Original interview is in Spanish, credit to Agencia Efe. Link to the original full article can be found at the bottom of the post.

Read the English translation here:

Allison Iraheta, the singer of Salvadorian descent who won international recognition through the television contest American Idol is working on a second album completely written by her.

“Right now I’m writing and working on making new music, with new rock sounds, because I want my next album to be dark rock music”, Iraheta told Efe.

“Today, I don’t just want to be a singer, I want to be a singer-song writer, which is why I have been writing down my thoughts and feelings because when people listen to my music, I want them to connect with me”, she added.

At 16 years old, Iraheta was the fourth finalist on the American Idol season 8 (2008-2009), a singing talent scouting contest that was her platform to let her powerful voice be known.

“After competing on ‘American Idol’ I signed a contract with 19 Entertainment and Jive Records to record my first album, which is called ‘Just like you’, which was out on December 2009 and in which I co-wrote a song”, she told us.

“I still don’t know which month my second album can be out, I want to work on it slowly to do a good job”, she explained.

Born on April 27, 1992 in Glendale, California, Iraheta is the daughter of Salvadorian immigrants who listened to classic rock, romantic ballads from the 70s and rancheras, which sparked the young woman’s wishes to be a professional singer.

“At home, they always supported me and my first public presentation was when I was 7 years old, for a community contest by the Los Angeles warehouse store La Curacao. There I sang a song called “Mi Ranchito”, dedicated to my grandma”, she remembered.

The singer-song writer talked about how when she was 14 years old they saw a commercial on Telemundo for a contest called “Quinceañera: mamá quiero ser artista”.

“Everything went so fast, and suddenly we were already in Mexico taping the show in which our moms were also part of the show”, Iraheta remembers.

“I won the contest and I brought back the $50,000 first prize and I had a huge Quinceañera party”, she remembers.

At 15 years-old Iraheta was already a fan of the singing contest “American Idol”, but due to the age limit being 16, she had to wait until she reached 16 to audition for the show.

The singer went to the singing auditions for the west in San Francisco, California where she presented her voice with the songs “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin and “At Last” by Etta James, and she was chosen.

“During the first week of ‘American Idol’, filmed at the Kodak theater in Hollywood, I realized that it was really hard, there’s no time to sleep or learn the song lyrics well”.

“I really just wanted to see if I could at least make it to the first week, I wanted to be on tv, but I kept on going until I got fourth place”.

To focus full time on singing, Iraheta continued her high school education under the home schooling system. She recently took the General Educational Development Exam (GED) and will get her high school diploma.

“‘American Idol’ has totally changed my life, today everyone knows me and it has helped me discover my potential as an artist” she explained.

Read the original full article in Spanish right HERE. Credit EFE

Iraheta: more personal
Eight season of American Idol. There are four finalists left and the only woman on the group shines not only for her spectacular voice but also because the intense color of her hair. She is Allison Iraheta, from Glendale, California, who regardless of finishing in fourth place got much more than a consolation prize.

As soon as she left the show, Allison signed contracts with 19 Entertainment and Jive Records and in December 2009 released her debut álbum “Just like you”, which sold 32 thousand copies on its first week.
In an interview with HOY, the artista told us that she’s currently promoting her material, performing here and there, recuperating from the four months tour she did with Adam Lambert (runner up on the 8th season) and that she is also writing new songs. New album?

“We’ll see” she says, “I’m working on that. They’re original songs and different, definitely something more personal. I’m trying to write them myself, obviously with the help of people who have been doing this for a long time.” she says in perfect Spanish.

Music aside, Allison has been concentrating on finishing her studies. A few days ago she took the last tests to graduate from high school and is now waiting for the results. She is also involved in upgrading her look. She says the red haired girl was left behind, since a while ago she dyed her hair black and has kept her ends with shades of blue, purple and red.

“I had been a red head for a long time (4 years). I was going to the mall and seeing ten other girls with red and orange hair, I only needed to join their club and start walking with them” she says jokingly.

She adds that these days, 18 years old, she does not feel pressure to maintain a determined physical shape, but the story was different before.

“On the show I did feel pressured, but not because anyone would say things but, mentally, I felt that I was heavy, that I was…that everyone else was in shape and they were perfect Barbies. But now, I don’t care, just love me as I am” she says as she laughs.

