Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Kris Allen and Katharine McPhee are preparing to release new singles, and both are
getting a helping hand.

Kris’ long-awaited followup to “Live Like We’re Dying” is scheduled to be released on Tuesday.

The second single will be “The Truth” and, unlike the album version, the single track will include vocals by Pat
Monahan of Train.

Allen’s fans apparently aren’t thrilled by the addition of a second vocalist on the song.

Or by the song selection. “The Truth” is one of three songs on Kris’ self-titled debut album that he didn’t have a hand in writing. “Live Like We’re
Dying” was one of the others.

A fan who goes by seand1231 posted this message on Twitter Friday: “Why does ur label keep makin you release songs not written by you…the song Red Guitar has to be the best on the CD!!”

As for Kris, he said he’s touched by his fans concerns but apparently has no problem with the song selection or the addition of vocals from Monahan, who helped write the song. You can check out this interview with Kris at ew.com. You can also hear both versions of the song there.

Personally, I agree with seand1231. “Red Guitar” is the best tune on the album. And there were other far better choices for a second single than “The Truth.”

Kris will be touring with the Barenaked Ladies this summer. Tour dates announced so far include an Aug. 8 show at the Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Md.

As for Kat McPhee. she released “Terrified” as a single on iTunes on Tuesday and you can go here to see the new video for the song.

I mean, why not? It’s a pretty shrewd move.

The first couple of singles she released off her “Unbroken” album failed to catch on.

But Idol viewers nationwide are familiar with the Kara DioGuardi-penned “Terrified” after Didi Benami’s acclaimed acoustic rendition of the song earlier this year.

The single is actually a duet with Zachary Levi, star of the NBC comedy “Chuck” and one of the leads in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.” Hmm, missed that one.

Anyway, Zachary also appears in the video.

And, don’t forget, Kat will be playing at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg on Tuesday, July 13. You can go here for ticket information.