Elliott Yamin
News (Page 3)

Elliott Yamin tightly hugged his willowy girlfriend, Jamie, clapped brother Scott on the back and took a swig from a bottle of diet Mountain Dew.

His band -- actually Taylor Hicks' Little Memphis Blues Orchestra -- had just cruised onstage to ear-splitting screams, easing into the seductive strains of Bill Withers' "Use Me."

Yamin peeked at the crowd of about 4,200, already on its feet awaiting his grand entrance, flashed his trademark grin and casually ambled out to his homecoming, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

In his first local appearance since July's stop with fellow American Idols, the Virginia native and third-place Idol finisher quickly fell into a groove.

"It was so comfortable -- almost too comfortable," he was overheard saying backstage.

Endless ripples of excitement raced through an audience filled with families -- many with little kids who wouldn't know Elliott Yamin from T.S. Eliot -- as "Use Me" segued into Bad Company's "Ready for Love."

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What hurts more than being booted off American Idol?

Not much, but a broken finger may be up there.

Unfortunately, season five contestant, Elliott Yamin, has now suffered through both experiences. The number-three finisher this past season is recovering from an hour's worth of surgery last week after breaking his pinky finger on his left hand in a freak accident.

Yamin, 28, was picking up rocks and throwing them at a sign after visiting a nightspot in his hometown of Richmond, Va., when "his finger got caught on a rod holding down a rock," a source close to the situation told People magazine.

"My finger snapped back and broke. I had to get a plate and two screws and I'm wearing a cast," Yamin said. "I'm doing okay. It's not hampering me."

The pinky will be on the mend for the next five to six weeks - but don't worry, fans, Elliott is right-handed, so he can still sign autographs.

"Everything is scheduled as planned. I'm good," said Yamin, who is performing with the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra in Birmingham, Alabama later today.

Yesterday, we reported that Taylor Hicks (right), Bucky Covington and Elliott Yamin skipped out on their American Idol tour after-party in L.A. to hit up a more serious music scene -- and pick up some industry cred.

The trio snuck away to perform at the notorious Hollywood rock club Viper Room. According to TMZ.com, Taylor jammed with the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, along with members of his own band, playing harmonica while taking shots on stage in front of a sold-out crowd.

This crowd wasn't interested in hearing any pop covers or standards, and Taylor Hicks proved he's more than a gimmick, drawing raves from the audience. Nice!

Elliott and Bucky (below, left) also got in on the action to the delight of the packed house which included tons of screaming fans... ones slightly older than the audience at the Staples Center earlier in the night.

Bucky hung with his wife Crystal, while Yamin was joined by his model girlfriend, Jamie (below, right).

As far as Taylor, when he wasn't on stage or fending off members of his Soul Patrol, he retreated to the confines of the closed-off VIP room.

Elliott Yamin is on the summer road trip of his life, but it's no vacation.

The third-place finisher on the most recent season of American Idol has been performing as part of the "American Idols Live Tour 2006" since early July, not to mention promoting the heck out of it. When he's not on the bus, that is.

The lifestyle has proved trying for the Jewish R & B singer, whose real name is Ephraim, as he adjusts to his newfound celebrity and schedule, according to a story in the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles.

"If you take away all we do -- the media, the shows -- just the traveling alone is pretty grueling," Yamin said, speaking from Duluth, Ga. "There is no schedule. Unless we have a day in town, we're moving on to the next venue."

That means sleeping on the tour bus quite often, one talent Yamin said he has not perfected. It caught up with him on a recent stop in Washington, D.C., where the American Idol finalists were to meet the President of the United States. Yamin showed up late to the White House, having overslept after arriving in the nation's capital very early that morning.

"I got there just in time to take some snapshots with him," Yamin said.

Before he arrived, Yamin's fellow performers, including Idol winner Taylor Hicks and runner-up Katherine McPhee, received a tour of the White House by the first lady's press secretary, Susan Whitson, who was once Hicks' ninth-grade English teacher, and who helped arrange the visit.

In addition to trying to keep up with his hectic work schedule, Yamin said he keeps abreast of the political situation in Israel, a matter of personal concern to him because so much of his family lives there.

"I have a huge family out there, some of whom are... fighting this battle. I just want to tell them how much I love them and God keep them safe," he said.

While he may be suffering from mid-tour fatigue, Yamin says the love shown by Jewish fans has meant a lot. The Jewish community in his hometown of Richmond, Va., in particular, has proved to be a hotbed of activity for "Yaminions."

An early effort that received national attention came from Jordan Shenker, executive director of Richmond's Weinstein JCC, who sent out a mass e-mail urging the community to vote for the "nice Jewish boy" on American Idol earlier this spring.

Support has come from his brethren outside Virginia, too, to say the least. Elliott received more than one Passover seder invitation while taping the show in Los Angeles, and was recently extended a bat mitzvah invitation during his tour stop in Bridgeport, Conn.

