Clear Channel Radio and 19 Entertainment on Monday took the wraps off a new video by former “American Idol” contestant Alex Lambert. The video “I Didn’t Know” premiered exclusively on CC Radio’s iheartradio app for the first 24 hours, with fans then able to watch Lambert’s reaction on Hulu.com.
The video showcases Lambert’s artistry against the backdrop of New York City and features several pianos installed across the five boroughs as part of Sing For Hope’s “Play Me, I’m Yours” public art project.
19-year-old Lambert is quickly emerging as the artist to watch on 19 Entertainment’s web series “If I Can Dream,” which follows the lives of five young hopefuls as they pursue their dreams of fame. Invited into the “Dream” house after being voted off “American Idol,” Lambert received a second chance at stardom when an Idol fan created an online petition that attracted tens of thousands of signatures calling for his reinstatement.
“If I Can Dream” was launched by 19 Entertainment, owned by CKX Inc., as an online competition playing off of its high-profile properties – “American Idol” and Elvis Presley Enterprises. Clear Channel Radio partnered with CKX for the talent competition.
Premiering “I Didn’t Know” exclusively on iheartradio exposes Lambert to an audience of eight million avid radio listeners who have already downloaded the app, the partners said. The latest version of iheartradio, which is available on iPhone, Blackberry and Android smartphones, delivers hundreds of radio stations, commercial-free content from top radio personalities, celebrity-hosted channels and local traffic reports.
“Clear Channel has produced a great video in which Alex’s extraordinary talents are on full display. Clear Channel’s multi-platform reach provides a unique opportunity to engage his fans on-air, online and via mobile,” said show creator and 19 Entertainment founder Simon Fuller, who is also the creator of “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
“Our commitment to emerging talent is at the core of our partnership with 19 Entertainment. Alex’s fans have proven to be passionate and digitally savvy. Making his video available to view and share on the mobile platform is a natural,” said Evan Harrison, EVP of Clear Channel Radio and President of its digital unit.
“I Didn’t Know” launched Monday, July 26 as the featured video on the iheartradio app and will be available exclusively for 24 hours. Following the video premiere, fans can watch Lambert’s reaction during the Tuesday, July 27 episode of “If I Can Dream,” available on Hulu.com. “I Didn’t Know” was written by Adam Messinger, Nasri, Liz Rodregues and Alex Lambert, and was produced by Nasri.
RBR-TVBR observation: Radio is still the best way to expose people to new music and get them to buy it. That applies to broadcast radio, online streaming radio and, in this case, mobile radio (with pictures).
