Jon Peter Lewis' life after American Idol

It definitely has been a slow week for me with red carpet events. I did the Asian Excellence Awards last Wednesday so I'm sorting through those pics to see what I can post for you to view.

As part of Nielsen Entertainment News Wire, I work in the same office as my sister publication Billboard Magazine and Radio & Record. Every so often we have special musical guests perform for us. Yesterday was a real treat as Jon Peter Lewis from "American Idol's" Season Three came by to perform his new single and a few songs from his new album. Along with Jon was his bassist Austin Nicholsen to give us a sampling of what's to come from Mr. Lewis. Lewis was part of the season which produced Jennifer Hudson and also the season which Fantasia won. One audience member quipped about him possibly being an actor. He said that maybe he will be but music is priority so no Oscar for him for the time being.


Jon Peter Lewis strumming his guitar.


I'm happy to say that the performance was memorable with his lead single "Break The Silence." As Jon sang, you could see the genuine appreciation of everyone who came to check him out. I think if he was on the show now, he'd definitely be Top 5.


Check out Austin's big instrument!

Bantering with the girls in the attendance, he even dedicated a song to the ladies.

After two more songs, Jon took some time to answer questions. If I remember correctly, he thinks that the ending will be with the two David's or it could've been Billboard Columnist Fred Bronson who mentioned that while Jon was answering questions.


Austin Nicholsen, Jon Peter Lewis and Billboard Columnist Fred Bronson.

After his strong performance, Mr. Lewis took some time to sign some cd singles for everyone and also posed for photos for me. That boy sure can be crazy with a "Yo! What's up" pose.



Check out his site at www.jonpeterlewis.com. The single is now available for purchase on ITUNES.


Jon Peter Lewis takes a breather and catches up on music news with Billboard.

Until Next, time...."Over The Shoulder!"

Danny Noriega's Christmas Wish

Hmm. Looks like this American Idol will not be part of any AI Christmas Album.

Ramiele Malubay is my favorite American Idol contestant

Thinking that I wouldn't get caught with the AI bug, I was bitten again. After watching the the auditions, I didn't think there were many that stuck out. From the fan favorites of David Archuleta and Asia'h Epperson, one that really stuck to me was Ramiele Malubay. Being American of Filipino descent, I was thinking, oh no no another over-rated Asian-Am singer like Jasmine Trias.



This little girl can really belt it out and the judges were in agreement except for Simon. However, after the first week in Hollywood, Simon changed his tune about Ramiele. Her rendition of Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" definitely brought her game on. Even Simon said she was the one of the best singers of that week.




One thing I truly love about this young lady is her big voice and being proud of her American Filipino/Asian roots. With Jasmine, she originally said she was Hawaiian then within the coming weeks of the show, she finally admitted her Filipino roots. No matter what ethnicity Ramiele is, her voice overcomes all and is proud to become an American Idol of Asian/Filipino descent. Wishing her the best in the coming weeks.


Check out her American Idol Top 24 interview:

American Idol's Top 24 set

Tonight, Randy, Paula and Simon had finally made their decision on the top 24. I don't know if it's me but it was a bit more slightly irritating seeing practically every single girl cry instead of being strong. But, it's definitely understandable. Many of the contestants journey in life will be altered.

Young favorite David Archuleta made the cut. With much debate about his age, the judges were going back and forth with David until they finally said yes. The other young male contestant Danny Noriega also made it.



Ramiele Malubay, the lone Asian/Pac Islander was so worried about going up on the elevator. The judges originally loved her big voice coming from her small body. As she sat in that chair of anxiety waiting for the judges to say yes or no, she was feeling cold and nervous. Without hesitation, Paula gave her the good news that she made it.



Ramiele Malubay's first audition.

For Syesha Mercado, it read in her name sYESha was in. Robbie Carrico long haired locks will be staying with him as he moved to the top 24.



For those that didn't, many exited graciously such as Lorena Pinot and Natasha Block. Unfortunately, for Josiah Leming, his first audition went to his head that his second edition cost him a spot on the top 24 thinking he'd coast to one of those spots. It was one of those moments that wanted make you cry. But sometimes people need to be humbled by this type of experience.


Life goes on and dreams will still go on for those who haven't made it but dreams for the top 24 will lead them closer to being an "American Idol."

The full list of the top 24 are as follows:

Alexandrea Lushington, Robbie Carrico, Jason Castro, Danny Noriega, Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Michael Johns, David Cook, Luke Menard and Carly Smithson, Chikezie Eze, Colton Berry, Asia'H Epperson, Kady Malloy, Joanne Borgella, Ramiele Malubay, David Hernandez, Amy Davis, Alaina Whitaker, Syesha Mercado, Jason Yeager, David Archuleta, Garrett Haley and Kristy Lee Cook.