As an American Idol obsessive, I was too burnt out from the epic aftermath of Daughtry-Elliott-Taylor-Katharine-Paris-Kellie Awesomeness (aka season 5) to pay strict attention to Rock Star: Supernova when it debuted in July 2006. Still, several of my EW colleagues got deeply invested in the show, which was enough to get me to tape — on VHS! in my pre-DVR days! how tragique! — a few episodes, and thereby discover the raspy pleasures of eventual runner-up Dilana. And good thing I did, too, because as an Idol obsessive, hers is a name that’s become increasingly important to know.
First off, when I interviewed Adam Lambert at the end of season 8, he gave props to the uni-monikered South African diva for inspiring his sexy, sitar-infused rendition of “Ring of Fire.” (Click here and here to compare and contrast Adam and Dilana’s versions.) And now it looks like Dilana’s excellent debut single “Holiday,” which has been rapidly racking up the play-counts on my iPod since a publicist sent it to me last month, has also found its way to Just Like You, the forthcoming debut disc from Allison “Hello, my name is awesome” Iraheta. Indeed, earlier today when I exclusively posted the songwriting and producing credits for Allison’s disc, I noticed the presence of a track called “Holiday,” written by Dave Bassett and Dilana Trudy Smith, and seeing as Dilana’s “Holiday” single was also produced by Mr. Bassett, I was ready and willing to bet my My Little Pony “Pinkie Pie” that it was more than just coincidence. Sure enough, about an hour ago, while waiting for confirmation from Dilana and/or Allison’s camps, Dilana herself confirmed the news via Twitter: “Allison Irihita [sic] (Idol) cut Holiday! It is circulating around the web on the album track list,” she wrote.
Yes, folks, it’s the reality singing competition circle of life! And now, guess who’s got the exclusive first look at Dilana’s “Holiday” video? Yes indeed, it is PopWatch! So ch-ch-check it out below — the kick-ass song is definitely superior to the low-budge video, but such can be the perils of indie releases — and let me know what you think. Are you digging the Dilana track/video? Do you think it’s a good fit for Allison? (No lie: The second I heard “Holiday,” I thought to myself: “This ditty should go directly to The Rocker — without passing go, and without collecting $200.”) And is there room on the charts — or at least on your mp3 player — for both? My long answer: Yes! Holla back, and do follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak for all my Idol ridiculata.
Comments (1-30) of 54 Add your comment
The song is Perfect for Allison
I though Alison had remade Madonna’s classic.
Dilana Rox 4sure, but Allison’s version will be grittier and I’ll tell you why. Alli has more gut and fuller sound and full of life with a younger tonality. Can’t wait to hear it live.
OMG !!!
I was already listening to that song b4 the post Michael, It’s kick a**…
This album is really gonna be the sh*t.
Slezak — Great to hear about Allison’s post-Idol career, but you’re letting us down. Where’s the commentary on Kris and Adam’s new tracks?!?
Yes, have been waiting for those commentaries! Let us know your opinion please.
Cool song. Can’t wait to hear Allison’s version! It’s gonna be awesome!
What’s wrong with VCRs?
Loved Dilana on “Rock Star:Supernova”, she has an awesome voice. Thank you for giving her some exposure and check out all her Rock Star performances on YouTube.
Rockstar Supernova was such a sham of a show. Dilana was good as was Marty Casey and instead they chose that loser at the end.
^I love Rockstar and Dilana….too bad it didn’t quite take-off….there’s real talent in that show….and Dilana’s a real cool rocker….and that song….yes, perfect fit for Alison.
I really liked Dilana’s run in Supernova…this is good news for Allison, thanks for taking notice of Dilana’s music she deserves it….way to go Dilanison!!!!
This song is perfect for Allison and yes, there’s always room for two versions, I can’t wait to hear what Allison does with it. She loves the song too, so I’m betting it will be awesome.
OMG!! can’t wait for allison’s debut album!!! thank u so much slezak for the info!!!!
By the way, in the future … can you please have an ADISON interview … please … and kindly ask them if they would like to have a DUET ALBUM together…THANKS!!!
