Jon Peter Lewis News

The good people at, well, People magazine have put together the following updates for us on past American Idol favorites:

DIANA DEGARMO
American Idol Appearance: Season 3 (2004)
How She Did: 2nd place
Diana DeGarmo has kept busy recording an album and starring in the Broadway musical Hairspray. Her latest big accomplishment? Dropping three dress sizes to a size 4!

"The first time I put on size 26 waist jeans, I was jumping around the store," says DeGarmo, 19, who's lost the weight by changing her diet (staples include fish and brown rice) and working out four times a week.

JON PETER LEWIS
American Idol Appearance: Season 3 (2004)
How He Did: 8th place
He's the guy Simon Cowell said looked like "a pen salesman," but Lewis, 27, didn't go on to sell office supplies. In fact, the singer released his debut album, Stories from Hollywood, in 2006. Next up: a club tour. And so what if the venues aren't exactly stadiums?

"It doesn't matter if I'm not huge," he says. "I can support myself and do what I love. That's the American dream, isn't it?"

SCOTT SAVOL
American Idol Appearance: Season 4 (2005)
How He Did: 5th place
The best thing that's happened to him since Idol?

"I got married over the summer, so I'm enjoying married life," says Savol, 30, the father of Brandon, 5, from a previous relationship. Now settled in Nashville with wife Rochelle, a childhood friend, Savol spends his days concentrating on writing pop songs and recording an album. "American Idol has opened so many doors for me," he says.

As Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood storm the music charts, another American Idol finalist is savoring personal success.

Jon Peter Lewis has become the first Idol contesant to independently produce and release a full-length debut album with all original songs. Called a "true entertainer" by MTV, an "American Idol favorite" by Billboard magazine, and "brave" by Simon Cowell, industry insiders are not only impressed with Jon's passion and determination to create his own label and maintain control of his first record, but with his music as well.

JPL's eagerly awaited debut album, Stories from Hollywood, follows on the heels of his critically acclaimed singles, "If I Go Away," "It's Christmas," and "California Christmas."

Here are a few reviews:

"Stories from Hollywood is a collection of instantly infectious songs with clever, provocative lyrics ... in other words, it's the sort of album you wished more former Idols dared to make. We knew JPL was a true entertainer, now we know the kid can write."- Corey Moss Senior Writer, MTV

"Don't take a road trip without this CD. Jon Peter Lewis has many stories to share - all worth listening to." - Monica Rizzo, People magazine

"Jon Peter Lewis has real charisma as a person, a performer and recording artist. The songs are honest yet accessible and Jon sings them with warmth and conviction. I prefer this album to some of the other major label Idol releases." - Don Grierson, Former Head of A&R at Capitol and Epic Records

Popular American Idol finalist Jon Peter Lewis has released his greatly anticipated album, Stories from Hollywood, AIW has learned.

It's been a long wait for fans of Jon Peter Lewis, a.k.a. JPL, but he finally released his full-length CD this week. We will get the lyrics up on our American Idol music page as soon as we get our hands on the record.

JPL may not have won American Idol, but when he and his band perform songs from the new record, fans have been impressed. The songs written by himself and members of his band are good. He's got the whole indie pop rock thing going, and that's right up his fans' alley.

Interestingly, Jon also turned 27 years old this week. Happy birthday!

As he prepares to release his initial album, Jon Peter Lewis is set for a whirlwhind publicity tour. First, JPL and his band will be hitting the road next week, playing in Rexburg, Idaho (at Club Strata) on October 13; and in Provo, Utah (at Club Velour) on October 14.

Moreover, the former American Idol finalist will be live on the FOX morning show, Good Day Utah with Kerri and Dan, on October 12. Look for Lewis to perform a new single or two around 7 a.m.

Speaking of new singles, those in Utah will hear the first releases of JPL's tunes. If you're in the area, tune in to Salt Lake City's B987 radio station on Friday morning, October 13. You may catch a new song or two from Jon's soon to be be released debut album, Stories From Hollywood. It's one of seven American Idol albums coming out this fall.

Following those shows, Lewis will be back in Los Angeles playing the Viper Room on October 18.

Jon Peter Lewis, also known as JPL to his fans, is gearing up to release his eagerly anticipated debut album on November 7.

The record, Stories From Hollywood, has been in the works for over a year and features all original songs.

From the moment Jon Peter Lewis took the American Idol stage, he made his presence felt. A performance of "A Little Less Conversation" captured the hearts of millions and made him a finalist in Season 3, which was eventually won by Fantasia Barrino.

Despite his success on American Idol, Lewis defied conventional wisdom by turning away offers from producers wanting to create an image he wasn't comfortable with. Instead, Jon decided to step aside and take the time to develop his own music and unique style.

"Looking back, it would have been a lot easier to jump into one of the offers handed to me, but it would have been a mistake to try and be somebody I wasn't. My heart just wasn't into being a ballad singer or creating a teeny-bopper image," he said.

"I've always felt more comfortable with a rock edge to my music and I wanted to develop that sound. It's been a long and challenging road over the last two years, but well worth the wait."

The mix of rock and soulful pop on the new album is proving to be the perfect style for Jon's superb vocal range. We're certainly looking forward to hearing his efforts.

Forget news about Taylor Hicks and other American Idol winner - what about the also-rans?!? Don't worry, we have information on impending music from a trio of close finishers.
First off, rocker Constantine Maroulis has begun recording his debut solo album. He describes it as rock and roll, but not like his former band, Pray for the Soul of Betty.

"It's a bit more commercial, a bit more pop. I'm a little older now, and it's got a mature sound, a bit of a Rob Thomas/ Santana thing. It's got some great Bon Jovi elements, a little Ricky Martin in there. And I'm writing a lot of it too," said the fourth-season finalist.

Bon Jovi elements? That's mighty high praise for himself. Meanwhile, Anthony Fedorov is also recording; A-Fed's album will have a different feel than Constantine's, however.

"It's gonna be Richard Marx meets Marc Anthony," Federov said of his first effort. "It's gonna be ballad-heavy, very powerful and strong."

Finally, third-season finalist Jon Peter Lewis has released his debut single, "If I Go Away." He's even preparing to go on tour with the number.

"I'm working with some other great musicians right now," Lewis said. "I have a drummer who's done some work for Josh Groban and Vertical Horizon, and our piano player plays for Gnarls Barkley."