American Idol Mania's Favorite Performance From Season 6-Blake Lewis

Blake Lewis Performance of "How Many Words" From Last Night's Idol

After an energy-filled performance (would we expect any less from B Shorty?) of "How Many Words" by Blake Lewis last night.

Blake Lewis Returning to Idol 3-6-08

Blake Lewis will make a return to Idol later this week during elimination week. Here's a clip of Blake performing "Break Anotha'" on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Blake Lewis' Audio Dream Day Has Big Debut

Our favorite American Idol contestant from Season 6, Blake Lewis, has just released his album entitled Audio Day Dream December 12. The album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Charts, selling a whopping 97,500 records it's first week out! More on this later.(http://musicbox.sonybmg.com/node/137865)

American Idol Auditions

Last year more that 103,000 Idol hopefuls auditioned. This years try-outs took place in San Diego, Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami, and Philadelphia. When asked by USA TODAY for audition advice here is what some of last season's Idol contestants had to say:

Blake Lewis, 26, added his own unique spin on Seal's Crazy for his Seattle audition last year. Blake suggested, "be yourself and be confident. I didn't view it as television so it was easy. . . Just be true to yourself. There will always be other auditions."

Winner, Jordin Sparks, 17, (amazingly) did not make it through in Los Angeles. She then auditioned in Seattle singing Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion. And, you know, the rest is history. Jordin had this advice, "Know that (the judges) are watching to see if you'll crack under pressure. Sing something nobody else is doing, because by the 10th time they've heard it, they're going to cut you off early. Smile."

Melinda Doolittle, another stand-out performer from Season 6 emphasizes the importance of connecting with the judges. "Even if you're nervous, look them in the eye. Sing a song you believe in, one that you can really sell. Capture their attention. They're looking for more than singing."

Finally, few of us will forget Phil Stacey's dramatic audition, coming at the same time as his newborn baby daughter's birth. Stacey, 29, had this to add, "You've got to be real. The truth is, I would have left a better impression if I had done the music I wanted to do from the start rather than wait until I was comfortable. Blake went a long way because he was crystal clear about who he was."

I can't wait to view this years auditions! January can't come soon enough.