Just like David, Allison also says she is proud of her Latina roots and is very thankful for the support of her parents, both of Salvadorian descent. She adds that she dreams of recording an album in Spanish, “but that’s going to take me more time to do it well, I don’t want to ruin it. It is something deeper that I want to do with time”.

Stay tuned, maybe on the 10th season of American Idol, which started last week you’ll see both Allison and David singing new songs.

Read the original article in Spanish HERE.

Last week Allison was interviewed via phone by Teresa Garza from Checa LA Movie. She talks about how her experience on American Idol changed her, her plans for the future and her wish to maybe someday become an actress. She even sings a snippet of Alejandra Guzmán’s song Volverte a Amar. Check out the introduction in Spanish and the audio interview at the bottom of the article HERE.

Or check it out here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RuJRayt-jQ

Full translation below.

I: I’m here with Allison one of the past American Idol contestants who is successfully writing her own story, congratulations Allison and thanks for this call.
A: Thank you
I: Tell me, how has your life change before and after you participated on American Idol
A: It’s a completely different world. I can say that mentally and physically I’m stronger than I was before, before I entered Idol, more confident; and obviously now people, they know me and they know my name.
I: You are famous
A: Famous!? That word! Heh
I: Ok, let’s just say successful
A: Yeah, successful, with opportunities I didn’t have before, with more opened doors that were closed before. My life really has totally changed, I’m the same person but more prepared for what I want to do in the future and for my career.
I: So this has been an enriching experience.
A: Yes
I: So, speaking of what you want to do, where does Allison want to go? What do you want to reach?
A: To the end, until I die, I want to be singing in my grave. I want my name to be known, not just because I was the red haired girl from American Idol but because of the music.
I: And you’re making it, you’re on your way. Now, Allison what do you think of the fact that now young people have many more tools to support their dreams and talents through shows like American Idol?
A: Well, you know, I entered Idol, and some people sometimes think that it’s a fluke, people have different opinions, but I think that it is a great door that opens for some who don’t have those opportunities others have, they don’t have the money and they have that dream, they want to make music. It’s a really big thing that helps you, it made my dream come true of singing in front of thousands of people, recording with big producers and writers, to tour, it was all I imagined, what I dreamed of doing since I was little.
I: Of course, and how did you get to American Idol? Was it you? Did you say I want to enter this contest or was it a family member that pushed you and said “go for it Allison”.
A: I think both, I think I was 9 years old when the first season of Idol aired and it always just made me want to sing more and more, it was inspirational, watching the tv with Kelly Clarkson singing, it made me want to go but since I was 9, I couldn’t do it, I had to wait until I was 16. At 14 I went to Quinceañera and at 15 I won, but nothing happened, it was time to move on. When I turned 16, I still had it in my mind that I wanted to go to Idol. Since I was 9 I wanted to auditioned, so it was time. At 16, my sister, my mom, my dad, my brother, everyone, my uncles, we were going, I was ready! We went to San Francisco, I slept on the floor for 2 days, I auditioned and now I’m here.
I: Wow, and what did the judges tell you?
A: Well, there are like 6 auditions you have to pass before the actual auditioned, some positive things, some things to help…when I went to the auditioned in front of Simon Cowell, Randy y Kara, I remember I was jumping up and down when they told me I had made it to Hollywood and Simon told me, calm down, you just got about a 7…it was like, for the next time I’ll give you a 10.
I: Wow, I can imagine it was an incredible experience. Now tell me, who is your favorite singer?
A: Hmm…it would always have to be…since I grew up with classic rock with my father, always teaching me that, I remember Janis Joplin always got stuck in my head, since I was very little, listening to Piece of my heart and I think she is a big influence in my career.
I: Very important and interesting, now…have you ever thought about trying a different facet since you’re already in the media, like maybe as an actress?
A: Yeah, it would be fun, I enjoy it a lot, I like it. I can’t say I’m…good (laughs). I have the will and I would like to, but I think I’ll need to get training
I: My blog also talks about movies, so I would like to know what’s your favorite movie?
A: Dumb and dumber
I: Really?
A: Yeah, because…it’s just my favorite movie of all time (laughs)
I: It’s a really funny movie. Lastly, I would like to ask you to sing a little bit for us! Do you sing in Spanish?
A: Yeah…ok, uh…
I: But, do you sing in Spanish?
A: Yeah
I: Wow, I would love that, because we have seen you in English and all that but any song you know in Spanish?
A: In Spanish…uh, ok
I: To cheer you on, we’re going to follow your career, keep on supporting you; it’s awesome that you sing in Spanish too.
A: Let’s see, the only one that comes to mind is Volverte a amar from Alejandra Guzmán
I: Ok, go ahead
A: Let’s see if I remember, sorry if I mess up, and I’m drinking a soda so forgive me if I burp (they both laugh)
Allison sings part of Volverte a amar
A: Oh dear, I don’t remember!
I: That is great, so beautiful! Thank you so much, I wish you the best of luck, no wonder you won! (Quinceañera). I think this is just the beginning of many successes. Obviously we have to remind people to that behind all of this, there’s a lot of work
A: Yes of course, a lot and a lot of work
I: Thank you so much Allison, we will be paying close attention to your career and later we want to see you in a movie!
A: Oh well….
I: Hugs! Bye
A: Bye