He's made quite an impression on fans across the country, But perhaps nothing quite compares to a t-shirt Yamin received from an 11-year-old boy one night on tour. With the Star of David superimposed atop the Superman emblem, it reads "You're My SuperJew."

"All the guys call me SuperJew when I wear it," Yamin said.

American Idol Worship has learned, courtesy of a Clay Aiken fan site, that popular Season 5 finalist Elliott Yamin will soon be releasing his first single, "The Storm."

The fan favorite, who finished third on the competition despite being overshadowed from the beginning of the finals, is reportedly close to signing a record deal. His first single's release marks Yamin's first creative effort as both a vocal artist and co-writer.

The soulful Elliott and his best buddy, producer/co-writer, Terry "Big Planz" Thompson quietly spent time together in a recording studio in between when the Virginian was voted off the program and the beginning of the American Idols Live tour.

"The Storm" is the result of their collaboration, with 20 percent of all sales have been designated to helping the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and another 20 percent earmarked for the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund.

Yamin (left, with AI5 winner Taylor Hicks) is a diabetic himself, and by setting aside 40 cents on the dollar for charitable causes, it's great to see him following the lead of Aiken, a renowned philanthropist.

"The Storm" will be available by the end of August on iTunes, as well as other web sources such as Amazon.com. It will hit music stores shortly thereafter. as Tower Records and other music stores. Fans looking for more information can check out Thompson's official site.

Despite being largely overlooked by the show's producers, American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin nonetheless won over a legion of fans with spirited performances this spring. Last weekend, he helped one special fan's dream come true.

The singer, who finished in third place in the most recent season, took time during the American Idols Live tour stop in his native Richmond, Va., to hang out backstage with Amanda Jones, a die-hard fan who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

To the left is a picture of them that appears on People magazine's website.

Jones, 19, from Jonesboro, Ark., received her diagnosis just two weeks ago, and immediately had two questions for her doctors:

-- Is the disease curable?
-- Could she go to Richmond to see American Idols Live?

"I had to see my Idol in his hometown," says Jones, who not only made it to Richmond on Saturday night, but -- thanks to a connection through a Yamin fan forum -- nabbed a backstage pass from a friend of Yamin's who'd heard about Jones' diagnosis.

She was ecstatic.

"He is, by far, one of the sweetest people I ever met. He was rubbing my back and told me not to worry and that everything would be okay," Jones said.

In May, Jones camped out at Graceland in nearby Memphis to catch a glimpse of him when the top Idol contenders visited Elvis' former home. Now, she says, Yamin has become her inspiration. A true Idol -- regardless of what the voters decided on the third-to-last episode.

"He's my hero. He went through so much in his childhood, struggled through so much, and in the end, he came out on top. That's what I pray and hope I can do," she said.

Yamin, 28, suffers from Type 1 diabetes and is 90 percent deaf in his right ear. After a series of ear infections during his childhood, and ear-drum replacement surgery at 13, he says his hearing hasn't been right. As for his ability to sing in spite of that?

"I don't know how to explain it, because I'm not a religious person. It's a gift," he told People in March.

Backstage at the Richmond show, Yamin, who is expected to sign a record contract in the near future signed Jones's program, writing:

"Amanda, thank you for all your support. I thank you for driving a long way to see us. God bless you, sweetheart."

In return, Jones gave Elliott a card and a LiveStrong bracelet. As she turned to leave, Yamin hugged her one more time.

"That just boosted me up," Jones said. "I forgot I was the kid with leukemia."

Yesterday, American Idol Worship pondered why it is taking so long for this season's third-place finisher, Elliott Yamin, to sign a recording contract.

It appears we weren't the only ones wondering just that, as People magazine reports today that the 28-year old is fielding a couple of offers.

"He's entertaining offers. There are two companies interested," a representative from Yamin's management company said.

Yamin, who lasted longer than many thought he would in Season Five on the strength of his voice (imagine that) rather than a catchy marketing hook, is featured prominently in the current American Idols Live tour. In turn, speculation from fans over when and if they'll be seeing an album from the Richmond, Va., product has run rampant.

"Elliott is involved in a lot of charity work and has put a lot of time into that and then went straight into the Idol tour," the singer's rep said. "It's hard to entertain offers while he's been on tour, and he's just waiting for the right offer. He's got a few things in the works and will have something firmed up very soon."

With winner Taylor Hicks, runner-up Katharine McPhee, popular Chris Daughtry and adorable Kellie Pickler all under contract already, this is great news for Yamin's fans.

It appears as if Elliott has become rather adept at bringing up the rear, if you will. During the Idols' trip to meet with President Bush at the White House last Friday, Yamin came sprinting into the room, five minutes late, wiping his forehead and exclaiming, "Phew!"

The reason for his tardiness?

"He was sleeping," fellow Idol finalist Ace Young said.

Yamin later described the incident to his hometown Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"I had press to do this morning. My sleep was interrupted, and I was trying to make up for it," he said. "The tour manager called me at the last minute and said, 'We'll have a taxi to take you there for the photo.' And that's what I did."

