ELLIOT YAMIN BIOGRAPHY
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Elliott Yamin (Hebrew: אליוט ימין) (born Efraym Elliott Yamin[1] on July 20, 1978) is an American singer known for his hit single "Wait for You" and placing third on the fifth season of American Idol.
His self-titled album, released March 20, 2007, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The album was certified gold in the United States in October 2007. Retitled Wait for You, the album was released in Japan in May 2008 and certified gold in that country in September 2008.
Yamin also released two Christmas collections: Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection in October 2007 and My Kind of Holiday in October 2008.
His next album is scheduled to be released on May 5, 2009.[2]
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Background information
Birth name Efraym Elliott Yamin
Born July 20, 1978 (1978-07-20) (age 30)
Los Angeles, California,
United States
Origin Richmond, Virginia,
United States
Genre(s) Pop, contemporary R&B
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter
Years active 2006–present
Label(s) Sony/ATV Music Publishing, RED Distribution, Hickory, TRP Records, Fontana Distribution
Website www.officialelliottyamin.com
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Biography
Personal life
Yamin was born in Los Angeles, California, to father Shaul Yamin, a Jewish Israeli of Iraqi Jewish descent, and mother Claudette Goldberg Yamin (d. March 31, 2008, age 65), a Jewish American of Ashkenazi (German Jewish) descent[3] and former professional singer known for her "fiery spirit" [4] and for receiving the "Golden Idol for Proudest Family Moment Award" from Ryan Seacrest[5] during her son's American Idol competition. His family relocated to Richmond, Virginia when Yamin was 11, and his parents divorced when he was 14, his father returning to Los Angeles. Yamin has lived in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, model Jaime Paetz, since competing in the fifth season of American Idol in 2006.
Yamin has an older half-sister on his mother's side, Jodi Queen, a married mother of two children (Yamin's niece Sophia and nephew Jed) who lives in Encinitas (San Diego), California; and a younger brother, Scott Yamin, in pharmacy school at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina.[6]
A history of ear infections as a child and eardrum replacement surgery at 13 left Yamin with 90% hearing loss in his right ear.[7] He was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 16 and wears an insulin pump to help him manage his diabetes.[8] Yamin is 5'6 tall.
Yamin first discovered his vocal talent while singing karaoke in his late teens. Although he had not been musically trained, he sang in a local jazz band and in amateur performance forums emulating Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Donny Hathaway. He attended Douglas S. Freeman High School in Richmond, Virginia. Dropping out of high school in his sophomore year, he later achieved a high school GED while working at Foot Locker (in their management program), a pharmacy, and as an on-air disc jockey for local R&B radio station WCDX/Power 92 FM, using the name E-Dub[9] — before auditioning for American Idol.
Yamin's day to day manager and spokesperson is Monet Corso,[10] who also receives A&R credit on his first album.
American Idol
Yamin auditioned in Boston, Massachusetts, singing Leon Russell's "A Song for You",[11] but his audition was not aired. He performed the song again in front of the judges during Hollywood rounds, as well as Rascal Flatts's "Bless the Broken Road". During the group auditions, Yamin and his group performed "It's In Her Kiss" (aka "The Shoop Shoop Song") from The Hollies; Simon Cowell disliked the group performance, but Randy Jackson said Yamin was the best one in his group, and Paula Abdul said it was a good thing she could look past two left feet, in a way of saying he did not dance well but he could definitely sing. He was sent through by the judges and made it through to the finals of the competition.
During one weekly rehearsal, guest coach Stevie Wonder told Yamin that he should definitely pursue a career in music. Simon Cowell stated that he thought Yamin was "potentially the best male vocalist" in five seasons on American Idol and later, after Yamin's "A Song for You" performance, he declared that it was a "vocal masterclass". His performance of "A Song for You" ranked third on Entertainment Weekly's countdown of the 16 best American Idol performances in the series history.[12]
On the May 10, 2006 results show Yamin, Taylor Hicks, and Katharine McPhee were announced as the top three finalists. All three returned to their respective hometowns for a day of festivities in their honor. Yamin's homecoming visit included radio and television interviews; performing "Home" for more than 4,000 fans, capped by Mayor Douglas Wilder presenting the key to the city; and meeting Governor Tim Kaine, whom Yamin greeted with a hug. Yamin threw out the first pitch before a sold-out crowd at The Diamond for a Richmond Braves game and sang a verse a cappella of "A Song for You".[13] Video highlights were shown on the top three results show.