Allison made an appearance on Tu Estilo today and sang EVTOY. Check out the video below. Also, on fan recapped for us that Allison said “her upcoming music will be darker and dirtier” (Thank you kazekage04)
Thank you @Yendiders for the first video we posted! We now got the full video from the stream.

Full video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHhVr1K6FuY

Allison was also interviewed on the show. Thank you @einthebox for the first video we posted, it really helped!!! We got the full interview from the stream now:

Full interview

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzRUf_7_4Ds

Transcript and translation of the interview segment:

Carlos: Now I’m in great company, you got to meet her in American Idol. Today she’s here to tell us about her life, her projects, her love life (Allison laughs)…a bit of everything. Allison Iraheta, how are you doing sweetheart?
Allison: Great!
Carlos: A pleasure to have you here.
Alli: Thank you for having me
Carlos: And with different hair too
Alli: Yeah, it was about time…a change
Carlos: But you left a little of the red here
Alli: Yeah, a little
Carlos: Where are you from?
Alli: Los Angeles
Carlos: And your parents?
Alli: From El Salvador
Carlos: Oh, the pupusas you must have eaten in your life
Alli: Oh yeah!
Carlos: So tell me, because a lot of people obviously know you from American Idol, how did this contest change your life?
Alli: It made me see everything differently, people knew me, knew my name, I’ve been on tour, I recorded an album. From singing at La Curacao to touring for 4 months…
Carlos: A big difference
Alli: A big difference but I learned a lot and it was a huge experience
Carlos: And recently, the new season of American Idol began and there are differences because now there’s Jennifer López
Alli: Steven Tyler
Carlos: What do you think of Jennifer, finally a latina. Did you see her? What do you think?
Alli: I think it’s a really good change, a change was needed to you know, keep it exciting and yes we all miss Simon but
Carlos: Some contestants don’t miss him that much
Alli: Heh, maybe not, but I think it’s going to be a very good year.
Carlos: You got the support of many kids and young latinos because they saw themselves in you, lots of them who want to be there and be popular, they sing, what would you tell them?
Alli: It’s tough you know, there are people who don’t have the same opportunities that others get, but even if there’s always one door that closes there will always be another one that opens, you just can’t give up.
Carlos: You gotta keep going
Alli: American Idol gives you a lot of opportunities and experiences, it helps you grow.
Carlos: I know you have a lot of projects for this year, tell me about them.
Alli: I’m writing a lot, working on music, totally different from the first album, darker and dirtier like my hair.
Carlos: Darker? Dirtier?
Alli: Just dark, yeah dirtier
Carlos: Are you gonna take your clothes off?
Alli: No, I’m not gonna take my clothes off!
Carlos: So speaking of clothes, at least tell me, anything happening with the love life?
Alli: Nah…
Carlos: Come on, tell me the truth!
Alli: I am telling you the truth! No, I’m boring, nobody wants to….
Carlos: If you lost the weight, it’s because something got you excited, because last year when I saw you…
Alli: What does that mean?
Carlos: drawing my conclusions here…
Alli: How do you know I wasn’t looking before (laughs). No, no, I have friends here and there but nothing serious.
Carlos: I also know you’ll be part of a benefit event for the El Salvador kids.
Alli: Yes, I’ll be at a benefit event for El Salvador kids, it’s on February 5th at Cicadas and it’s gonna be real good.
Carlos: You’ll be singing there, but you’ll also be singing here later…do you like horror movies?
Alli: Yeah, I love them!
The interviewer goes on to introduce someone else who would go on the next segment on the show.

