American Idol Creator Simon Fuller Launches Record Label with Tamyra Gray

It was announced yesterday that Simon Fuller, creator of the Idol shows, is now branching out even further into the music business by launching his own record label, 19 Recordings. And he is doing so in grand style, as the first album released will be that of Tamyra Gray, who came in fourth place in the first American Idol despite being thought of as a major contender at the time.

Besides having created the Idol franchise, Fuller originally came onto the music scene by signing Madonna’s first hit, “Holiday,” in the UK when it was still unknown. In 1985, he started “19” as a management company and has managed Annie Lennox, the Spice Girls (a group he also created), S Club 7, and others. Of course, he also manages American Idol stars Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, and Clay Aiken. His company, 19, has been involved in 101 Number 1 singles and 81 Number 1 albums.

Tamyra Gray was dropped by the original record label that signed her after American Idol, but has had acting roles on Boston Public and Tru Calling. Her debut album, The Dreamer, will be released next Tuesday, and Tamyra will be on the American Idol results show tonight to sing “Raindrops Will Fall” once again, plus a performance of another song, “Star.”

Tamyra is obviously a good choice for a debut album by 19. Fuller has made good use of cross-promoting, keeping his stars in front of the music-buying public by using his #1 show, American Idol, as he is doing with Tamyra.

Many people felt Tamyra was robbed when she was voted out in fourth position while Nikki McKibbin stayed. Indeed, whenever a good person is sent home and a less talented singer sticks around on American Idol, it is often called “the Tamyra Effect” – for example, what happened to LaToya last week.

It took Tamyra a little bit longer to get her album together, but her fans have been patient. Expect to see it debut high on the charts, and expect her to have a long career both in music and acting.

Of course, you can order Tamyra’s CD right here:

David Bloomberg is the Editor of Foxes On Idol, and can be reached at RNO@pobox.com.

Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! For all of our articles, check out our sections on American Idol, American Juniors, Nashville Star, and Canadian Idol. Also make sure to check out RealityNewsOnline for recaps and articles covering other reality TV shows.

For even more news about reality TV, be sure to check SirLinksALot!