Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Paul McDonald is still battling to become the Season 10 American Idol.

But that didn’t prevent the Grand Magnolias, the band he performed with pre-Idol, from releasing a new single Tuesday to benefit the relief effort in Japan.

In fact, the endeavor is likely to be a whole lot more successful because the band’s former lead singer is on American Idol.

The song is “New Orleans,” written and performed by McDonald, 26, of Huntville, Alabama.

Among this year’s group of Idols, Paul’s the seasoned performer.  The Grand Magnolias released a 10-track CD late last year.

Before that, the band was known as the Hightide Blues. Under that name, the band released a 4-track EP in 2007 and an 8-track EP (“Love Come Easy”) in 2008.

All that music is available through iTunes.

But to download “New Orleans” for 99 cents, you’ll need to head to the Grand Magnolias’ website.

The site indicates that 100 percent of proceeds will benefit the relief effort in Japan.

Why New Orleans?

The band offers the following explanation: “This song is an ode to a city we have grown to love. After years of shows in New Orleans, we have watched it rebuild and triumph over tragedy. We hope others will help Japan do the same.”

Nice gesture, guys.