- Allison Iraheta en Al Rojo Vivo:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uqIGH-I9Sg

Allison is interviewed for the show Al Rojo Vivo and sings a few verses from the song Mi ranchito. Here is a full translation of the video:

Allison Iraheta is going straight to the top.

Allison Iraheta, this 18 year old young lady is shaping up as one of the future stars in music. Allison started in the entertainment world in 2006 when she won the Telemundo reality show Quinceañera. Our network, not only gave Allison the good luck kick, but it also prepared her for what was coming up in her career, taking on the very strict judges from American Idol.

Allison: “Quinceañera was, girls like me, 14-15 years old and then Idol, 16 to 28 years old. There were singers there who have been singing for a long time.”

With her enormous talent, Allison ended up triumphant, taking fourth place in the competition and also conquering the English speaking audiences. Allison does not forget her roots and dreams of releasing an album 100% in Spanish.

The video ends with Allison singing a few verses from the song Mi ranchito, a very special song taught to her by her now late grandmother.

Source

- “American Idol finalist Allison Iraheta only had a day to promote her album “Just Like You” here in Manila but she surprised us with her energy as we follow her television guesting on “Showtime”, radio visits and her rockin’ performance at Robinsons Manila!”

Check out Sony Music Philippines blog: Allison Iraheta Manila Wrap Up by Sony Music Philippines and video of Allison’s visit to the radio station:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssc184pWG-A

- Idols go green. Check out this video where several Idols, including Allison talk about ways to go “green”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPPqUPbpwjk

- Also, Allison and Orianthi tweeted about what seems a possible collaboration:

Allison’s tweet: “@orianthi and I this morning!! Be afraid everyone !! Be very afraid!!! This shit is gonna rock your faces off!!!”

Orianthi’s tweet: “@AllisonIraheta Hey! I had a great time in da studio..tune sounds rockin!.. ur voice sounds awesome- see ya soon”

“Estoy viviendo un sueño”

Después de haber sido considerada la voz revelación de la octava edición de “American Idol”, Allison Iraheta vive el trabajo real como artista en manos de la disquera 19/Jive junto al productor Max Martin, responsable de grandes éxitos de Britney Spears y N’sync, por mencionar algunos.

Tras la grabación de su primer single, “Friday I’ll Be Over U”, tal ha sido su éxito que reconocidos conductores de programas de Latinoamérica en Estados Unidos están interesados en conversar con la joven. Uno de ellos es don Francisco, quien la vio nacer en la música en “Sábado Gigante”; su colega Cristina Saralegui también espera contar con Allison en su estudio porque a su corta edad es considerada un orgullo latino.

Pero por ahora Allison no podrá asistir a ninguno de ellos, porque está de promoción en Nueva York y luego realizará presentaciones en diferentes países de Europa y Asia.

Debido a este intenso trabajo que Allison desarrolla con su nuevo disco, LA PRENSA GRÁFICA conversó en exclusiva con ella. La joven nos platica sobre los pormenores de su música, su paso por “American Idol” y sus deseos de algún día conocer el país que vio nacer a sus padres.

Durante y después de la competencia de “American Idol” ¿qué ha significado para ti el apoyo del público?

Ellos han sido increíbles. Creo que no encuentro palabras para describir lo que siento por ellos. Fantásticos, creo que eso y más son para mí. Sin ellos, y mi familia por supuesto, no estaría haciendo de lo que ahora vivo. Siento que estoy viviendo un sueño.

Sobre “Just Like you” cuéntanos cómo fue ese proceso de búsqueda y selección de canciones.

Nos enfocamos en buscar canciones que reflejaran mi personalidad y con los demás jóvenes de mi edad que viven cada momento como si fuese el último. En ellas hablamos de todo: chicos, amor, desamor, ilusión pero sobre todo de mucha diversión.

¿Por qué escogieron “Friday I’ll Be Over U” como single principal del disco?

Queríamos una canción que fuera pegajosa y que representara a todo el álbum y mostrara claramente mi estilo. Y con ‘Friday I’ll Be Over U’ logramos eso.

¿Qué tal la experiencia de grabar el primer video de “Friday I’ll Be Over U”?

Para mí fue inolvidable grabar el primer single, fue emocionante. Realmente lleva mucho trabajo desde el vestuario, ensayos, grabaciones, pero es divertido poder trabajar en algo que siempre soñaste hacer.