Yamin was eliminated from American Idol on May 17, 2006, after the tightest race; each of the three top contestants received an almost exactly equal percentage of the viewer votes necessary for advancement to the remaining two spots.[14]
Performances and results
Week #
ThemeSong Choice Original Artist Order # Result
Audition
N/A"A Song for You" Donny Hathaway N/A Advanced
Hollywood
N/A"Bless the Broken Road" Rascal Flatts N/A Advanced
Hollywood – Group Performance
N/A"The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in Her Kiss)" Betty Everett N/A Advanced
Top 50
N/A"A Song for You" Donny Hathaway N/A Advanced
Top 24 (12 Men)
N/A"If You Really Love Me" Stevie Wonder 9 Safe
Top 20 (10 Men)
N/A"Moody's Mood for Love" James Moody 2 Safe
Top 16 (8 Men)
N/A"Heaven" Bryan Adams 7 Safe
Top 12
Stevie Wonder"Knocks Me Off My Feet" Stevie Wonder 3 Safe
Top 11
1950s"Teach Me Tonight" The DeCastro Sisters 9 Safe
Top 10
2000s"I Don't Want to Be" Gavin DeGraw 10 Safe
Top 9
Country"If Tomorrow Never Comes" Garth Brooks 3 Bottom 2
Top 8
Queen"Somebody to Love" Queen 6 Bottom 3
Top 7
Great American Songbook"It Had to Be You" Frank Sinatra 4 Safe
Top 6
Love songs"A Song for You" Donny Hathaway 2 Safe
Top 5
Year They Were Born (1978)
Current Billboard Top 10"On Broadway"
"Home" George Benson
Michael Bublé 1
6 Bottom 2
Top 4
Elvis Presley"If I Can Dream"
"Trouble" Elvis Presley 3
7 Top 2
Top 3
Clive Davis's Choice
Judge’s Choice (Paula Abdul)
Contestant's Choice"Open Arms"
"What You Won't Do for Love"
"I Believe to My Soul" Journey
Bobby Caldwell
Ray Charles (Donny Hathaway’s version) 1
4
7 Eliminated
American Idol Performance Review and Judges' Comments [show]
Semi-finals:
Week 1: "If You Really Love Me" (Stevie Wonder) The judges loved his performance. Jackson called him a hot one and brilliant, Abdul said it was a great performance since beginning to end, and Cowell called him potentially the best male vocalist in the show in five seasons.
Week 2: "Moody's Mood For Love" (James Moody) Jackson gave Yamin a stand-up ovation, Abdul said his performance was brilliant, and Cowell said although he was growing on confidence and gave a great performance, he "can't win a show like this with a song like that".
Week 3: "Heaven" (Bryan Adams) Jackson said he would sign Yamin right after his performance, and Abdul called him phenomenal, amazing and fantastic. Cowell though said it was a copout and for the first time there was a disconnect between Yamin and the song.
Finals:
Week 1: Stevie Wonder - "Knocks Me Off My Feet" Jackson said it wasn't Yamin's best performance but at the end it was good. Abdul loved his passion, and Cowell said it lacked of originality and lacked the "wow" factor, although it was a good rendition. Guest Stevie Wonder confessed to be impressed with Yamin, and said he should definitely choose singing as a profession.
Week 2: Songs of the '50s - "Teach Me Tonight" (Al Jarreau) Jackson said Yamin chose the toughest song of the night and he worked it out. Abdul said she was moved by his performance, and Cowell said it was fantastic. Guest Barry Manilow said Yamin sings great but should keep remembering him about the story on the song.
Week 3: Songs of the 21st Century - "I Don't Want To Be" (Gavin DeGraw) Jackson and Paula liked the performance and the arrangements, Jackson calling Yamin a hot one, while Abdul called him "a funky white boy". Cowell said: "great song, terrible arrangement, good vocals and hideous dancing"; show host Ryan Seacrest liked the equation.
Week 4: Country Songs - "If Tomorrow Never Comes" (Garth Brooks) Jackson said the competition finally started with Yamin's rendition. Abdul called him humble, understated and stated he has a reckless abandon. Cowell called it safe and thought Yamin was nervous that night, which Yamin agreed. Guest Kenny Rogers thought Yamin could do great with the song. Yamin was in the Bottom 2 that week.
