Elliott Yamin — Wait For You on American Idol

Thursday, May 17, 2007, 02:14 AM | Elliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin performs ‘Wait for You’ during last night’s elimination. Catch Elliott Yamin on tour!

Elliott Yamin is simply the greatest Top 3 finisher among all the Top 3 finishers in American Idol. I would be shocked if Melinda Doolittle will surpass the type of fanbase Elliott cultivated last year. Remember, no major label signed Elliott, and he signed with an independent label, Hickory Records just early this year. When his CD came out in March, selling 96,000 copies — it was the highest debut of an independent artist in Billboard history. That’s sales entirely driven by a fanbase. The CD has currently sold over 200,000 copies and will surpass another Top 3 finisher Kimberley Locke’s totals from 2 CDs.

So catch Elliott on tour at a city near you. He has new hair, new veneers — and the same vocal chops that will give you chills!

Dailymotion blogged video

57 Comments for Elliott Yamin — Wait For You on American Idol

1

Thank you SO much for posting this! I love this song and the entire CD. I saw Elliott at the Wilmington Flower Market in DE last Thursday, and it amazes me how he is just as incredible of a singer live as he is on the CD. Love you Elliott!!!

donnalynn on May 17, 2007 at 2:26 am
2

Yup!. GO TO THE Concert. Elliott is AWESOME!. Melinda will hopefully be successful like Elliott.

shadow25 on May 17, 2007 at 2:35 am
3

Rickey, thank you so much for the video. I wasn’t able to catch the show tonight and when I found out Elliott performed, I could just kick myself. You’re my AI angel… thank you thank you thank you…

He looks kinda wild but the vocals are as I remember it… simply amazing.

samantha_marie on May 17, 2007 at 3:02 am
4

Elliott didn’t just sign with an independent label he started one (with a Sony exec). So I am sure he gets a larger chunk of the profits. I also think the iTunes version has the best bonus songs… but I still bought the WalMart and Target versions as well.

laartwork on May 17, 2007 at 3:21 am
5

Oh Rickey… I still remember the tears last year when he was eliminated.

Thanks for the video, Rickey!!! Great vocals, as always!!! I just love the new confidence. Paula & Randy still love him but Simon was suppressing a yawn? har har har…. Simon, you want him to sing “I Believe to My Soul” again?

jackievincennes on May 17, 2007 at 3:31 am
6

Oh, that is what I was missing this season! Best performance on that stage all season! His voice is like buttah. He and Daughtry should have been in the final last year. That would have been so awesome. Oh well, they’re both better off. Hopefully Melinda will be, too. Anyway, I’m so happy Elliott is doing well. He sounded especially amazing tonight.

grumpybear23 on May 17, 2007 at 3:43 am
7

Agree with everything grumpybear said above.

Rickey, thank you for posting the video and for continuing to support Elliott. His hair is longer, his smile is brighter, but he has not changed. He is still the same sweet, endearing, gracious, humble guy his fans fell in love with over a year ago and I am proud be one of them.

itsjustMel on May 17, 2007 at 4:02 am
8

I just LOVE Elliott. What a grat guy. I love his CD and really missed him on the show this year.

JoviQueen on May 17, 2007 at 6:56 am
9

Aww..I just had mY crying session ALL OVER AGAIN with Elliott’s performance last night! He just simply moves me! I loved the slower version of th song too…his vocals are just AMAZING! and his personality is just wonderful…still such a regular guy..and he was pretty darn funny too It was cute how all 3 judges critiqued his performance…and how he spoke to the finalists…LOL..and the porshce comment was even funnier! “I like Porsche’s” hehe

CAN”T WAIT TO SEE HIM LIVE NEXT TUESDAY! Thanx for getting the video up rickey with all the trouble you were having last night! YOUR THE BEST!

love4elliott on May 17, 2007 at 7:47 am
10

I want to see him live. but his chicago concert was canned.

ucanhavmycake78 on May 17, 2007 at 8:26 am
11

How can anyone not love this guy?

