Pia Toscano dropped from Interscope…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Pia Toscano
American Idol‘s Pia Toscano has been dropped by 19 Recordings and Interscope. The Season 10 finalist cites a “difference of opinion” and constant delays of her debut album for the split. Toscano, whose vocals were once compared to Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, recieved much publicity after her shocking elimination. Now she says she will release an album “when the time is right”. Reassuring, that.
After recording material with The Underdogs, she released a music video for the very unexciting ‘This Time’:
When that flopped, she conveniently disappeared from the face of the earth. Although Pia may have had the vocal talent and a marketable image, sadly, the star quality just wasn’t there. It also didn’t help matters that her first single was flatter than warm coke. Like seriously, where was the fizz? Click here to read her interview with the Hollywood Reporter.
American Idol belter Pia Toscano spills beans on new album…
Posted by Toya | Filed under American Idol, Pia Toscano
American Idol alum Pia Toscano recently released her first single ‘This Time’. Though the track is not exactly setting the chart alight, the singer has confirmed November for the new album. The 22-year-old has spilled some deets on her debut record and reveals she’s been in the studio with Rock Mafia, Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins and Harvey Mason, Jr. When speaking about a particular album track, she says: “I have a wonderful track called ‘Counterfeit’ with Rock Mafia. That’s definitely one I’m excited about”.
At present, the album title is TBA but Toscano says she’s “about eight or nine songs in right now”. She will finish off the album as soon as the American Idol tour comes to an end. Hopefully, the songs have much more spark because ‘This Time’ is very underwhelming for a lead single. She has no stage presence so she cannot afford to continue putting out subpar music.
Pia Toscano performs new single on ‘Regis & Kelly’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Pia Toscano
Pia Toscano delivers second TV performance of ‘This Time’.
She visited Live with Regis and Kelly yesterday to perform the new single, which still stubbornly refuses to make a splash on the charts. At present, the track is still lingering between the #100s on iTunes, despite going for a cheaply 69 cents. What raises the question is her singing to a backing track at this point in her career. I like the song (don’t love it) but it’s too bland and there’s no catch.
As a performer, there’s no evolvement from what she gave us in American Idol. I don’t think there ever will be. Mariah Carey is known for doing the excessive hand movements when hitting those big notes. But that’s Mariah, the best ever vocal powerhouse in music history. Pia’s vocals are very powerful but she’s no Whitney Houston or Mariah. She’s a pretty girl but unfortunately, you could substitute her performances for sleeping pills.
Spotted at MJs Big Blog.
Pia Toscano premieres ‘This Time’ video (nothing but beauty shots)…
Posted by Toya | Filed under American Idol, New Music Video, Pia Toscano
Isn’t Pia Toscano some hot piece of meat? This is pretty much what we got from the music video for ‘This Time’. The visual, which premiered on iTunes earlier today, was not only cheap, but pointless. The problem is, there were no storyline to tie in with the song. Isn’t the track supposed to be about a woman empowering herself by leaving behind a bad relationship? Instead, we get a barrage of beauty shots at the beach. She’s running her hands through her hair and giving us sultry glares when we should have been seeing the lead-up to her get-away. Where was the love interest? The arguments?
Someone at her record label must not want her to succeed because not only did they greenlight a weak lead single, but a not so great video as well. At times, the American Idol alumni was trying so hard to be sexy, it was bordering on cringeworthy. On the plus side, she did look beautiful but if I wanted to see a beauty shoot, I’d have picked up a copy of ‘Glamour’.
Pia Toscana debuts first TV performance of ‘This Time’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under American Idol, Pia Toscano
An overtanned Pia Toscano was looking like the long lost daughter of Ompa Lumpa when she took to the stage to perform on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ last night. The American Idol finalist, who placed 9th in the competition, had delivered her first televised performance of new single ‘This Time’. Sadly, Toscano’s stage presence was stiffer than Tiger Woods at a strip club, which was always the case with her Idol performances week in, week out. There was an outcry of fury when Toscano was voted out prematurely so fans rejoiced when she finally got the chance to pursue her dream of making new music. The problem is, ‘This Time’ is totally overbearing and generic, which would explain why the song is moving at snail pace speeds (the track was released to iTunes a few weeks ago but there’s been no impact on the BB Hot 100 so far). Though she can be considered a Leona Lewis/Jordin Sparks prototype, they had first lead singles that spoke to the masses.
This song may be tolerable to the casual listener but to the mainstream listener, the track is weak, closely losing its faint zigzagging line of variation before eventually flatlining. Sure enough, the 22-year-old belts out all of those lovely high notes towards the end but the truth still remains – Jimmy Iovine and Interscope Records have let her down even before her career has had the chance to really take off. You can check out her performance below, as well as a 15 second sneak peek look at the song’s upcoming music video. The visual will premiere next week Tuesday on August 9th.
Listen to Pia Toscano’s new single ‘This Time’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under New Music, New Song, Pia Toscano
American Idol finalist Pia Toscano finally premiered her new single ‘This Time’ today on KISS FM. The Ester Dean penned track serves as the lead offering from her Interscope Records debut which will see a release at the end of the year. Toscano debuted the track last week on July 6th during the ‘Idol’ summer tour. Although I took a listen, I didn’t want to make any judgements until I heard the studio version, so here it is…
The midtempo cut is about making a stand, allowing the real her to shine through and no longer pretending to be someone she isn’t just to satisfy the object of her affections. ‘This Time’ certainly fits the Leona Lewis/Jordin Sparks balladry prototype when it comes to the big voiced reality show alumni.