¿Trabajar con un productor como Max Martin y lanzar tu primer disco bajo el sello de 19/Jive fue lo que siempre quisiste?

Sí, y un gran reto también. Cuando uno empieza en esto de la música conoce gente importante, por eso la oportunidad de trabajar con gente importante e influyente en la industria es increíble, aunque no deja de crear miedo y ansiedad para hacer las cosas bien.

Hay alguna canción del disco con la que logres identificarte.

Aunque me puedo relacionar con todas las canciones, la que escribí con David Hodges, Mitch Allen y David Basset: ‘You Don’t Know me’ habla sobre las personas que juzgan sin conocer, creo que en algún momento he pasado por eso, esa sería mi canción.

La participación en el concierto Billboard de año nuevo al lado de Kris Allen te trajo recuerdos de la competencia en “American Idol”…

No tanto, pero fue emocionante ver a Kris cantar sus canciones y estar cantando en el mismo escenario como antes. Ahora lo importante es poder compartir el trabajo y será interesante vernos nuevamente.

¿El género rock será el estilo con el que seguirás a lo largo de tu carrera?

Sí, el rock siempre ha sido la música que más ha influido en mí, pero también me gustaría incursionar en otros géneros, talvez más adelante… vamos a ver.

¿Por qué crees que la gente debe escuchar tu música y comprar tu disco?

Porque en ella plasmo un poquito de todo, vivencias que cada ser humano ha podido compartir en algún momento. Alegrías, tristezas, etcétera. Además es un producto nuevo, una voz diferente en el mercado de la música.

¿Qué opinas del apoyo que recibe tu disco por parte de los fans en internet, ellos fueron los primeros en tener tu disco?

Siento que el trabajo vale más la pena, cada vez que la gente busca diversas posibilidades de acceder a lo que tanto trabajo nos ha costado a todos, a mi familia, a la disquera y a mí misma. Y el acceso a internet es excelente sobre todo porque con eso existe la posibilidad de que gente de otros países logre escucharme.

¿Has tenido la oportunidad de conocer El Salvador?

No, la verdad no conozco El Salvador, pero me gustaría hacerlo. Espero poder estar ahí pronto, ya sea por el disco o por placer.

¿Tienes planeado venir algún día?

Me gustaría… sería ideal para mí. Vamos a ver y ojalá un día tenga la oportunidad de visitarlos con mi música.

Tomado del diario salvadoreño “La Prensa Gráfica”

“I’m Living A Dream”

After recording her first single, “Friday I’ll Be Over U”, such has been her success that important Latin America TV show hosts in the United States are interested in chatting with this young lady. One of them is Don Francisco, who saw her emerge in the music world in his show “Sábado Gigante”; his colleague Cristina Saralegui also hopes to have Allison in her studio because at her young age, she is already considered a latino pride.

But for now, Allison will not be able to go to any of them because she’s promoting in New York and after she will be off to Europe and Asia for promotion rounds.

Due to this intense schedule that she is following with her new album, LA PRENSA GRÁFICA managed to have an exclusive chat with her. She talks to us about her music, her stint on American Idol and her desire to someday get to know the country that gave birth to her parents.

During and after the American Idol competition, what has the fans’ support meant to you?

They have been incredible. I don’t think I can find words to describe what I feel for them. Fantastic, I think they are that and more to me. Without them and of course my family, I wouldn’t be doing what I live now. I feel like I’m living a dream.

About “Just like you”, tell us how was the process of searching and selecting songs for the album?

We focused on looking for songs that reflect my personality and those of young people like me who live every moment as if it were their last. In these songs we talk about everything: guys, love, heartache, hope but most of all, they’re fun.

Why was “Friday I’ll Be Over U” chosen as the first single from the album?

We wanted a catchy song that represented the whole album and showed my style, with “Friday I’ll Be Over U” we got that.

How was the experience of taping the first video for “Friday I’ll Be Over U”?

Recording the first single for me it was an unforgettable experience, it was exciting. It’s a lot of work, from the wardrobe, rehearsals, taping, but it’s fun being able to work in something that you’ve always dreamed of doing.

Was working with a producer like Max Martin and releasing your first album under the 19/Jive label what you’ve always wanted?

Yeah, and a huge challenge too. When one starts in this business of music you meet important people, that’s why the opportunity to work with important and influential people from the industry is incredible, even if it never stops being scary and makes you anxious to do things the right way.

