I know some may get upset about this, but I think it's a realistic view of life after AI. The good news is, George Huff states that since AI, he hasn't had a year where he's made less than 100K. If George Huff can make that kind of money, I'm really confident Elliott will be more than fine.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainmen...ack=1&cset=true


After 'American Idol' is over, some go on but most go home

By Phillip Thompson
RedEye
Published May 25, 2006

Taylor Hicks may wear the crown as American Idol, but everyone becomes a winner now that the competition is over-even the losers.

After their group sing-along Wednesday, 10 of the top 12 finalists had the "Idol" tour to look forward to. The tour brings them to the Allstate Arena on Aug. 19. The top 12 finalists also appear on the "American Idol Season 5 Encores" CD, which hit stores Tuesday.

But after those two publicity nudges, what then?

In past seasons, the "Idol" winner and runner-up have shuffled off to record their debut albums for Sony BMG's RCA Label Group. The others-they're likely on their own.

The elation of singing in front of 30 million viewers each week slowly subsides for the also-rans. The true hardships of the business-a far cry from the lovefest as contestants are coached and coddled-become harsh reality for many of them.

Greg Ericksen, manager for Season 2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen, said that "Idol" producers 19 Entertainment have the option of retaining the recording rights for the top 24 semifinalists.

"If they don't pick you up-usually they don't-you're gone," he said. "You have to fend for yourself. It's hard to get people to return calls."

Ericksen said that one network producer marveled at the number of former Idols floating around Hollywood. "He said he's got 30 former Idols running around L.A. trying to get face time and trying to get exposure."

His client Rasmusen was a golden child after her top 6 finish, but she eventually learned there's no getting around paying dues. "One minute the best songwriters in the industry are throwing themselves at you. The next minute [you] can't get anybody to give you a song at all," he said.

Clinging to fame can lead some to fall into traps. Promoters make big promises, he said, and some parents have even mortgaged their homes to finance demos.

"The whole industry is going after those former Idols, soaking their parents ... and [the record deal] just doesn't happen," Ericksen said. "You got kids riding round in limos and on the front of People magazine-what do they do after that?"

Rasmussen finally roped in some talented songwriters and "just had a showcase in Nashville [last week] with all the major labels," he said.

George Huff literally thanks God that he avoided the pitfalls of some of his peers. The Season 3 finalist, whose music video for "Miracles" made its debut Tuesday night on the Gospel Music Channel, cites his Christian faith and tempered expectations as reasons for his success.

"The truth is you are the master of your own faith. The effort you put forth will determine how far you make it in this business," he told RedEye.

Huff said naysayers try to plant the seeds of doubt in contestants' heads if their CD doesn't sell a million records.

His CD "Miracles" hit stores on Oct. 11-just after his hometown of New Orleans was wiped out by Hurricane Katrina. "It had a major impact."

But thanks to cable appearances and international tour dates, Huff said he has never made less than "six figures" each year since he left the show. "Idol' has been real good about bringing me back for stuff," he said. "This industry is not an easy one," he said. "You have to think of other options if that CD don't sell."

Good article!I certainly can imagine what it's like for most of them afterwards!Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame while it lasts!
However,I don't have too much concern regarding Elliott.I think he is very intelligent to make wise decisions and I believe his talent is far above most of the formers Idols not to make it big!I have no doubt E will be HUGE!I was very happy to hear that George Huff is doing well.I really liked him and thought he was pretty talented.I will be going out to buy his cd,even if it's gospel.I think he would make it sound really good!
Thanks for the informative post.And again,I believe VERY strongly that Elliott will be one of the rare exceptions-he's like a masterpiece! :D

Thanks for the post. I don't think Elliott expects or needs to be a huge star. He wants to have a chance at making his music. I, for one, do not find it valuable to compare E to anyone else. He has his own path and destiny. He just happened to have found the door to that through AI. This man is exceptional and the skies the limit. Let's not envision for him anything other than tremendous success sharing his beautiful voice with the world!

An excellent reality check from no more level a head than George. I have a good feeling about Elliott too - he seems to be a wise man with no stars blinding him.

I've no doubt he goes on now to make a great and bountiful living making the music he loves and I am thrilled for him :)

I agree. And with all the passion, creativity, and soul that E will be putting into his album- I think once people find it, they will totally embrace it.

I don't think most artists go into the industry for fame or fortune- they go because they have a story to tell or a gift to share...

If you have a quality product, people will buy it... don't forget, Norah Jones' cd went multiplatinum and she doesn't sound like PCD at all. There are over 250 million people in the US... mind boggling that most cd's don't even sell 1 million copies...

I hope some of the past idols care enough to help the new ones through the "withdrawl" and start thinking practically about the career steps they need to take. It is sad that so many of them are wandering around Hollywood.

Thanks for the news on George Huff. He's one of my all time favorite contestants. I've been wondering what he's been up to.

You're welcome, all, and thank YOU for your replies! :)

I listened to season 5 CD and decided not to buy it.........there are only two I like on it.......and those two will have music out there soon......Elliott in the not so far future and Taylor's short CD is coming out. Yes, I like taylor but Luv Elliott. I will buy both of their music. Can't wait for elliott's to come out!!!! Elliott has gained so much recognition recently....It's like a magical thing! He was called the underdog throughout the competition and he kept rising and passing the others.

When he sang Heaven, I melted..completely! I really hope he has that one on his album! I kind of doubt it but I wish he'd consider it! I can see a large advertiser picking him up for a commercial too. Wouldn't doubt it.

He's an all american idol and will be better off in the position he left in......no strings in a few months. taylor and Kat will be entangled for years unless they buy out the contract as Kelly and Clay ended up doing. Elliott will have the best of all worlds!

Thanks for this post. I totally agree with this.

Elliott's style seems to me more sophisticated than the run-of-the-mill pop star, so he may be anacquired taste for some people, but I don't think he needs to appeal to everybody. I want him to succeed, but not so quickly that he retires in the near future :P

Wow, I must be losing it. I can't even remember Carmen Rasmusen from Season 2. She made it to the top 6? :blink:

If Carmen can get a showcase in Nashville, then that certainly bodes well for Elliott. He is lightyears more sophisticated in style, and has a much larger fan base.

I agree with the poster who said that Elliott isn't looking for superstardom anyway. He just wants a forum for his gift. I think he'll get it.

I think Elliott wants an opportunity to sing for a living and to touch people with his music - and all the rest is gravy. There is no doubt he will be doing that for many years to come.