SingItLikeYaminIt on May 17, 2007 at 9:22 am
12

Elliott was the heart of the show last year and that’s what was missing this year – heart. We never did get to know the contestants very well and now we’re all the way to the finals. Even the home visits this year were dull. Can anyone who was watching ever forget E’s home visit? The parade, the people perched on the rooftops, the ball game… I still have it on my Tivo.

Anyway, Elliott was great as usual and it was wonderful to see and hear him again!

wylie on May 17, 2007 at 9:32 am
13

I couldn’t care less what the outside looks like or how it changes…just don’t mess with all that rich, thick, soulful voice that oozes out from within his very being!

I can’t help consider the irony of this year’s and last year’s #3 finalists (Melinda & Elliott)…in a time before the MTV generation…they would have been judged so differently…there wouldn’t have been all the negativity about their physical appearance and their worth to be considered an “idol”. Before “video killed the radio star”…it was more about the vocal ability…now we are so obsessed with “looks” many time moreso than singing ability…hmmmm

feaqs on May 17, 2007 at 9:39 am
14

Hey Rickey! Thank you so much for always featuring Elliott!

merrr on May 17, 2007 at 9:43 am
15

I love love love Elliot…downloaded his CD the minute it came out on iTunes…

But I cannot stand this hair. I think it makes him look old? Is it just because it’s so different that I don’t like it? Because heaven knows his vocals are still spot on.

Going to listen to the CD again…

rap1971 on May 17, 2007 at 10:02 am
16

*sigh* God knows how much I missed dear Elliott Yamin. Can’t help but shed copious tears when he stepped on the AI stage again Ü So proud of our boy.

toricia on May 17, 2007 at 10:34 am
17

Before Elliott came on, I was a bunch of nerves, pacing like crazy, and downing a half gallon of red wine. My heart was trying to bolt out of my ribs. What if he flubs? was what was gnawing at me. But he DID a stunningly drop-dead, LIVE performance! Congratulations, my fave E!

Benmyoho on May 17, 2007 at 10:41 am
18

I think he and Melinda should get together on a couple of songs…I think their voices would compliment one another wonderfully.

Dweezil on May 17, 2007 at 11:37 am
19

OMG!!!

He was AMAZING. I loveeeeeee him so much. I swear.
:D:D:D:D

elliottisbest on May 17, 2007 at 11:38 am
20

Oh man i was swooning over the guy while he was singing! I like how he sings the same sing different each time. His soul just oozes out when he sings. Such a sweetheart. Elliott so many folks out there adore you!!!

takai7 on May 17, 2007 at 11:46 am
21

I agree TAKAI7 100% with you…I LOVE how he sings that song so often and still manages to sing it differently and ever so brilliantly EACH AND EVERY TIME! Hands down to the BEST Idol EVER to grace the AI stage! (well, to me anyway, and i know many othes feel the same way) I was dyin’ just waiting and waiting…couldn’t wait to see him first walk out! AHHHH…he’s still so humble! Go E….

love4elliott on May 17, 2007 at 12:17 pm
22

Best performance of Season 5. WHOO HOO!! Elliott, we love you!

He was fantastic and by far, the best AI ever. Can’t wait to see him on tour.

He was brillant last night.

gardengirl on May 17, 2007 at 12:21 pm
23

He is wonderful! I am going to play his cd alot more than I do!

sugamamadaddy on May 17, 2007 at 12:22 pm
24

lol..brilliant!

Embarassing to spell a word indicating excellence wrong. LOL

That’s what I get for typing when I’m excited.

gardengirl on May 17, 2007 at 12:23 pm
25

Too bad Elliott’s touring band is nowhere near as good as these guys. It was nice to hear him singing with backup vocals again too.

Something about the way his hair was over his face made him look like he had a unibrow. Hm.

john.reyes on May 17, 2007 at 12:57 pm
26

I agree with #18. That would be like hot fudge and caramel on creamy vanilla ice cream.