Is there a song in the album that you relate to?

Even if I can relate with all the songs, the one I wrote with David Hodges, Mitch Allen and David Basset: “You Don’t Know Me” talks about people who judge you without knowing you, I think I’ve been through that a few times, that’s my song.

Your participation in the New Year’s Eve Billboard concert with Kris Allen brought back memories of the American Idol competition…

Not so much, but it was exciting to see Kris singing his songs and us performing in the same stage like before. What’s important now is to share our work and it will be interesting to see each other again.

Is rock the genre you’ll continue on through your career?

Yes, rock has been the type of music which has influenced me the most, but I’d like to go into other genres too, maybe later, we’ll see.

Why do you think people should listen to your music and buy your album?

Because it has a little bit of everything, stuff everyone has gone through at some point, happiness, sadness, etc. Also, is a new product, a different voice in the music market.

What do you think of the support your album gets over the internet fans, they were the first ones to have your album?

I feel like all the work is worth it every time people search for different ways to find it, what has cost us so much work, my family, my label and me. Internet access is excellent, especially because it gives people from other countries the possibility of listening to my music.

Have you had the chance to know El Salvador?

No, the truth is I don’t know El Salvador but I would like to. I hope to be there soon, whether it’s for the album or for pleasure.

Are you planning on coming over some day?

I’d like to, it would be ideal for me. We’ll see, hopefully someday I’ll get the chance to visit you with my music.

Source: La Prensa Grafica

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fixKh8QTA1A

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Rough translation:

Allison: Hey, I’m Allison Iraheta and you’re watching de Moda.

Carleth Keys: American Idol has finally returned for it’s 9th season on TV. In this episode, we’ll begin with the only latina to make it so high on AI. We’re talking about Allison Iraheta, who at only 17, managed to conquer the american public with her unstoppable voice and talent. And thanks to her success on idol, she managed to put out a very rocking first album, Just Like you

Allison: All the songs on my album are songs that everyone can relate to. They have a message about things that happen in real life, that anyone can connect to.

Carleth Keys: Allison not only sings in English, she sings in Spanish as well. The song FIBOU has a spanish counterpart: El viernes te olvido yo

Allison: When I first heard this song [FIBOU], it jumped out me. I know many people we’re expecting me to jump right into the rock and hard stuff, but I really liked this song b/c of its message. It’s telling someone (who’s hurt you) that you don’t need them anymore, get out. I like that many people come up to me say, I have this song on repeat b/c I just broke up with my boyfriend or my boyfriend broke up with me

Allison: When I auditioned for AI, I never expected to make it to Hollywood week. There were so many people there and with so much talent, with a lot more experience than I had. I was 17, people would look at me like “oh she’s just 17, what does she know.” And I would think the same, I didn’t have much confidence in myself. AI helped with that. The people there helped me develop the style that suited me for television, something that also showed who I was, and make it into something presentable. They helped me, thats why now Im not wearing jeans and shoes with holes in them (laughs). My hair was very long back then, longer than now. They made me cut it, made my mom cut it. She was crying “nooo.” It was a drastic change for my mom when I first dyed my hair from its original brown to very red, she was scared and almost didnt let me do it but since I was in the show it provided the perfect excuse for me to keep my red hair.

Allison: My family is from El Salvador, theyre all here. I’ve never been to El Salvador, but someday I would like to go and get to know my roots. Some people have asked me if I was Filipina because of my last name Iraheta, no-one knew where it originated from let alone pronounce it.

Allison: My influences come from all over the place, from my mom side, it was the mariachi and the ranchero.

Allison: My first concert was a spanish rock concert (it’s was a concert where various spanish rock artists performed, La Ley, Juanes, Jaguares)

Allison: I started out singing the first Shakira song’s like Antologia, among others

Allison: It’s been a dream come true, it’s been very exciting and I’m very happy.

Carleth Keys: Thanks to Allison and congratulations! we wish all the luck in the world to this young and rocking Salvadoran, and hope for her continued success.

That’s all for now, hope to see in an upcoming episode of Fashion, I say goodbye for now from the studios of Planet Hollywood in Times Square. I am Carleth Keys.

(Click image for larger version)

(Pulsa la imágen para agrandarla)

English Translation:

Allison Iraheta made El Salvador shine in “American Idol”
A 16 year youngster entered United States most important singing competition. In it, Allison Iraheta shined and achieved being the only female of the competition.
Clary Castro/Wilmer Merino
The year of 2009 brought one of the best musical surprises for El Salvador on an international scale. Allison Iraheta, 16 years old, daughter of salvadorean parents from Sensuntepeque, entered and formed part of the most important competition of the United States: “American Idol”.