Week 5: Queen - "Somebody to Love" Jackson said he sang the hardest song and loved it despite some pitch problems. Abdul said he was the best vocals of the night and said it was his best performance so far. Cowell agreed in that Yamin chose the tough one and he pulled it off. Guests Brian May and Roger Taylor (Queen members) thought Yamin chose the tough one that night and did a good job. Yamin was in the Bottom 3 that week.
Week 6: Songs from The Great American Songbook - "It Had to Be You" (Frank Sinatra) Jackson said Yamin did a very nice job, and Abdul loved his performance. Cowell said it was a good vocal, but that he showed no personality, to what Yamin replied "I disagree"; Jackson and Abdul disagreed with Cowell too. Guest Rod Stewart called Yamin a blue-eyed soul.
Week 7: Love Songs - "A Song for You" (Leon Russell as performed by Donny Hathaway) Jackson hated the arrangements but loved Yamin's performance. Abdul was moved to tears and called Yamin an American Idol and said he celebrates what the competition is about. Cowell called it superb and said it was in part a vocal masterclass. Guest David Foster seemed impatient with Yamin, but recognized he sings well.
Week 8: Songs from the contestant's birth year (1978); Songs from the Top 10 of any Billboard Chart - "On Broadway" (by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, recorded by George Benson); "Home" (Michael Bublé) Jackson and Abdul said Yamin started rough in "On Broadway", but then got it together, while Cowell said it was disjointed. After "Home" Jackson said Yamin showed a tender side and made a nice job, and Abdul said it showed the richness of his voice. Cowell though said he was slightly worried for Yamin for singing a song which states he wants to go home and because the song hasn't enough of a hook. Yamin was in the Bottom 2 that week.
Week 9: Elvis Presley - "If I Can Dream"; "Trouble" The judges liked his rendition of "If I Can Dream"; Jackson said it was hot, Abdul said it was his best vocal performance during the season, and Cowell said Yamin came to the show that night as the underdog, chose a song which not many people know and yet gave the best performance. Jackson and Abdul said "Trouble" was Yamin's best performance ever, and Cowell said Yamin fought, showed personality and deserved to get through to the next round. Guest Tommy Mottola said Yamin is a laidback kid and that he pulled it off well.
Week 10: Clive Davis' pick; Judge's pick (Paula Abdul); Contestant's pick - "Open Arms" (Journey); "What You Won't Do For Love" (Bobby Caldwell); "I Believe To My Soul" (Ray Charles, as performed by Donny Hathaway) The judges had divergent opinions about "Open Arms", with Jackson saying he had problem in the chorus and he should take chances, Abdul said he was in excellent voice and did a great job, and Cowell said he was stiff and he should loosen up. Same happened with "What You Won't Do For Love": Jackson said Yamin was sharp, Abdul liked it and Cowell said he was pretty good because the style suit him although it wasn't the best song in the world. After "I Believe To My Soul" Jackson said it wasn't the perfect song for him but he could definitely sing and he did a good job, Abdul said nobody can sing songs like that like he did and called him a funky white boy again, and Cowell said Yamin is a great guy and a great singer and has made his mother proud, but also stated his song choices wouldn't carry him through to the next round. Yamin was eliminated that week.
Finale: Yamin performed a duet with Mary J. Blige and participated in the Top 12 Burt Bacharach's medley and the 'guys' medley'.
Guys Medley: "Takin’ Care Of Business" (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) / "Tobacco Road" (John D. Loudermilk) / "Don’t Stop" (Fleetwood Mac).
"One" (U2 as performed by Mary J. Blige & U2) with Mary J. Blige
"A House is Not a Home" (by Burt Bacharach)
After Idol
Yamin appeared on several talk shows, including the Tonight Show, Live with Regis and Kelly and the Fox News Channel program, Dayside. On June 11, 2006, he performed the national anthem acappella at Game 2 of the NBA finals.
He also appeared in the annual Pop Tart-sponsored national American Idols LIVE! Tour between July and September 2006. The tour included a sold-out show at the Richmond Coliseum in Yamin's hometown.[15]
On October 8, 2006, Yamin performed at the Virginia State Fair as the closing act. He was the first contestant from Season 5 to have his own solo concert. His backup band was the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. There was no new material featured in the concert; instead, he sang nine cover songs.