Like it a lot– will be a great album track for Allison… and Live come on people its gonna rock :0)
OMG!!! I SO TOTALLY LOVE THAT IDEA!!!!
An “ADISON” DUET INTERVIEW would be the most awesomest thing ever!!!!
IT’S A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!!!1
I hoped for Allison to sing songs like that in the future, now we know she has a song like that right now!
Dilana is such a talented artist!
Absolutely LOVE the song & video, Dilana’s album is going to be on the top of my playlists!!
I love it. Great for Allison.
However, I am surprised nobody has brought up the “cover” issue, as it was brought up with Kris when he released LLWD.
Is it because LLWD is Kris’ first single, and thus, more of a blasphemy that it is a cover? Is it that Allison is so awesome and likeable that she is getting a pass? Or is it that the whole LLWD cover-gate was created by bitter anti-Kris Adam fans who are not anti-Allison?
I think it’s because it was Kris’ first single, The Script is a band with a major record deal, not indie label and Kris was always perceived as the song writer and arranger and his version of LLWD is almost exactly the same as the original.
Allison will most likely not have this song release as a single, she was never perceived as song rearranger and writer but a young woman who could sing her heart and soul out and rock out like there’s no tomorrow.
Love the video! Dilana is a truely talented artist, her new album will be on my top playlists FOR SURE!
no i think dilana’s should be the first to release it in fact you can get it pre release on amazon …being her close friend i know how hard she has worked and now with a movie starring her in production at the moment and her video and cd out …creds to dilana..who is this alison shmlison chick anyway…
Google her, you’ll find out soon enough.
BTW, Dilana gets to release it first, her album comes out in November, Allison’s in December. Also, Dilana must have sold her the rights to record the track so why so bitter?
I absolutely LOVE Dilana, hope this new CD will be a huge break out for her! I’m sure Allison will do the song proud.
Dilana is ok with this, Allison….NO…total Fail…
OK, Awesome! Finally a reason to feel a bit better about this album after the piss-poor ‘Friday.’
I know some people like ‘Friday,’ but I would much rather hear Allison lean towards the rock and not the pop.
‘Friday’ is more bubblegum than Doublemint.
This is a great track – I prefer it to ‘Friday I’ll be Over U’. It’s just a little bit more edgy, which I think Allison needs.
Thanks for the update, Michael. Rockstar had some really talented people on it and Dilana was/is a total Force of Nature(tm)! It’s good to hear from her again.
I liked Dilana on Rock Star–I was hoping she’d win. The first season (INXS) was the better season though. I still have Marty Casey’s cover of Baby One More Time on my iPod.
No offense, but I have NEVER watched ANY season of AI. Tried the first year, but I couldn’t stand Simon. Don’t know anything about any of them, except Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. I did watch Rockstar:Supernova and fell in love with Dilana! Only know Adam and Allison because they are using Dilana’s arrangements or songs. Nothing against them, but Dilana Rocks. Thanks sooo much for posting this video. It has been done for over a year and this is the first time I’ve gotten to see it. I’ll be purchasing 4 copies of this CD (me, daughter, 2bff’s). And I haven’t bought more than one song in about 10 years!
That is Dilana’s CD InsideOut. Available on Nov 17!
THANX for all the awesome responses eceryone! I’m super stoked about Allison covering my song! I don’t think anyone else could’ve done it better!! Did you notice Adrian Young (No Doubt drummer) as the crazy cop in my vid? LOL! He also drummed on this track!
MUCH LOVE!!
If ur the real Dilana, thnx too for this song. It’s been out since 2006 I think, I don’t know why it hasn’t caught fire…I don’t know whether Alli is gonna release it as a single…Whether she does or not…The fact that it’s on her album is a true testament to both your talents.
GO ALLI !!!
Allison is a really talented kid, but she could try writing her own stuff… It´s kind of a “stub in the back” using other artist´s song without that person´s permission. Specially when that singer´s album hasn´t come out yet. Anyways… DILANA´S ALBUM WILL BE COMING OUT ON NOVEMBER 17TH, BUT YOU CAN PRE-ORDER IT NOW!
There is no way they would use a song without permission, that is ilegal. Dilana will get royalties for this, this is good for her too.