TAMPA, Florida — The producers behind the American Idols Live Tour might want to invest in a traveling recording studio.
While past outings have seen the winner and runner-up working on albums while traveling across the country (by flying to studios in bigger cities), no less than five finalists are writing and recording during their spare time on this summer's trek (see "American Idols Live Tour Dates Announced").
Along with Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice, Constantine Maroulis (see " 'Idol' Finalist Constantine Maroulis Got A Lot Done At All Those Parties"), Anwar Robinson and Nikko Smith hope to be nearly finished with their albums by the time the tour ends in September.
"I've been working on a project for a while, but this 'American Idol' experience gave me a reason to [get it done]," Robinson said backstage at recent tour stop.
Robinson's genre of choice is gospel music, but he's been exploring other styles with songs he's been writing since "American Idol" ended.
"It's based on a lot of elements of soul, R&B, jazz and gospel," he said. "I was calling it pop soul, but I'm wondering when the pop element is going to come in. I don't know yet, but I know it's definitely soulful."
A music teacher by day, Robinson can play several instruments and is experienced in recording studios, so he's also hoping to collaborate with other artists, including his fellow "Idols."
"I'll play, produce, write for, do background tracks for anybody here," he said. "I would love to be a part of what everybody here is doing, because the bond that we have here is truly one that is inseparable."
Perhaps Anwar can lend a hand to Nikko Smith, who has been working on material with producers in his hometown of St. Louis.
Tentatively titled The Comeback Kid, a reference to his return to "Idol" after Mario Vazquez quit, Smith's album will stick to the R&B style he showcased on TV.
"We gonna really put St. Louis on the map as far as R&B stuff goes," Smith said. "Hopefully right after the tour I'll be able to put something out."
For an exclusive backstage look at the American Idols Live tour, see "On The Road Again With 'Idol,' " and for more on Bo Bice, check out the feature "Bo Bice: Live On The Sunset Strip."
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