Her peculiar rocking style, her raspy voice and the selection of her songs made the jury – amongst them Simon Cowell, considered the iron judge – to say tha she was one of the biggest promises of the program and the competition. Even, Paula Abdul went to say that such was Allison’s talent that that se could “sing the phone book and still wow the public”.

Her performance brought her to become the only female in the competition, as well as reaching fourth place, leaving the program with her head held high and leaving “doubts” in the public and jury.

Thanks to the duet that a week before she did with another great talent of the program, Adam Lambert, many thought that both were a preview of a possible finale, both becoming the TV monster of “American Idol”.

At the moment, it was thought that Allison did not reach the final because of her latin roots, and Adam Lambert couldn’t win because of his marked sexual tendency.

All this disappeared when the youngster’s work saw the light with her new record production. Amidst so much work, Allison was a victim of rumors. After her exit of the program it was talked about her entry to Disney Channel for a program similar to “Hannah Montana”, rumors that her record company dispelled.

Right now, Allison is promoting her first recording material called “Just Like You”, a record that is even now excelling in the Internet, in sites in which the singer is having a lot of support from her fans.
This, above all, because of the presence she has in Facebook, MySpace and her official site on the web.
[Larger lettering]: “You are one of most promising of the talents of this competition.
You could be a monster and the new idol”
~Simon Cowell, the iron judge of American Idol

