Fans of American Idol contestant Paul McDonald’s voice — think James Blunt meets Ray LaMontagne — don’t have to wait until the next show to hear it. His band, the Grand Magnolias, have a 10-song album that you can hear in its entirety now on his website. You can purchase the album there, or on iTunes for $7.99. We heard him perform the original song “American Dreams” on last night’s Idol. Watch the video for their song “Heartbreak,” filmed in their East Nashville “adult treehouse of music,” below.
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an Idol contestant this polished and prepared for stardom: The band’s website has a store in which you can purchase McDonald’s collective works (the Grand Magnolias debut and two earlier albums they recorded under the name Hightide Blues), signed posters, and cool T-shirts. (You can even pre-order a “Rhinestone ‘Manuel’ Suit T-shirt” inspired by the flashy ensemble he wore on Wednesday’s Idol for $24.99.) The band’s YouTube channel has been promptly updated to chronicle his Idol journey. It could almost be obnoxious at this stage of the competition – if he didn’t have the years of touring and actual singing and songwriting talent to back it up. He’s earned this moment, and was smart enough to have his ducks in a row for when it arrived. We’ve seen Idol produce men with country radio play (Josh Gracin, Bucky Covington), but none that have the star quality of Carrie Underwood. Could McDonald be it?
More on American Idol:
Annie Barrett’s American Idol recaps
Jennifer Lopez’s Idol breakdown: Was that some great TV or what?
EW’s Idol Central
Maybe he doesn’t feel like being in a band but wants to go on the solo route. He wants to reach a bigger stage. I don’t think he’s as polished up. I’m sure he’s struggling like any band playing clubs.
Pauls voice is awesome!!!!!!!! His voice is similar to James Morrisons voice(James sings the song You Give Me Something). I could listen to Paul and James music all day long!!!!!!!!!
Just in case Paul reads this(you never know if someone might tell him that Entertainment Weekly wrote an article on him)-I’m gonna say this- can you sing a James Morrison song on American Idol sometime Paul? Please! Check out his music and think about it a little. I know I’m crazy for thinking that he might read this comment but I just had to write it.
I agree with you, Brianna, that Paul would do up a James Morrison song very well! “You Give Me Something” and “Wonderful World” are the most treaded-on routes as far as covers in general go, though to my knowledge “Please Don’t Stop The Rain” is also cleared. It’d be interesting to see which one of these he’d choose. Personally I think he’d do EXCELLENTLY on Morrison’s “This Boy”.
Brianna, you can tell him yourself. He’s on Twitter @thePaulMcDonald
He’s my favorite so far
I really, really like him. Definitely one of my favorites.
My cousin knows Paul personally (and no…I’m not just saying that…it’s true). I’ve met him and he is so so so nice. Not to mention the fact that he is attractive and could be the spokeperson for toothpaste. I am pretty positive that he would not ditch his band if he wins…or even if he just does really well, but doesn’t win. He’s been touring with them since college (back when they were Hightide Blues), so they helped give him his start. He loves being part of the band I think, and this experience can only further expose their music.
He could have a solo career and also work with his band too.
It really won’t be up to him, at least not for a while. If he does even moderately well from this point, he will be contractually liable to AI, and would not be allowed to return to the band without their okay for some set period of time. Could the band wait it out? They are trying to support themselves, after all. I wonder if the website and music sales would be allowed to continue, either. Not saying it wouldn’t, I don’t know, just wondering.
David Cook won and he was able to form his own band and was allowed to use members of his former band so there’s a great chance that Paul would be allowed to do the same if he wins.
oh wow – thanks for the link. I liked him last night but after listening to Fly Me to the Moon I have a favorite. Love Casey too but this guy just might have it all.
LOVE HIM! HA!
Would there be a chance that he would get disqualified because of this information?
I don’t want him to- just wondering.
Not at all. There’s lots of Idols who’ve had past careers before the show.
Paul and his band don’t sound country so much as alternative…Americana. Either way, LOVE that voice and he’s definitely a keeper, whether he ends up with a confetti shower or not. I’m glad the Powers-That_be haven’t required that his YouTube presence be restricted. It seemed counter-intuitive to me if the goal is to build interest in these contestants as commericial artists.
He’s not destined for country music stardom but given the rise of popularity in acoustic-based, REAL singer/songwriter types of bands, he could do well a la Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons.
He’s not destined for country music stardom but given the rise of popularity in acoustic-based, REAL singer/songwriter types of bands, he could do well a la Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons with a bit of David Gray mixed in. If he does well on Idol, he could have a big career outside of USA too.
I was so looking forward to actually hearing Paul sing on Idol, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. And I agree, let’s don’t peg him as country. Americana isn’t a bad fit, nor is alternative like Mumford & Sons or the Black Keys – who Paul lists as an influence.
I went to Auburn with Paul (I would call him an acquaintance back then…haven’t talked to him since graduating in ’08) and saw his band, Hightide Blues, probably 25 or so times. They were awesome & Paul was always awesome and the nicest guy. Always loved when they played Landslide and Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper. Whatever song they played the bongo’s in too!
Great voice. He’s got it!
oh my, he is dreamy hot
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Oh yeah, this one is the next Idol for sure.