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Idol Alum Blake Lewis Splits With Record Label

Blake Lewis CD cover art courtesy Arista/J Records

We have a new record! After only seven months since his album hit stores, former Idol runner-up Blake Lewis has parted ways with his label, Arista Records, making it the shortest relationship and Idoler has ever had with any label.

The Season 6 beatboxer did, however, make it clear to MTV News that he wasn't dropped. "My contract with Arista is up, and they didn't option me, so I'm with 19 Recordings and we're working on booking a tour," says Lewis.

But don't think a little thing like parting ways with his label is going to keep this musician down. Lewis has already written four songs for his new sophomore LP that's in the works, and the artist says he may release the disc through his own label which he's working on launching. "I guess in the world of radio, selling 300,000 is not a success," explained Lewis. I beg to differ. I couldn't be happier, and my fans are amazing and super-supportive." — Gina DiNunno

Related:
• Idol's Season 8 Audition Sites Include Puerto Rico
• Hot Videos: Catch up with your Season 7 Idol faves

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Posted by

The Idol Chatters

Jun 26, 2008 2:37 PM

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I'm not surprised it didn't sell well - electronica-tinged music just isn't very appealing to mainstream listeners. I think A.D.D. is a great album, and I really hope he gets to fulfill his dream of working with BT. He'll probably do a lot better working on his own label or a smaller one, preferably one who understands electronica music.
Posted by Dianora Jun 26, 2008 4:20 PM Report Abuse

I had reservations when his album came out but went ahead and purchased it and am SO glad I did. It has easily become one of my favorite albums, and I HATE electronica music. It reminds me of Maroon 5 (as Blake and Adam Levine sound similar) and Justin Timberlake's newest album.

As for this label nonsense, in his Myspace blog he has been talking about how Arista has been going through some restructuring for a while now so I think he definitely saw this coming. Plus, he says (and I agree) that they didn't do a really great job marketing ADD and so he has had to do much of that work himself.

Regardless, I'm sure Blake will do fine and he can rest assured that I will be buying his next effort without hesitation!

Posted by buffynangel

Jun 27, 2008 10:26 AM

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Whatever. I freaking love that album. I don't care who he's with...I'll buy the next one.
Posted by dakilman Jun 27, 2008 12:09 PM Report Abuse

My problem with the album is the lack of beatboxing. It's his greatest skill and seemed to be toned down so much so as not to offend the general public. On most songs, there wasn't much and it would often appear at the end of the song for just a few moments. So this is probably for the best for Mr. Lewis.
Posted by achyfakey Jun 27, 2008 2:57 PM Report Abuse

Okay I am now officially confused. I thought the winner of Idol as well as the front-runner were bound to have a contract with the Idol producers/record company? ~Sangeeta
Posted by Geets226 Jun 27, 2008 2:58 PM Report Abuse

Just the winner. Everyone else might get a contract, but it's not guaranteed. They're all bound to 19 Entertainment's management company, though, as Clay Aiken found to his regret, resulting in a lawsuit.
Posted by Sheldon Jun 28, 2008 9:43 AM Report Abuse

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