El viernes te olvido yo plays from [0:00 - 3:14]
[3:14-7:20]
D: That sounds really good! Allison Iraheta, hey, what a cool song! She’s an ex-American Idol participant
A: Yeah
D: One of the most watched tv shows in the world
A: Definitely
D: Before you tell us about all that, what a great song we just heard and it’s yours! We applaud you, really!
A: Thanks so much, yes, it’s really good, I’m very happy with that song
D: What’s it called Allison?
A: El viernes te olvido yo
D: It’s really cool, really; Friday I’ll be over you in English. Did you ever imagine that you’d have an album in Spanish or that you’d be releasing something in Spanish when you auditioned for AI?
A: I definitely wanted to do the English one first but then also in Spanish because I started out singing rancheras and all that
DJ: Really?
A: Aha, with mariachi and all that, so if I can do it in English and I speak Spanish, I’ll try it in Spanish too
D: We found out you’re salvadorean
A: My parents are salvadorean, yes
D: But where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Glendale CA,
D: Oh, you’re from here, from Los Angeles
A: LA, yes, but I’ve moved in LA, right now I’m in Downey
D: The best city in the world (laughs). So honey, how old are you? 17?
A: 17 years old
D: How old were you when you were on AI? 16?
A: I was 16
D: You went to the auditions like the millions of people who go to auditions
A: Yeah, I slept outside on the floor, I auditioned in SF and it was really cold
D: so your audition comes, you get to the judges, you sing, is it true that it happens like on tv that you get to meet Simon and Paula
A: Well, first you have to get through about 3 auditions before that one, because since there are thousands of people they can’t have the judges seeing them all.
D: What did you sing in your audition?
A: The first one, I sang Heartbreaker de Pink y Natural Woman
D: I think we have audio of her audition, let’s hear that
[5:41-6:27]Allison’s AI audition
A: (raspberry at Simon)
D: So Simon really is kind of a jerk even in real life? You got to know him
A: He’s really a man who knows what he’s doing and what he’s talking about and he definitely has the role of the judge who tells the truth
D: So a question, what spot did you finished up? The truth, there have been many good singers on AI this year.
A: This year, it was definitely, maybe…not because I was there but it was the best year, everybody was great
D: So this was this last year, so the guy that was just kissing his keyboard player
A: Adam Lambert
D: So he was a finalist when you were there?
A: Yeah
Clip 2:
D: Because on the AMAs, he got up on the stage, he’s a great singer, he goes to the back of the stage, grabs the keyboard player who’s a guy and he just tongue kissed the guy all the way to the tonsils and then let’s go and keeps going. Everybody criticized him for that, did you know him?
A: Yeah, yeah, he’s like my brother, we lived in the mansion together with all the other idols, we were together for 3 months on the road and on tour
D: He just wanted to send out a message and make it official with the kiss
A: Well, everyone already knows that, we all knew, it definitely wasn’t shocking
D: So a question, you just said that you lived together with the other participants in a mansion. Does every one of you get a room? How do you live?
A: It was a huge mansion in Bel Air, it was huge
D: like millionaires
A: It was like two stories…or three, I don’t even remember, I got lost. I didn’t even know where I was. Some had their own rooms. I was upstairs with Megan and four other girls in a room, but it was a huge room with like two bathrooms, it was so big.
D: So you were in the Top 10, to be in the Top 10 after all the people that audition, that’s awesome
A: I didn’t even think I’d make it pass Hollywood week, I thought that was it. I was lucky enough to keep going and I ended up 4th
D: And you can tell with that song, you can tell how much work you put into it, your voice, your style. Right now you’ve dyed your hair red, you’re a redhead and it’s got blue, I like it! It’s super crazy. This song you did it English too?
A: Yeah
D: That’s good, so you’ll be going for both audiences and you’re backed by Simon’s label? How did you get this deal? How did they notice you after you make top 10, which is great? How did this happen? You said, I made Top 10, I’m out of American Idol…what happened next?
A: After the show was over and Kris won, I got a call
D: Right away
A: Hm…what? (laughs)
D: How long after the show as over
A: After the show was over, they called me to tell me they were having a meeting, I didn’t know what about but they called me with Simon Fuller, the creator of AI. I sat down with him and he told me that he had a contract for me with Jive and that they wanted to have me, with 19Entertainment and that they wanted to record me, so I was like “What? Why? How? Where?”
D: I sing mariachi!
A: I sing mariachi!
D: And I like pupusas! What’s with you gringo?!
A: Well I was super surprised but so happy and excited that I was going to be putting out an album in English
D: Have you gotten offers for Television?
A: Well, we’re looking at that now, once the album is done because that was priority
D: When was AI over? A couple of months?
A: About 4 months I think
D: And you started working like crazy in 4 months you have your album
A: Yeah and after the show there’s the American Idol tour, three months, 52 cities…concerts
D: And you got to play in huge arenas?
A: Huge, we were at Staples center and sold out shows
D: So, a question…imagine, that’s why Simon Cowell is a millionaire, he first gets money in the ratings then after they’re all famous, they go on tour and by then they start paying you guys, right?
A: Yeah…
D: How much were you getting for each concert?
A: Ahhh….that’s none of your business (laughs)
D: I wanna know! I wanna know!
A: They pay well because it’s day after day after day singing and when one is singing so much you have to learn how to sing so much without losing your voice, it’s definitely hard, it’s a challenge. I was losing my voice in the middle of the tour, it was…I couldn’t do it anymore but I got help/
D: So 52 concerts in 3 months
A: Yeah, and on top of that we were recording my album
D: Also?
A: Also, in off days, which was like, after three days of concerts we had a day off and that day off, we had to record for the album
D: That’s good, so you were part of it and now they gave you a job so now you’ll make some money from the album too
A: I mean, it’s what you want when you get into AI
D: Who do you admire, latin singers?
A: Latinos? Alejandra Guzman
D: You like her a lot?
A: Yeah, I grew up listening to Shakira when she started, the rock
D: Actually you remind me a little of Shakira, now that I watched you come in…(to the other DJ), do you remember when we interviewed Shakira years ago when she started? The red hair
A: yeah, she had red hair, I remember
D: yeah, yeah, you remind me a lot of her and hopefully you’ll do better than Shakira. Do you write your own songs?
A: There’s one song in the album, it’s the last one, called You don’t know me (No me conoces), it’s a song that basically says “why are you judging me if you don’t know me?”
D: Of course! Great! (Applause) Don’t let anyone put you down. So, this was great, we wish you the best of luck, thanks for coming and hopefully we’ll keep hearing the name Allison
A: Hopefully, we’ll see
D: And remember us when you become famous
A: I’ll come back and visit you guys
D: With your limo and your cameras, like a diva…hey it would be great to have you for a Superestrella concert, hopefully we can make it happen
A: Hopefully
D: We’re going to ask for you and try to get you into a show because I like your songs, I’d like to hear more of your songs…didn’t you bring any albums?
A: Oh…I think so…of course, my Spanish isn’t all that great
D: No! You’re great! My English isn’t that great
A: Ok…so tacos y burritos then (laughs)