Another Idol label deal bites the dust. Hollywood Insider has learned that Katharine McPhee is the latest former contestant to part ways with her record company. Like season 2 winner Ruben Studdard and season 5 champ Taylor Hicks, who were signed to J and Arista Records, respectively, a rep for RCA Records confirms that McPhee is no longer on the label’s roster, adding that, “Katharine is going to record her next album on her own.” McPhee’s self-titled debut charted at a promising No. 2 in February 2007, but it never reached gold status. Sources close to McPhee complain the label didn’t support the album — but Idol Phatigue seems to have conquered McPheever. Still, she shouldn’t lose all hope: The singer, who is managed by Guy Oseary, makes her first feature-film appearance (opposite Anna Faris) in I Know What Boys Like later this year, and we hear she’s already in talks with another label.
As for this recent spate of Idol exits (we double-checked, and deals for Clay Aiken and Fantasia are still intact), a rep for the RCA Music Group (which includes Arista, RCA, and J Records) tells Insider, “After six seasons, we are proud of the eight artists on the roster who started their careers on the show. With respect to Taylor, we have an understanding that he will come back to us to play music once he’s finished writing his new material.”
I am happy about this! Clive Davis is a huge A*%hole and did nothing to support the album anyway.
Im glad shes leaving in a way. they did not promote her well at all I think. However if shes going with a smaller label means a lower budget and not a big tour. I hope she comes back to St. Louis again.
sad for kat….and rueben, and taylor..but perhaps AI should change the way voting is allowed. should be “one vote, One person”
Could you please explain the line that ends this article? Taylor is no longer on the label, but after he writes his new stuff, he’s going back there to “play music”? HUH?
I sincerely hope that this article re: Katharine’s news doesn’t draw as many nasty comments as when EW reported (sure, with a question mark, but still intended to be negative) that Taylor and Ruben were “dropped”
It will draw negative comments, it’s about Katharine. I am SO happy with this news! I hope it’s true unlike in October when she thought she was going to sign with Warner and we all got our hopes up lol.
Seems like BMG is cleaning house of all the former idols except for Kelly, Chris and Carrie. Well I think that Kat being dropped by RCA will ultimately be a great thing for her. Plus she is the only one that is being reported to already be in negotiations. Possibly those rumors about David Foster and WB will come true afterall.
Hey Ruben was dropped, Taylor was dropped, and now Kat was dropped. Of all of them I think Kat will rebound the highest! You go girl! Glad you are away from Clive, I just wish Kelly would get away too!
Well, that sucks. I was hoping the rumor about Clay was true, but Clive seems to be determined to keep him from being successful. FURCA
What the hell is going on? They are dropping idols left and right like they are garbage. We are just one week away from the new season of American Idol. I hope all the semi-finalists are watching what is taking place and realize just because you make Top 10 doesn’t mean you will become a superstar. HAVE A PLAN B KIDS!
They must be clearing the way to signing all the ringers that are going to “compete” this year. http://www.votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants
The last press release “Taylor will be making his next album on his own” connected to this one, “Taylor will come back to us to play music….” What an interesting thing to say! The first statement implies Taylor’s no longer with the company, and the second one implies he is still on their roster. Taylor’s contract must be as thick as a book!
“we double-checked, and deals for Clay Aiken and Fantasia are still intact”
Too bad. I’d love to see Clay get away from that old fossil, Clive.
I can’t get over fans saying being dropped by a major label is a good thing!!!! It’s not, so shut up already before you ruin it for those that still have a contract. Gawd, you guys are ignorant.
I too wish Clay would get away from
RCA and ole senile Clive.
Janice – if the label doesn’t support you or let you spread your wings creatively, then what good are they? You have to do what you need to do to create your art and if that means going indie or solo, then so be it. People like Taylor who now has the best of both worlds – freedom, a large fanbase, and a name. He’ll be more than fine.