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 (1-15) 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!!!!