, called, fittingly, "Let Me Rap." The Tucker duet is still in the works, but the two have become best friends since appearing on the show and talk daily.

Princess P also features Bennett's famous grandmother, Sounds of Blackness singer Ann Nesby, as well as Paris' mother and 70-year-old great-grandmother. "I'm a fourth-generation singer, so we did a song together called 'Best Friend,' " Bennett said. "While we were recording it was kind of normal, but once we sat down to listen to it, we were tripping out."

The album's first single is a rock and soul tune called "Ordinary Love," produced by Beyoncé collaborator Jon Jon Traxx. " 'Ordinary Love' basically talks about me, a teen girl saying, 'I like this dude so much — it's not just love, I think he's my soul mate,' " Bennett explained. Dustin Breeding of Bad Boy group B5 plays Paris' love interest in the video, which she shot last week in Minneapolis. ("Idol" season-five winner Taylor Hicks was scheduled to come by the set.)

Princess P also features production from Darren Lighty and Rodney Jerkins. "I've always liked the things he did for Brandy, so getting to sing on one of his tracks was a cool thing," Bennett said of the latter.

The album is due in March on the independent label 306 Entertainment. "Being on a big label, you're already in competition with the other people on your label," Bennett said. "You're not the main focus."

Bennett describes the sound of the album as "just me." "Everything you saw me do on 'American Idol,' from the rock to the jazz to the R&B, I've figured out a way to intertwine that into a 12-track album," she said. "I am a versatile child. I like to try different things."

Although details are still coming together, Bennett expects to hit the road for a promo tour around the album's release.

One fan sure to be there is "Idol" judge Randy Jackson. "I think she's got a bright future," Jackson said. "Paris was a very talented girl on the show. I think she just needed a little bit more seasoning, just a little bit more experience."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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'American Idol' Top 10 Add 20 More Shows To Summer Plans

25 May 2006 09:01:00 EDT

The 59-date Idols Live tour kicks off July 5 in New Hampshire, runs through September 24 stop in Pennsylvania.
By Gil Kaufman

"American Idol" season five top 10 finalists
Photo: Ray Mickshaw/Fox

With newly crowned champ Taylor Hicks still basking in the glow of his win Wednesday night, the "American Idol" TV juggernaut isn't the only 800-pound gorilla in the franchise. The American Idols Live Tour has added 16 fresh stops and tacked on second shows in four markets to make it one of the summer's biggest outings.

The now 59-date tour will kick off with a pair of shows in Manchester, New Hampshire, on July 5 and 6, then hit Worcester, Massachusetts, for a two-fer on July 7 and 8, before doubling up a week later in East Rutherford, New Jersey (July 13, 14) and Uniondale, New York (July 15, 16).

The additional September dates will keep the 10 finalists — Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Mandisa, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Elliott Yamin and Ace Young — on the road through a September 24 date in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, at the Wachovia Center, according to a press release on the official "Idol" Web site. Tickets for the new dates will go on sale Saturday.

American Idols Live Tour dates, according to the show's official Web site:






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