MOMster on May 17, 2007 at 12:57 pm
27

Elliott is just an amazingly gifted artist. It’s too bad that so many people are so shallow and were focused on looks last year. I would get into arguments with friends and tell them “listen with your ears,& not with your eyes.” It infuriated me- still does, but not that I thought he was bad looking. Looks are unimpt. to me.

Feaqs, you are so correct in your comments. I heart you. lol

love4elliott, maybe I’ll see ya Tuesday at the concert. Can’t wait.

Love ya Rickey for always showing Elliott lots of love.

chattycb on May 17, 2007 at 1:01 pm
28

I am so proud of this guy.

shilvhwaiixp on May 17, 2007 at 1:42 pm
29

thank you thank you thank you for having this i missed last night. when i heard he was on i almost cried. :’(

I remember why i loved him so much. Elliot you rock.. I NEVER buy cd’s I’m buyin yours! It’s buy-worthy!

TezzyDarling on May 17, 2007 at 2:20 pm
30

At the end of the song Elliott turns to salute the musicians and backup singers—he never forgets to show his gratitude.
That’s why I love this guy.

takai7 on May 17, 2007 at 2:24 pm
31

Elliot was my favorite idol last year. I’m so happy to see him singing again because I’d missed the show but his soulfull voice and great personality is still there.

I wished Ryan had asked about his mother and how proud she must be..I’m so happy he’s doing so well.

girladvenger on May 17, 2007 at 4:07 pm
32

that was amazing elliott.. chills!! lol .. ur soo funny !! hes freakin hilarous.. my fav last year he shouldv’e been in the finale with chirss!!!

TEAMSANJAYA on May 17, 2007 at 4:11 pm
33

Elliott is my fav AI contestant of ALL time! It’s so wonderful to see the love he receives on this site, yay!! =)

layla on May 17, 2007 at 4:29 pm
34

I like Wait For You..But I am In Love with ” You are the One”

I can’t wait for him to release it…Absolutely perfect song… *sighs*

fanjaya on May 17, 2007 at 4:40 pm
35

Aw, it made me cry to see him up on that stage again. I just remember the top 3 results show last year where I was bawling the whole night. He just sounds great and it was enjoyable watching him get “judged” by Paula, Simon, and Randy.
ILU Elliott!

Myra on May 17, 2007 at 4:41 pm
36

Wonderful vocals last night. Proved why he should have been in the finals last year. BUY THE CD FOLKS! I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

shasta on May 17, 2007 at 4:59 pm
37

I completely agree with #36!

The whole CD is AMAZING! Great job last night Elliott.

STLgirl2005 on May 17, 2007 at 5:36 pm
38

If you really are a Elliott fan (love his voice, etc)…then don’t just buy one CD…he has 4 CDs that have different stuff on them.

1. There is the standard CD that has 11 tracks on it.
2. The iTunes (downloadable CD) that has 2 bonus tracks (Whiter Shade of Pale) & (In Love With You Forever) [these 2 songs alone make this project the best one to get]
3. The exclusive (sold @ Target Stores) Elliott Yamin CD which has 2 bonus tracks, too ((Let Your Heart Lead) & (I’ll Make You Dance) [I rate this as the 2nd best CD to purchase]
4. The exclusive (sold @ WalMart Stores) Ellott Yamin CD which also has 2 bonus tracks (accoustic version of Train Wreck) & (full band version of “A Song For You”) [makes this the 3rd best CD to purchase]

I would recommend buying as many of these projects as you can afford. Each bonus track is worth it but Elliott’s interpretation of the 60’s British Rock Band [Procol Harum's] “Whiter Shade of Pale” will blow most of his fan’s socks off…his vocals on this song is similar to what he did to Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You”.