Virginia State Fair Song List [show]
"Use Me" (Bill Withers)
"Ready For Love" (Bad Company)
"Little Ghetto Boy" (Donny Hathaway)
"I Believe To My Soul" (Donny Hathaway)
"You've Got a Friend" (Carole King)
"Empty Arms" (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
"I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" (Donny Hathaway)
"What's Going On?" (Marvin Gaye)
"Whipping Post" (The Allman Brothers Band)
On December 8, 2006, Yamin sang the national anthem, Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?" and his newly-released single, "This Christmas", as part of the 2006 Genworth Children's Advantage Classic (sponsored by the Genworth Foundation) at the Alltel Pavilion at the Virginia Commonwealth University's Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond. Proceeds from the tennis event, which featured James Blake, Andre Agassi, Lindsay Davenport, and Steffi Graf, benefited local programs for disadvantaged youth.[16]
In December 2006, he announced a music publishing contract with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.[17] On January 25, 2007, Yamin signed a record deal with Hickory Records, a Sony/ATV-owned imprint set up as a "virtual label,"[18] and RED Distribution, a leading distributor for independent record labels in the United States.[19] Yamin has stated that "Sony invested in [him] as a partner" as part of a 50/50 deal, which means that "[they] both stand or fall."[18]
2007: Elliott Yamin
As a teaser, Yamin released the song "Movin' On" from his self-titled debut album on AOL's First Listen and iTunes. His first radio single, "Wait For You", was released on March 13.
Elliott Yamin was released on March 20, 2007, debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 90,000 copies in its first week. The album was the highest new artist debut on an independent label in SoundScan history.[20] The album was certified gold status by the RIAA on October 12, 2007.[21]
To promote his album, Yamin made TV appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, "Rachael Ray", Jimmy Kimmel Live, and TRL, where the video for the song "Wait For You" was premiered on March 20, 2007. He also signed autographs at the New York Times Square Virgin Megastore across from the TRL studio. At the CD signing at Circuit City on March 21 in his hometown, Richmond, Virginia, people started lining up at 7:00 AM and the line went around the building.[22]
During April and May 2007, Yamin embarked on a radio tour which included interviews and acoustic in-studio performances, accompanied by guitarist Russell Ali. Mark Gorlick (VP Artist Development & Marketing, Sony/BMG RED) emphasized the importance of this type of promotion: "We put together a five-week promo tour across the country, and just worked it...When programmers saw that the Elliott in person was consistent with the Elliott they saw on television that was huge."[23]
On May 16, 2007, Yamin performed his hit single, "Wait for You", on the American Idol Season 6 Top 3 results show. The song jumped 60 spots on iTunes in a few hours as well as from 80 to 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. Also, following the performance, sales of his self-titled album increased, jumping 47 spots on the Billboard 200, from 67 to 20.
Yamin started his first solo national tour on May 17, 2007, in Alexandria, Virginia, with pop/R&B singer Josh Hoge opening for him. Yamin's tour ended June 21, 2007, in Anaheim, California.
On May 30, 2007, Yamin achieved a chart trifecta on UU-BRU Internet Radio with "Wait For You" (#1 for two weeks in a row), "A Song For You" (which climbed from #7 to #2) and "Movin' On" (down one spot, from #2 to #3). The only other act to do the same is Whitney Houston, who held the top three spots on UU-BRU Internet Radio for two weeks in March 1993 ("I Will Always Love You", "I'm Every Woman" and "I Have Nothing").
On July 4, 2007, Yamin performed in Washington, DC, at "A Capitol Fourth" on PBS--the country's biggest 4th of July celebration--singing "In Love With You Forever" and "America the Beautiful". In August 2007, Yamin visited local television morning shows in South Florida, Atlanta, Washington DC, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston for interviews and performances. He also appeared as himself on the television soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful (aired August 24) and the television drama Lincoln Heights (aired September 20), performing "Wait for You".
Yamin flew to the Philippines in September 2007 for a free mall concert tour of the Ayala Malls to promote his self-titled album. During his press conference at the Glorietta Activity Center, Yamin stated: “I have got some Filipino friends back home...I just know how warm and friendly the Filipino culture is...I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.” He also expressed a desire to return with his full band for a concert tour.[24] Following his TriNoma show on September 21, members of his fan group Yaminoys presented him with a "mini-me" Elliott doll. During the last concert held at the Alabang Town Center, Yamin accidentally stepped on the cord of his microphone while performing "Wait for You", inadvertently unplugging his microphone from the cord. A video of this can be seen on YouTube.