Katharine McPhee is in the headlines every single day and she wasn't even participating in the American Idol Tour until last week. Season Five winner Taylor Hicks is piling up the endorsements and public appearances left and right. McPhee, Hicks, and popular finalists Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler have all signed record deals. The question on the minds of many Idol freaks -- why is this year's third-place finisher, Elliott Yamin, still unsigned?

The irony is thick.

By and large, the record industry seems to stick with signing artists that have a certain hook, that fit a certain mold. Without a doubt, this is what's hurting Yamin right now, as he struggled in that department even as he made it all the way to the final three. And it is this unwritten rule that makes labels prone to overlook unique talent, which is precisely what has made American Idol such a runaway success.

Think about it. If you look back at the American Idol contestants that have gone on to successful careers, most of them are different in both look and style from your typical pop artist. If the record industry didn’t wake up after the success of Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, then you would think that the grey-haired soul man who won Season Five would have given them a clue. If it works, it works. America wants quality, uniqueness, diversity, and fun.

Born in California to a Jewish father of Iraqi heritage and a Jewish-American mother, the 28-year-old Yamin made it to the top three this year with a mere fraction of the screen time given other singers. That attests to his popularity with fans, and one would think recording companies would be doing everything they could to court him. Here is a young guy that does not need a marketing machine -- because he's going to make a quality record that sells itself.

Hopefully, Elliott gets a well-deserved deal real soon.

Thank goodness for Entertainment Weekly. The magazine reviewed a concert from the Season Five American Idol tour last week. With Taylor, Chris and the crew at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ, here's one critic's take on various performers:

Most likely to succeed: Based on audience feedback, Chris Daughtry may be poised for the biggest post-Idol career. It doesn't hurt that the guy is sex on a stick - parents should probably to cover the wee ones' ears and eyes during his cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" - but he's also the most polished, confident performer of the bunch.

Most embarrassing: Ace Young will never advance beyond cheesy Idol also-ran status, if only for his painfully literal on-stage gestures. He traced a tear down his face on two separate occasions - singing the words "cried" on "Father Figure" and "cries" on Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe." He also tapped his head meaningfully on the word "mind." That's just wrong.

Most surprising: Tenth-place finisher Lisa Tucker had the night's strongest showing among the women, sitting down at the piano to offer a restrained, heartfelt rendition of Elton John's "Your Song" - with no accompaniment from the band.

Most disappointing: Since her grandma Ann Nesby is apparently unwilling to say it, I'll deliver a much needed newsflash to Paris Bennett: "Young lady, you are not, nor will you ever be, the next Beyoncé Knowles." Paris' shenanigans on "Crazy in Love" provided too much awkward wiggle, and almost no vocal sizzle.

Most in need of a good life coach: After hearing his awesome one-two-three punch of "Moody's Mood for Love," "Never Too Much," and "Trouble," who could deny that Elliott Yamin is the best singer on the entire Idol tour? However, even after winning over millions of fans en route to a third-place finish, the guy still looks vaguely skittish at center stage. It might help if he traded a solo career for fronting a smooth jazz-R&B band.

Most sincere: It was actually Kellie Pickler. She sounded sincerely genuine thanking her fans for giving her a chance at fulfilling her dreams.

Most puzzling: No doubt, Taylor Hicks has a fine voice. And no doubt, he's going to sell boatloads of records. Still, this year's champ offered up a set that was just slightly underwhelming. Perhaps he's a little burned out from taking the lion's share of tour publicity, but after opening strong on "Jailhouse Rock" and Bob Seeger's "Hollywood Nights," he seemed oddly detached on "Sweet Soul Music" and "Don't Let Me Down."

What can't the American Idol finalists live without?

A lot of things, ranging from the physically essential (insulin) to the spiritual (the Bible) to the emotional (a blanket from home). As they kick off their 51-city tour in Manchester, N.H., the awesome Idols told People Magazine what special things they'll be taking with them on the road. The tour begins July 5. That's today!

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"I have two things: a bracelet that my fans made for me that says Ace Music on it and beanies so I can throw them out to fans. I have over 300 made. They're going to have a logo that my fans and I have put together." -- Ace Young

"A Taylor travel guitar. It's a little bitty one. It'll go in the bunk with me." -- Taylor Hicks

"A couple pictures of my family and my dog Lily." -- Katharine McPhee

"I have to bring my cowboy hat, black and brown." -- Bucky Covington

"My Bible, of course. The Psalms is a really great book because it runs every emotion possible. I imagine I could use that on tour." -- Mandisa

"My teddy bear. I got it for my Sweet 16 birthday last year and he's still alive. He's a caramel color and so soft. I bought him a new outfit because I just turned 17 on June 13." -- Lisa Tucker

"My little blankie from home. I've had it ever since I was little. It was passed along my family from my grandparents, from grandma to grandma to grandma." -- Kellie Pickler

"My stuffed-animal SpongeBob and my SpongeBob blanket. Kellie's blankie is not as cool as mine!" -- Paris Bennett

"Insulin. I really can't live without it (as a diabetic)." -- Elliott Yamin