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No regrets for Elliott Yamin

BY DOUGLAS DURDEN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

May 26, 2006


HOLLYWOOD The show, as in "American Idol," may be over. But the work, as in a three-month concert tour that starts in July, is just beginning.

We caught up with Richmond's own Elliott Yamin yesterday for a few moments and asked him about the final days of his "Idol" odyssey.

Times-Dispatch: How did you feel during Wednesday's finale? Was it like a graduation?

Yamin: Yeah, it felt like a graduation in many ways. It was good being back with the group and rekindling those friendships. We worked awfully hard. We were up until 1 a.m. a lot of nights rehearsing.

T-D: Did you get to meet Prince, Wednesday's big surprise guest?

Yamin: I only got to shake his hand. But that worked for me.

T-D: So, now that it's all over, who were you rooting for to win?

Yamin: Taylor [Hicks]. We've been good friends since this whole thing started. He's going to be my friend for the rest of our lives. We thought we were going to battle it out for the crown. He said I deserved it. He's my dawg.

T-D: When you were watching Taylor and Katharine McPhee on the stage for the final time Wednesday, did you have a twinge of "That should have been or that could have been me"?

Yamin: I'd be lying if I said I didn't, especially Tuesday night when I was in the audience. There were a few moments [during the competition] when I thought I came really close. But that's a good feeling, not one of regret. Everything happens for a reason.

But, of course, there were flashes that it could have been me.

T-D: What did you do after Wednesday's finale?

Yamin: We went to a wrap party. Everybody and his mother was there -- including my mother. I got to say goodbye no, see you later -- to a lot of people. I've had so many jobs. Now I'm starting a career. And I've never worked with a more awesome set of people.

T-D: There's a rumor that you have your own album in the works.

Yamin: The only album in the works is the "American Idol" compilation album that went on sale Tuesday.

T-D: How did Wednesday's duet with Mary J. Blige come about?

Yamin: Initially, they asked Stevie Wonder. He agreed, then something came up and he went on tour. Then, Lenny Kravitz, but that didn't work out. She agreed at the last minute, and I couldn't have been happier.

Contact staff writer Douglas Durden at ddurden@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6359.
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B)Thanks!

That's excellent! Honestly, I think Mary J was the best duet option for him of those three. She is the hottest on the charts now, and that association is good for him. Plus, although I like Stevie and Lenny K, it was good for him to duet with a female singer.

Thanks for posting!

:(

Yes, I was dissapointed that it wasn't Stevie Wonder but you have a point in that it was good exposure for Elliott to sing with a contemporary R&B singer at the top of the charts, the association could help him break into the R&B market more easily.

There used to be rumours that the Top 4 would release their duet songs as charity singles, but since there has not been any mention of it I suppose it's not true? :( I would really love for that duet to be released as a single.

However, I am really hoping for a Stevie Wonder/Elliott collaboration in the future, they should record a duet together - it would be magic.

Wow! Not only is he exceptionally talented, but articulate and gracious, too!

I love this guy!

I really would have loved to have heard Stevie with Elliott. I was happy to hear that Mary J. was going to do the duet nonetheless, but I would have preferred the "early rumors" that it was to be a Flack / Hathaway duet. But at least he sounded great on that song even though he didn't get to sing more of the duet.

You're welcome to all those "thanks" I got. :D

I like Lenny Kravitz, but huh??? I'm not getting that one at all. I really wanted Stevie Wonder at first, but I think it's best that he got Mary J. Blige instead. It distances himself a little bit so people don't think he's a one trick pony. Singing w. MJB shows he's versatile.

You are so right - duet with a top current female R&B artist of a U2 classic. I can't imagine it getting any better.

Well that kind of explains why Elliott and Mary's song seem awkward with the movement etc. WE should all thank her.

I did! Go to her website, register and leave a comment. It will hopefully offset some of the rude comments left by others.

I swear today is rude day. I've come across more rude people online today than I have in the last month. People need to edit themselves more carefully.

So, he isnt making a cd :(

I wouldn't say that. He's under their thumb until August. If people are interested in him the last thing he wants to do is make that known, for fear 19E will back him into a corner. Better to play cool. We'll hear more when he's free to talk.

Why do you say that?