It is actually a nice acoustic guitar driven track, even if a little bland and predictable. The vocals need more control in part but overall, I like it. If I had my way, it would be a hit because I favour these type of tracks but as an artist, she just doesn’t stand out. Releasing predictable songs like this may see her get lost in the shuffle. The track goes to iTunes tomorrow so we’ll just have to wait and see how it fairs.
Pia Toscano signs with ‘Interscope’, snags Ester Dean for debut single…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Pia Toscano
The Hollywood Reporter has just confirmed that American Idol contestant Pia Toscano has signed a recording contract with Jimmy Iovine‘s flagship label Interscope Records…
In a statement being released today, she says: “I am thrilled to be joining the Interscope and 19 Recordings family. [Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman] Jimmy Iovine was an amazing mentor during my time on Idol and I’m looking forward to working with him and everyone at Interscope Records and 19 Recordings. This is a dream come true”. Source.
Her Ester Dean penned/co-produced debut single, ‘This Time’ will be released on July 12th. Toscano will also perform it nightly on the ‘Idol’ summer tour. Dean has popularised herself as a music pioneer having produced many of Rihanna‘s hit singles and she’s hoping to cast some of that same magic on Toscano. The cut is said to consist of an acoustic guitar and is beat-driven. Producer Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins has already recorded three songs with the vocal powerhouse and she shot the cover artwork for the album late last month in Los Angeles (the above photo being her first promo shot).
I was going to say you can’t go wrong with a very successful Rihanna songwriter, but then execution is everything. It’s a case of the artist making the song what it is and bringing it to life. Toscano on the other hand can shut down a tonne of acts with her Celine Dion inspired vocal delivery but she’s going to have to work on her personality and stage presence as it is duller than watching a Beyonce interview. During her Idol stint, this was lacking which may have contributed to the singer being voted off so unceremoniously.
Pia Toscano dominates ‘Ellen Degeneres’ stage…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Pia Toscano
Pia Toscano continues to fight hard for her music career.
Yesterday, she paid a visit to ‘The Ellen Degeneres Show’ and delivered a knockout performance of the Stevie Wonder classic ‘All In Love Is Fair’. This was a revisitation from her American Idol performance during Motown night. Any record label would be crazy to leave such undeniable talent floating around unsigned. Prior to her early elimination, the aspiring powerhouse has now generated quite a following.
Winning American Idol is not a sure-fire guarantee that you’ll make it (seeTaylor Hicks). Toscano could very well become the female answer to Chris Daughtry who also encountered a shock elimination and later went on to enjoy a flourishing solo career. Even better is that he did so without having that nagging A.I. winner label over his head. Check out her rousing performance below.
Pia Toscano visits ‘Regis & Kelly’ & ‘The Today Show’…
Posted by Toya | Filed under Pia Toscano
Now that her American Idol journey has abrutedly come to an end, Pia Toscano got a taste of what life on the road would be like once she’s ready to pursue her solo career. The eliminated American Idol contestant hit up several promo spots this week including Regis & Kelly and The Today Show.
The 22-year-old says she has yet to sign anything despite numerous reports saying that she’s snagged a deal with Interscope Records. The X Factor does not permit anyone to sign a record contract until three months after the show is over so I’m not sure if that rule applies here. In any given case, peep her performance and interviews below…
Pia Toscano visits ‘Regis & Kelly’ & ‘The Today Show’…
Posted by | Filed under Pia Toscano
Now that her American Idol journey has abrutedly come to an end, Pia Toscano got a taste of what life on the road would be like once she’s ready to pursue her solo career. The eliminated American Idol contestant hit up several promo spots this week including Regis & Kelly and The Today Show.
The 22-year-old says she has yet to sign anything despite numerous reports saying that she’s snagged a deal with Interscope Records. The X Factor does not permit anyone to sign a record contract until three months after the show is over so I’m not sure if that rule applies here. In any given case, peep her performance and interviews below…
The future looks bright for ousted ‘American Idol’ star Pia Toscano…
Posted by Toya | Filed under American Idol, Pia Toscano
Pia Toscano‘s shock elimination this week on American Idol pretty much had most of the online community reeling. Her premature elimination left pure salt particles in the mouths of many. That said, they could be in for some good news. A premature elimination does not always mean the end. In fact, it could mark the beginning of a blossoming career. Case in point: See Jennifer Hudson.
E! News reports that Interscope Records are interested in producing a first single with Toscano and release it post American Idol. Apparently, they are waiting for approval from 19 Management. Furthermore, Toscano’s rep reveal that reports of the belter signing a record deal with Interscope is “all rumor” at this point. Nothing is being confirmed but interest in her career is looking very positive.
Toscano’s outstanding vocal delivery showed early signs of the star power possessed by the likes of fellow legendary powerhouse divas Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. This was clearly the direction she was aiming for, effortlessly belting her way through ballad after ballad, week in week out. Her downfall would be rock week where she had to come out of her comfort zone to perform a Tina Turner song and NOT own the stage in a way that a Tina Turner would.
The problem is, Toscano had all the ripened ingredients of a pop star – youth, beauty and amazing vocal talent. Unfortunately, her stage presence was non-existent. I support Pia’s career and really hope she can come back strong after what took place this week. Neither of us can be bitter because the talent this season is so fierce there are no clear frontrunners. No one is safe. Remember the shock that took place when Casey Abrams almost lost his place in the competition? This year’s American Idol is not a Leona Lewis situation on The X Factor where everyone knew she was going to win half way through the competition.
And just because someone never makes it into the bottom three does not mean they stand a better chance at winning. Fantasia was in the bottom three with her fellow divas Jennifer Hudson and LaToya London. And guess what? She won the show (season 3). Although my favourite is no longer in the competition, I’m still going to be glued because the competition just got more interesting.