Yamin continued his North America tour in the fall, again with Josh Hoge opening and adding the rock band The Last Goodnight. Drummer Glen Sobel replaced Felix Bloxsom in Yamin's band, and fellow American Idol 5 alumnus José "Sway" Penala was added to provide backing vocals. The tour kicked off on October 5 in Chicago and ended on November 26 in Washington, DC.
On December 1, 2007, Yamin performed at the Live & Loud 07 Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he was the opening act for one of his personal idols, Whitney Houston. However he did not meet Houston.
By the end of 2007, Yamin's single "One Word" jumped from #7 on UU-BRU Internet Radio, where it held for four consecutive weeks, to the top of the chart, becoming Yamin's sixth number one hit on UU-BRU Internet Radio in less than two years. His streak began with a nine week run at number one with "Moody's Mood For Love" during the summer of 2006. Next came a three week run at the top in December 2006 with his cover of Donny Hathaway's holiday classic "This Christmas". In addition to "One Word", his self titled debut album yielded three more number one hits in 2007 including "Movin' On'", "Wait For You" and "A Song For You". Until the last week of 2007, Elliott Yamin was tied with Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey and C+C Music Factory, all of whom had three chart toppers on their debut albums; with four chart toppers from his first CD, Yamin has produced more number one hits from a debut album than any other act in the 30 year history of UU-BRU Internet Radio.
Elliott Yamin placed on four year-end Billboard charts for 2007, ranking at number 3 on the Top Independent Albums chart and at number 114 on The Billboard 200 chart.[25] "Wait for You" placed on six year-end Billboard charts for 2007, ranking at number 11 on the Pop 100 Airplay chart and at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart.[26] "Wait for You" was honored as one of the most performed songs in the ASCAP repertory during 2007;[27] Yamin performed it at the 25th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on April 9, 2008, at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.[28] The song was certified Platinum in digital sales on October 16, 2008.[21]
2008: Appearances and Performances
Yamin traveled to the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland and Germany to entertain service members as part of a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour from February 12 to February 21, 2008.[29]
On March 2, 2008, accompanied by Fantasia Barrino and a film crew, Yamin went on a four-day trip to Angola as a guest of Idol Gives Back sponsor ExxonMobil for the "Idol Gives Back" special. Footage of the pair distributing mosquito nets to villagers as part of the Malaria No More program was shown on the American Idol Season 7 Top 11 results show (March 19, 2008). Fantasia sang "Amazing Grace" and, following the local custom of naming a newborn after a visitor, a baby boy was named "Elliott". Yamin appeared on the Idol Gives Back show on April 9, 2008, as a member of the audience.
On April 16, 2008, Yamin performed on the American Idol Season 7 Top 7 results show — dedicating the song "Free" to his late mother, Claudette Yamin (See Personal Life).
