It’s always fun to follow the careers of American Idol contestants who don’t win the show.
Most of them fade into relative obscurity once the American Idols LIVE! tour wraps, but some score record deals and go on to have fruitful careers in the music biz.
Season 9 contestant Casey James came in third place on the show, but he was quickly signed to Sony Music Nashville, and with his just-released music video for extra smooth country single “Let’s Don’t Call it a Night,” he’s making his best effort to stay relevant post-Idol. (The single currently sits at number 43 on the country chart.)
Check out James’ video below, along with new-ish new music videos from Siobhan Magnus, Josh Gracin, and Brooke White’s duo Jack and White. Which ones sound/look best to you?
And here’s a bonus clip for you. It isn’t a music video, but Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina recently stopped by Live with Regis and Kelly to sing her new single “Georgia Peaches,” and she looked and sounded better than she ever did on the show. Check it out:
See! There is hope after Idol, and whether or not you like any of the songs above, you’ve gotta admit that it’s nice to see hard-working Idol alums putting in the time to make and release new music. Everyone loves a fighter. (Side note: All this Idol talk is getting me even more excited to hear some new material from Haley Reinhart, who, according to Twitter, has been recording her new album in Chicago.)
Which videos did you like most?
Read more about Idol alums on EW.com:
Kellie Pickler deals with daddy issues, gets ‘Tough’ in new music video
Haley Reinhart sings ‘God Bless the Child’ in dim New Orleans jazz club
‘American Idol’ contestant Stefano Langone signed to 19 Management
Pia Toscano’s new ‘This Time’ video: Sexy or robotic? Watch it here and decide
‘American Idol’ roundup: What’s new with seven non-winners from past seasons
I love Casey James’ song and video! I’m looking forward to his CD release.
Casey James looks like Bucky Covington another former A.I. loser, who went on to moderate success on the country charts
LOL. The question was “which video do you like most?”.
I don’t think that comment is at all relevant to the question at hand!
I don’t think finishing 3rd, out of thousands of people, would be considered a loser…. sorry. He is a very talented musician, amazing vocals and killer guitar skills…. not to mention he has a heart the size of Texas
I’m not family, but I’m forever a fan!
First off he did lose on the show, I am not saying he himself is a loser, second I am alowed to comment iny fashion I like, I am commenting on he reminds me of which is relevant, it is not like I am going around saying “America Loves Crap” which is a comment I read n almost every message board on EW, and Third I happen to like both Casey and Bucky. it was just an observation not an attack, so back off!
what’s the deal?..C said he looked like another Idol Contestant and gets attacked, sounds like all of Casey’s friends and family are flooding this message board!
He looks NOTHING like Bucky Covington. Not even remotely.
Troll lolo lolooooo!
Troll LO LO LO LO (search for it on YouTube, the letter C)
Skinny long blonde hair, they could be brothers, but whatever, and why does me having an opinion other then make be a troll, I did not bash Casey, in fact I do think he has talent, and I bought Bucky’s cd, I just happen to think they look a like….wow this is bordering on ridiculous!
*yours
Of course you are entitled to your opinion. But just because they are both blond and skinny doesn’t mean they look alike.
I’m with you Carol. Really love Casey’s sound and his guitar playing. I thought the video was pretty good, the girls turning on the radio and listening to his song, but videos of him playing live have really blown me away! I wish the whole video had just been him playing. Can’t wait for his album to come out!
My least favorite lyric comes from S. Magnus’ song… ‘sometimes i feel like the alphabet of misery’? What??
Look up author Edward Gorey and his book “The Ghastlycrumb Tinies” and you’ll get it.:)
“A is for Amy who fell down the stairs. B is for Basil devoured by bears…”
Wish the lighting was better in his video, but I love Casey’s song and his video is pretty good. He’s going to be a lot more successful than the two who finished above him that Season!!
Casey definitely gets my vote. Love the song and the video and he is crazy good live. I think he’s going to be a huge star.
I loves Casey Jame’ song and video. He is an amazing artist. I’m so happy that everyone gets to hear how talented he truly is. Best of luck Casey!!!
Casey James!!
Casey by a mile
I LOVE the new Casey James song and video, for Let’s Don’t Call It A Night! I believe Mr. James is going to have a huge career! And I will gladly support him!!
What happened here? All of Casey’s friends and family have him on Google alert and flooded the comments.
Ugh. Who CARES about Casey James!
Well, I do, for one, and so do many MANY others! Obviously you did not watch his video, or have not seen any of his post Idol live performances! Too bad your attitude is keeping you from all that Casey has to offer…..it’s your loss.
By the way, these are fans, not friends and family!
Actually, Casey has a HUGE fan base, who love him for his unbelievable guitar skills, amazing voice, and even better personality. It really is too bad you can’t see past your attitude. You’re only missing out on the next country/blues superstar!
I agree, there are some crazy family members on here.
Bigger stars wouldn’t even get this many positive comments on an EW page.
And for the record, Casey James sucked on American Idol; doubt he’ll do much better in the tougher real world.
It’s the same thing whenever there’s a post about Gale Harold.
You cared so much that you actually bothered to comment on the subject.
@Sara s:I believe you might eat those words,and by the way i’m not family, but a huge fan,among millions. You absuletly DON”T know what you are talking about.
James and Haley would be btteer I think. Match them against Casey and Lauren duet.
Casey is my favorite! Love his single and the video! He is an excellent musician – love his voice and guitar playing and he is an awesome performer!
Casey James, hands down!
I love Casey’s new song and video — what you see is what you get with Casey, and I’m sure he’s on the way to a great career.
Casey’s single is great, the video is alright for a first effort. Casey is going about things the right way, he has written good music and he is working hard to establish himself. Great opportunity for him that he has been chosen as CMT’s Next Big Thing, people are starting to notice his hard work.
I also enjoyed Shiobhan’s video and song, this song is much better then the first one she released.
DEFINITELY CASEY JAMES! His video is great,but wow you should see him perform live! He is an exceptional singer,songwriter,guitarist and all around entertainer! HE IS DEFINITELY A RISING STAR!
Casey gets my vote! Huge career ahead for him. Keep up the great work Casey.
Siobhan’s is best. It was shot on location at the historic Edward Gorey House on Cape Cod. It’s for her spooky awesome new song Black Doll that’s now available on iTunes and Amazon.com! Buy it
You are wrong, Casey is the best!
Casey’s video is pro, but the song and the concept are been there, done that. Siobhan’s song and video are very different, and very original.
Casey’s song is pretty much a cheesefest, and the multiple women seem to be randomly placed in the video. It would make more sense if there was one woman and if there was some interaction between her and Casey.
Siobhan’s video, however, apparently shot on a shoestring budget, stands out. Very creative.
Siobhan’s video and song is fantastic! I hope more people can hear it. Casey James is cool, too!
I have to agree with that. The jgudes have done these kids no favors this year, by not giving good constructive criticism.
Love that Casey James video,It Is by far my fave!!! I can’t wait for his CD!!!
Who buys CD’s anymore? It’s easier to download from iTunes.
I have to say, Casey is the best… Im sorry I dont feel Laurin is orignal.. and the guy that won, he is a sound alike…and Josh Turner is so much better Casey is an all aroung entainer..he has the whole package… writes music,awesome musican and has a sweet soul… not to mention handsome….. the other one who was soooooo talented off american idol this yr.. Haley Reinhart.. if a gramy winner frm MSY said she was amazing.. talent.. im not sure what Randy and J lo were thinking.. Jealous I think.
Oh, must add that a riotpeecn malfunction caused me to miss everything up until James sang. Sounds like that was not a bad thing!!!