Try to support E as much as you can…just like Chris Daughtry’s fans have pushed him into (double?) platinum territory. Chris has the big record company promotional train behind him…whereas Elliott is on his independent label which is doing well…but doesn’t have quite the promotional savvy and steam roller ability like being signed to a big record company like Chris is. (not knocking Chris at all…love how he too is knocking it out of the park!)

feaqs on May 17, 2007 at 6:10 pm
39

Whiter Shade of Pale is worth $9.99 all on it’s own. Just amazing.

gardengirl on May 17, 2007 at 6:38 pm
40

BTW, I should have mentioned that the “exclusive” WalMart CD doesn’t come with the bonus tracks on a disk (like the two CDs in-the-jewel-case from Target)

The WalMart CD sends you to the internet to download the bonus tracks…AND…the file is not MAC compatible You will need to download it on a PC then burn the file to an audio disc to get it into your Mac/iTunes etc.

(don’t ask me how I know!)

feaqs on May 17, 2007 at 6:50 pm
41

Oh how I’ve missed MY ELLIOTT! He’s still the same adorable guy, but his makeover doesn’t do it for me. He looked MUCH better at the end of Season 5. Bring back the flat-ironed short hair! I liked the old teeth better than the chicklets too.
Thank goodness the voice is still the same… and he’s gained some confidence and stage presence.
Bought the iTunes album. LOVE “Whater Shade of Pale”!

abbala on May 17, 2007 at 6:51 pm
42

It seems i’m always 100% in agreement with FEAQS! I have them all…i bought 3 cds to get all the tracks there and all the internet sites too…rhapsody, itunes, yahoo…etc..! They truly are worth every single penny! LOL..i remember last year the night of the TOP 3 performances i was ALL DECKED in Elliott Gear and literally walking around a nearby shopping plaza passing out VOTE FOR ELLIOTT FLYERS..i had little flag in my hair and mardi Gras Bead..the WHOLE 9 Yds..I Was TRULY A NUT! But he was and IS so worth it! I’m gonna BAWL my head off when i see him tuesday in NY…My Poor boyfriend! i could see me shoving him out of my Way! lol~

love4elliott on May 17, 2007 at 6:51 pm
43

Awww, I miss Elliott. Hearing the depth and quality and soul in his voice just makes it more apparent how much this season is lacking, even with Melinda, who I think is a great singer, but Elliott just has that emotion that just gets to you.

pud333 on May 17, 2007 at 7:15 pm
44

Yasmin is an example of an ex-Idol taking control of his career. Kimberly Locke is another one who took control of her career. Idol is just a platform (sorry stealing from Jennifer Hudson), and you don’t have to be #1 winner. You can be #3, #5, #7, and still be successful. They don’t have to be the top million earners, but just having a long career and not crashing & burning.

Chicago-48 on May 17, 2007 at 8:05 pm
45

I think Elliott’s talent goes way beyond the ken of “third-place finishers”…that is simply not the league Elliott is in…and actually no one really knows about accuracy of vote tabulations when the counts were so close…the final three were truly a toss-up on AI5. Elliott is Elliott-not merely an AI contestant, and as such, I feel he is unsurpassed by ANYONE of any era or genre!! And as for sales numbers, his sales would be ever so much higher if we could find any CD’s out there in the stores. Searching a 15-mile radius of me, there are scarcely any to be bought!

AngELL on May 17, 2007 at 8:26 pm
46

Elliott is a class act all the way. Thanking everyone, shouting out his backup singers and lyricist, giving inspirational advice to the 3 finalists…and all from a young man with a gorgeous, smokey, emotion-filled voice. Priceless!

artymom on May 17, 2007 at 8:35 pm
47

Rickey do u ever sleep? Thanks for posting the Elliot performance may we all survive the finales. i have a burning question though when Elliot mentioned Taj Jackson as the one who helped him compose is it Taj jackson nephew of Michael Jackson and of the band 3T? I am a fan of 3T gawd the gud ole highschool days lolol

Go Blaker Girls
Go Highrollers
Blake rules!

jamiecutie23 on May 17, 2007 at 10:41 pm
48

Hi! Does anyone know where I can download an mp3 of this performance?

merrr on May 17, 2007 at 10:55 pm
49

Sigh… I heart E.