Yamin made several trips to Japan during 2008 for media interviews and appearances to promote the Japan version of his debut album, which was retitled Wait for You. He performed 10 shows at Billboard Live venues in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in August. During his October visit to promote the release of the Premium edition of the album, Yamin performed with Japanese singer Yusaku Kiyama, who recorded a Japanese version of "Wait for You". Yamin recorded an English version of Kiyama's hit song "Home" in return.[30]
On October 27, 2008, Yamin performed in a concert as part of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Peres Center for Peace in Israel. The concert was entitled "Believe: Celebrating a Decade of Peacebuilding Activities" and took place at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. Yamin performed "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", and then closed the concert in a duet with singer Liel Kolet, performing "I Wish That...", a song written by Diane Warren. Other artists that were scheduled to perform include Andrea Bocelli, Slash and Dave Koz.[31]
Advocacy
As a diabetic, Yamin supports and works as a spokesman for various organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). In October 2006, Yamin sang the national anthem at the Dodger Stadium (LA) and cut the ribbon during the JDRF International Walk to Cure Diabetes. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from his Virginia State Fair concert benefitted the JDRF.[32] The Central Virginia Chapter of the JDRF honored Yamin for his commitment to diabetes awareness and research at its 8th Annual Spring Gala on March 1, 2008; more than $400,000 was raised at the event.[33]
In August 2007, Yamin visited Capitol Hill as International Celebrity Advocate Co-chair of the Promise to Remember Me Campaign to petition Representatives for their support to extend the Special Diabetes Program, which provides federal funding for type 1 diabetes research.[34]
In October 2007, Yamin was named Global Ambassador to promote the Inspired by Diabetes Creative Expression Competition, a global contest in which people with diabetes, as well as their friends and families, can share through art, music, or essay how the disease has impacted their lives.[35]
During his fall 2007 concert tour, Yamin announced that 100% of proceeds from the sale of designated T-shirts and pins would benefit the Life for a Child Program, which provides insulin, as well as diabetes-related care and supplies, for children in developing countries.[36]
On World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2007, Yamin was joined by children with diabetes for a performance of the song "Promise to Remember Me" in the United Nation's Rose Garden.[37] Following the World Diabetes Day ceremonies, Yamin taped a segment of the Montel Williams Show during which he shared his experiences learning to live with the disease and performed "Wait for You." The 30-minute segment was aired on November 29, 2007.[38]
Discography
Pre-Idol Recordings
In 2005, Yamin was featured on three tracks ("Sound Doctrine", "Song of Hope", and "Whatchacomeherefoe?") of Richmond, Virginia gospel musical artist Big Planz's album Sound Doctrine.[39] Four renditions of another song he recorded with Big Planz, "The Storm", were released on iTunes.
Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection
On October 14, 2007, Yamin released Sounds Of The Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection, a Christmas album with 8 tracks, including two originals recorded specifically for the album. Distributed exclusively through Target stores during the 2007 holiday season, it sold 81,000 copies.
Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection Track Listing [show]
"This Christmas"
"Little Drummer Boy"
"Merry Christmas, Baby"
"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)"
"Jingle Bells"
"A Very Merry Christmas"
"Let's Be Naughty (And Save Santa The Trip)"
"Warm Me Up"
Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1
On March 11, 2008, producer Randy Jackson released his first studio album, in which Yamin features in a duet with American Idol co-contestant Katharine McPhee.[40] The song, "Real Love", is a cover of a Lee Ryan song, using the male/female structure of the Trinity Stone featuring Ne-Yo cover. The song was released as a single for radio airplay on April 22, 2008.[41]
DisneyMania 6
Yamin covered Elton John's Academy Award-winning song in 1994, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from Disney's The Lion King, for the compilation album DisneyMania 6, released on May 20, 2008.
Wait for You (Japan album)
A Japan edition of Yamin's debut album was released on May 21, 2008, by Avex Trax. Retitled Wait for You, the album includes bonus tracks "Believe" and "In Love With You Forever"; the latter song is featured in a Toyota Vitz commercial airing in Japan.[30] The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in September 2008.[42] A Premium Edition was released on October 8, 2008, which contains additional bonus tracks: "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "I'll Make You Dance", plus Yamin's cover version of "Home", originally from Japanese singer Yusaku Kiyama, who recorded a Japanese version of "Wait for You" in return.[30] A standard edition and a special edition with different bonus tracks were released in Taiwan in July and September 2008, respectively.[43]
My Kind of Holiday
On October 7, 2008, Yamin released another holiday album titled My Kind of Holiday.[44] It includes the 8 tracks from Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection, plus 2 new tracks: "Back Door Santa" and "Christmas Without Carol", which he co-wrote.[45]
My Kind of Holiday Track Listing [show]
"This Christmas"
"Warm Me Up"
"Jingle Bells"
"A Very Merry Christmas"
"Little Drummer Boy"
"Back Door Santa"
"The Christmas Song"
"Merry Christmas, Baby"
"Let’s Be Naughty (And Save Santa the Trip)"
"Christmas Without Carol"
The Japan Exclusive Edition of the album was released on December 10, 2008, and includes three bonus tracks: "Sharing the Night Together", an acoustic version of "Home", and "Wait for You (The Standard Club Piano Dance Remix)".[46]
Future Releases
Yamin began working on his second album in early 2008.[47] He is again working with Norwegian producers Stargate and hopes to have more uptempo songs on the album.[48] In addition, Jermaine Dupri has been recruited to assist with production.[47] Collaboration with Midi Mafia has also been reported.[49] Diane Warren has written a few songs for Yamin's consideration.[50] The album is scheduled to be released on May 5, 2009.[2] In November 2008, a new song titled "The Bridge Is Burning" leaked onto the internet.[51]. Other songs that were mentioned as possibilities to make the album are "Show Me",[52] a song that could be dedicated to his mother; "You" (produced by Stargate), "Know Better" (produced by Midi Mafia),[53] and "Get It Over With".[54] written by singer Josh Hoge, who toured with Yamin and opened his shows while he was promoting his first album.
