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I think it’s about time I post a Season 6 update! Here goes…

Jordin Sparks’ first single, “Tattoo,” from her upcoming album (due to be released November 20) was released last Monday. We’ll see how well the single is doing when the chart and sales numbers are released next week. A couple of days ago I was flipping by my local KISS station in the car, and there it was. You can listen to it here. It’s standard Top 40 fare. It’s certainly no earworm–the way Rihanna’s songs stick in your head, for instance (rella rella rella…ahhhhh….KILLMENOWPLEASE). But what do I know? The kids will prolly love it…

Stargate, the Swedish production team who helmed the production have produced hits for others, including Ne-yo, Rihanna and Elliott Yamin.Recent interviews in Entertainment Weekly and TV Guide with Blake Lewis are a fun read. Blake is refreshingly candid as he discusses the tour, his new-found fame (old ladies invade his space!) and his upcoming record ADD (Audio Day Dream), scheduled to be released at the end of the year. About the music on the album Blake says,

I feel that I have two singles already, maybe three. I definitely know which ones I want to come out first, but it’s all up to the powers that be. I’ve been working on music for a long time — I’d already started writing all this music a while ago.

Blake also says that, “Every single idea that I have for this project, the company is in love with.” Additionally, he’s videoing his studio sessions for a DVD that will be released at the same time as the record.

I am really intrigued by the fact that Chris Richardson’s Idol-mates cannot stop talking about what a great songwriter he is. He’s submitted songs for Jordin Sparks album that may very well make the cut, and he’s writing for/with Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey. Chris Rich talks about his songwriting in this TV Guide interview.

Phil Stacey and Melinda Doolittle will perform in Carnegie Hall this fall. They’ll take part in the 10th anniversary celebration of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, along with the New York Pops, Rosanne Cash and others. Performing in Carnegie Hall should be a thrill for both of them.

Next on Melinda Doolittle’s plate, is a Christmas tour with Christian recording artist, Michael W. Smith (At one point, Jordin Sparks toured with Smith as a backup singer). The tour, titled “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” features songs from Smith’s upcoming Christmas album. It kicks off on November 29 and wraps up on December 22.

One of my favorites from this season, Chris Sligh has been busy writing music during his downtime on the tour. You can listen to some demos at his MySpace. My favorites are “Love is Raining Down” and “Something Beautiful.” The songs have awesome melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Chris will be signing with a Christian label once the tour is over. Go there now and listen! Good stuff.

BTW, christophro fan wrote to tell me that Terry Fator,  the winner of the Simon Cowell produced reality show, “America’s Got Talent” is Chris Sligh’s cousin.  But, I’m probably the last to know.  Terry is an amazing ventriloquist and besides winning 1 million dollars, he’s going on to headline in Las Vegas. Sweet.

Sanjaya Malakar’s family is selling the house he lived in before he made the American Idol cut. The entire family is moving to Hollywood. How about that?

Gina Glocksen’s best friend on tour is Haley Scarnato. In fact, Haley is going to be an attendant in Gina’s upcoming wedding to fiance Joe. Meanwhile, Haley may have to postpone her own wedding scheduled for January–the Idol tour has kept her too busy to do the necessary planning…

Finally, the Tour sponsors, Pop Tarts. have been posting webisodes of the Idols on tour. I just sat down and watched a bunch of them, and I have to say the kids are an engaging crew. Really. It’s a shame the producers didn’t allow us to see much of their personalities on the show. I can only hope that TPTB have learned their lesson…

And check out these kinda weird videos of the Idols presiding over the Nasdaq closing bell on Friday. Phil Stacey’s speech is a highlight! Check it out: Part1 and Part2. Rickey.org has some nice pictures here, here, here and here.