SonjaBabylonia on May 17, 2007 at 11:07 pm
50

Post 44: Chicago-48

I think you are spot on! Not becoming the winner of AI doesn’t mean that its over for any of the contestants. It’s a vehicle…albeit a highly visible platform to jump start your life/career in the entertainment business.

It’s obvious that for some of the contestents…music is where they should be and probably where they will earn their livlihood…but for others it will/could be somewhere else in the entertainment business…but it’s up to them to find that place and strike out while they’re still “hot” and fresh in the mind of the public.

Some will never see that you don’t always have to be in the top 10 of the Pop or Rock charts to be “succesful”. There will always be musical “genre” snobs (and they usually don’t even know that they are)…who only see the genre that they listen too as “valid” or “successful”. Or only look at multiple platinum record sales as being “credible”. Many singers like Reba MacIntire for instance, have been in the business for years and may have never gone platinum (she may have of recent times, though)…but is a proven “star” in her on right with many “gold” hits through her long musical career.

Take Frenchie Davis for example…she got canned early in the competition…but I would still consider her one of the AI successses, even though she was booted out of the competition. Frenchie has been making a comfortable living doing Broadway etc. Just like Constantine, and “Tracheotomy Boy” (sorry to his fans…just can’t remember his name at this point)…both still doing well in the entertainment business. They may not be Kelly Clarkson, or Carrie Underwood…but still doing well and making a good living.

I know this is getting long so I’ll wrap it up…though AI is a singing contest, many of the contestents may not wind up in the music industry. As mentioned by others… Jenn Hudson has moved into film (award winning), and others have gone into TV (Kim Caldwell, Matt Rogers, Justin the-mop-top Wareenie (sorry, don’t know how to spell his name)…and I suspect from this season, Sanjaya will roll over into some other entertainment field (sorry Fanjayas…I don’t think music/singing is going to be where he lands). And PLEASE (fanjayas) don’t take that negatively or as a slam against Sanjy…I just think his X-factor goes beyond the music industry. Remember, there are many great “entertainers” that can sing but find their careers doing something other than singing…for example, Johnny Carson or Regis Philbin…then some singers find success in acting like Bette Midler and Madeliine Kahn…well, I think you get me drift.

feaqs on May 18, 2007 at 9:36 am
51

post 50
nice to know some folks can think longer than one phrase or sentence.

takai7 on May 18, 2007 at 10:15 am
52

I am not going to make this long because everyone has already written my thoughts. I love Elliott Yamin. I love the Elliott Yamin CD. I love the iTunes WHITER SHADE OF PALE. Buy the CDs…go to the Concerts. Give back to the young man who has given us so much enjoyment !!

I cried for weeks last year when Elliott got the Boot ! So Happy to see him back on that stage Again!

Ging on May 18, 2007 at 11:21 am
53

My love with Elliot is almost borderline obsession…and I AM NOT ASHAMED! He’s simply beyootiful and his voice gives me CHILLS!

punky_breester on May 18, 2007 at 4:35 pm
54

….AND he was adorable even before the makeover!

punky_breester on May 18, 2007 at 4:36 pm
55

I got to see Elliott LIVE the next night at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA …. and he remembered me!!! Remember how he showed up late to the White House last year?? Well, guess who was the ONLY person that saw him trying to get in to the White House — ME!!!! He laughs about that.

Thanks for the video, Rickey!!!

Any hope for an MP3 version of the song???? My ePod is asking for that mp3

E-Fan Wendy on May 19, 2007 at 1:41 pm
56

rickey, please post news ab’t kellie pickler

kim on May 20, 2007 at 6:33 am
57

Well, yesterday, my hip-hop son says, “Mom, do you know who Elliot Yamin is?” I said, yeah, of course (he didn’t know he was an AI contestant)?
His song is GREAT! I’m putting it on my my space!” And, he kept playing it over and over and over again last night from EY’s web site! Good luck Elliot w/the hip-hop generation. I think they’re catching onto you!!

sweetbee on June 2, 2007 at 10:21 pm