On February 5, 2009, in a radio interview, Yamin confirmed "Know Better" would be on the album, the song being about a man being hurt by his girlfriend, and he should have known better; according to Yamin, it came from personal experiences[55]. That same day, Yamin suggested the album's title might be Fight for Love [56].
The album's first single, "Fight for Love", was released on February 13, 2009.
Studio albums
Album Information
Elliott Yamin
Release: March 20, 2007 (U.S.)
Label: Hickory Records
U.S. Billboard peak: #3[A]
U.S. sales: 519,000[57]
RIAA Certification: Gold[21]
Singles:
2007: "Movin' On"
2007: "Wait for You"
2007: "One Word"
Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection (EP)
Release: October 14, 2007 (U.S.)
Label: Hickory Records
U.S. Billboard peak: #32
U.S. sales: 81,000 [58]
My Kind of Holiday
Release: October 7, 2008 (U.S.)
Label: TRP Records/Fontana
U.S. sales: 20,000[59]
Singles:
2008: "Warm Me Up"
Singles
Year Song Album U.S. U.S. Pop U.S. A/C Media base CAN JAP RIAA certification
2006 "This Christmas"[B] Non-album single - - 21 - - - -
2007 "Wait for You"[C],[D] Elliott Yamin 13 5 4 3 22 - Platinum[21]
"One Word"[E] - - - - - - -
2008 "Real Love" (with Katharine McPhee Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1 - - - 71 - - -
"Home" Wait for You Premium Edition (Japan) - - - - - 91 -
"In Love With You Forever" - - - - - 79
"Warm Me Up" My Kind of Holiday - - - - - - -
2009 "Fight for Love" A Part of Me - - - - - - -
Others
Year Song Album U.S. U.S. Pop RIAA certification
2006 "Moody's Mood for Love"[F] American Idol Season 5: Encores 101 73
2007 "Movin' On"[G] Elliott Yamin 61 49
2008 "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" DisneyMania 6 - -
Notes
A ^For the issue date of April 7, 2007, Billboard reported that first week sales placed the album at #3 on the Billboard 200.[60] Selling close to 100,000 copies in its first week is the greatest accomplishment for an indie release thus far, making him the highest new artist debut on an independent label in SoundScan history. The album also debuted at #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart[61] and at #11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[62]
B ^Yamin's cover of Donny Hathaway's song "This Christmas" was originally released as a single online to AOL Music and iTunes on December 6, 2006. The rendition was later included on Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection, released in October 2007. Although the song was first released in 2006, it achieved its peak Billboard chart position in January 2008.[63]
C ^"Wait for You" was the first official single released from his self-titled debut. It was aired on radio for the first time on March 1, 2007, and released to iTunes on March 13, 2007. The song was added to Z100 NYC's (the most listened radio station in the U.S.) Top 40 list in late May 2007. This made Yamin one of the few independent artists to be played on that radio station.
D ^"Wait For You" has been included in the Now That's What I Call Music! 25 collection, the Radio Disney Jams, Vol. 10 compilation, and the Kidz Bop 13 album. The Jason Nevins GTR Mix of the song has been included on Ultra.2008, a collection of dance club remixes. An instrumental version of the song has also been included in the Strung Out Vol. 2: The String Quartet Tribute to Modern Rock Hits album.
E ^On August 16, 2007, Yamin announced his second radio single, "One Word", on Fox 5 News in Washington, DC.[64] It was released to radio on October 16, 2007.[65]
F ^"Moody's Mood for Love" was not released as a standard single in the U.S.; no songs from the American Idol Season 5: Encores CD were made available as singles for radio airplay. The chart position was attained strictly from sales of the individual track from various Internet music download sites. It peaked at #1 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart thus equaling a U.S. chart position of #101.
