Here's the latest news on some of your favorite Idols. They're releasing new music, performing well on the charts, writing books, and appearing on TV!

Music News

Casey James unveiled the cover of his self-titled debut album on USA Today’s website today.  The third place finalist on American Idol’s 9th season will release his debut album March 20. Casey’s current single, “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” off his forthcoming self-titled debut album was co-written by Casey, Terry McBride and Brice Long. Fans can pre-order Casey’s album before it’s released on March 20 on Amazon at http://myplay.me/l6h.

Although Kelly Clarkson originally recorded “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean, Lauren Alaina has performed her part in the duet on the “My Kinda Party Tour” with Jason. Check out their amazing duet from the Orlando concert.

Jack and White, featuring Season 7’s Brooke White, released a new EP, Winter, on iTunes for just $3.99. You can stream the album on the Jack and White Facebook page too. Sacramento fans can catch them at Harlow’s on February 11.

On The Charts

Idol Kelly Clarkson's Stronger passed the half-million mark in sales according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album sold 15,000 copies last week, putting its release-to-date sales at 501,000. Season 10 Idol Scotty McCreery's platinum certified Clear as Day climbed 7%, while runner-up Lauren Alaina's Wildflower sprang up 41%. They all landed on the Billboard 200 chart at #14, #29, and #86 respectively, along with Daughtry for Break The Spell at #42.

Giving Back

Lauren Alaina surprised students at James River High School in Buchanan, VA. The student body of 500 won a local radio competition through Star Country (WSLC). Each year, Star Country challenges local schools to see who can collect the most toys to donate to Toys for Tots. According to Taste of Country, James River has won the contest for five years in a row, and this year they gathered 2,332 toys! Lauren shared, “I didn’t know there was only 500 kids at the school. I really don’t know what to say because I’m stunned. That’s impressive!”

Season 9 finalist Tim Urban gave a benefit show at Torrington High School in Litchfield Country, CT, on Sunday, Jan. 22 to raise money for the high school senior prom. He also released a cover of Adele's "Someone Like You" yesterday. Watch the video.

Performances

Justin Guarini will offer a solo concert called “From American Idol to Broadway” on March 2 at the Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington, NY.

Miscellaneous

Reigning American Idol Scotty McCreery is joining the cast of Hart of Dixie for an episode. He will play himself singing "The Trouble with Girls" during a scene between series lead Zoe, played by Rachel Bilson, and George, portrayed by Scott Porter. The episode will air on April 23rd.

Season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson’s new book, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, debuted at No. 8 on the New York Times' Best Sellers Lists for hardcover advice & miscellaneous titles.

Jennifer Lopez will attend her first Rio Carnival and take part in the colorful samba school parades at the massive Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. The Idol judge will headline a group of celebrities, including Brazilian and foreign stars, on two of the parade nights.  The 13 top samba schools will parade at the Sambadrome on Feb. 19 and 20. The superstar is developing a new series, Amigas Inc., for Viacom's bilingual Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas. The series, which is being produced through her production partner, Simon Fields, and veteran producer Jane Startz, is billed as an "aspirational" series based on the Lopez-inspired book series about four Miami teens who launch a party planning business. Eight episodes have been ordered for fall 2012 for the English-language offering.

Newlywed and Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey’s home will be featured on an episode of HGTV’s new interior design series, Interiors, Inc. Danny’s 2nd Annual Cruise to benefit Sophia’s Heart sets sail to Cozumel and Key West with Danny’s fellow Season 8 contestant Matt Giraud as a special guest, from February 2-6.

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