CMT News

Kimberly Caldwell, a contestant on the second season of American Idol, released her debut album on Tuesday (April 19) on Vanguard/Capitol Records. She placed seventh that season. Her fellow contestants included Clay Aiken, Josh Gracin and winner Ruben Studdard. Although the album is rock-oriented, Caldwell cites the Judds, Reba McEntire and Randy Travis among her early influences, and she grew up performing at the Country Tonite singing revue in Branson, Mo. She was also a five-time winner as a junior vocalist on Star Search. In addition to her performing career, she has also been a correspondent for the TV Guide Channel.