G ^"Movin' On" wasn't released as a single, but rather as a pre-album track made available to U.S. online music retailers on February 13, 2007.
Music videos
Date Song Director Notes References
2007 "Wait for You" Nick Spanos The video debuted on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown on June 16, 2007, at number 1 and spent 17 weeks on the countdown, 8 of those in the top spot. It was number 19 in VH1's Top 40 Videos of 2007 countdown. [66] [67] [68]
"One Word" Shaun Peterson The video debuted on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown on December 8, 2007, at number 20. [69] [70]
References
1. ^ Full name/birth place information compiled from State of California. California Birth Index, 1905-1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. At Ancestry.com
2. ^ a b Croshal Entertainment Group
3. ^ Elliot Yamin biography, information, news, links, pictures (pics) and products (music: American Idol)
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5. ^ "Richmond remembers Elliott Yamin's No. 1 fan". Richmond Times Dispatch, Cynthia McMullen, Apr 2, 2008. http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/search.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-04-02-0136.html.
6. ^ "Former 'American Idol' finalist Elliott Yamin's mother Claudette dies". RealtyTVworld.com, Christopher Rocchio, 04/01/2008. http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/former-american-idol-finalist-elliott-yamin-mother-claudette-dies-6833.php.
7. ^ Morehouse, Macon (2006-08-01). "Idol's Elliott Yamin Meets Fan with Leukemia". People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1221981,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
8. ^ Kaplan-Mayer, Gabrielle (2006-12-01). "Elliott Yamin". DiabetesHealth. http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2006/12/01/4930.html. Retrieved on 2008-03-25.
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11. ^ Billboard.com - Biography - Elliott Yamin
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21. ^ a b c d RIAA - Gold & Platinum
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31. ^ [1]
32. ^ "‘American Idol’ Star Elliott Yamin Gives Himself Away For Diabetes Benefit". Wireless Flash. 2006-10-04. http://www.flashnews.com/news/wfn6061004J5656.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-15.
33. ^ Grossman, Marcia Polier (2008-03-09). "'Lights, Camera, Take Action'". Richmond Times Dispatch. http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment/arts.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-03-09-0065.html. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
34. ^ Elliott Yamin: My August 1 Experience | Promise to Remember Me - JDRF
35. ^ "'American Idol' Finalist and Hickory Records Artist Elliott Yamin to Serve as a Global Ambassador for Inspired by Diabetes Campaign to Help Children with Diabetes". Bio-Medicine. 2007-10-11. http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-1/American-Idol-Finalist-and-Hickory-Records-Artist-Elliott-Yamin-to-Serve-as-a-Global-Ambassador-for-Inspired-by-Diabetes-Campaign-to-Help-Children-wit-3497-1/. Retrieved on 2007-12-22.
36. ^ McKee, Jaime (2007-11-02). "Beyond 'Idol:' Before Asheville show, Yamin talks about writing songs, odd job and charity groups". Asheville Citizen-Times. http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071102/ENT02/71101080/. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
37. ^ International Diabetes Federation (2007-11-05). Diabetes Communities Unite to Celebrate World Diabetes Day November. Press release. http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/media/pages/122. Retrieved on 2007-12-23.
38. ^ Montel Williams - Today's Show
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41. ^ [2] FMQB. Accessed May 4, 2008
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45. ^ Idol Chatter 10-01-2008
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48. ^ Kan, Saori (2008-05-16). "Elliott Yamin: Thankful for what he's got". Daily Yomiuri Online. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/arts/20080516TDY14001.htm. Retrieved on 2008-05-17.
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54. ^ http://etrainstation.com/index.php?showtopic=10933&st=2460&#last
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58. ^ Idol Chatter 1-16-2008
59. ^ Idol Chatter 1-07-2009
60. ^ The Billboard 200
61. ^ Top Independent Albums
62. ^ Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
63. ^ Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks
64. ^ MyFox Washington DC | Elliott Yamin on Fox 5 Morning News
65. ^ [3] FMQB. Accessed September 24, 2007
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67. ^ "VSPOT Top 20: June 16, 2007". http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1562591&vid=139975. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
68. ^ "VH1 Top 40 Videos: 2007". http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1575703&vid=139975. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
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70. ^ "VH1 Top 20: December 8, 2007". http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1575914&vid=192251. Retrieved on 2008-04-17.
