American Idol RJ Helton Releases Real Life March 23

(Nashville, Tenn.) Jan. 27, 2004 - “American Idol” star and Atlanta native RJ Helton recently wrapped a national radio and media promotional tour in preparation for his March 23 debut release, Real Life. Helton, a top-five finalist on the first season of “American Idol,” has received national acclaim and industry attention stemming from his appearance on the highly rated show. Courted by multiple secular and Christian labels, he recently found a home at B-Rite Music and is preparing for the release of his debut album.

“I wouldn’t trade my experience on “American Idol” for anything,” comments Helton. “I made some great friends that I’ll hold dear for the rest of my life. I think my greatest gain from the entire encounter is getting to know the team at B-Rite Music. Vicki Mack Lataillade has given me a platform and an opportunity to create the music I’ve dreamed of writing and performing. It’s an amazing blessing.”

His week-long promotional run included visits to Sacramento’s KKFS and a stop at the K-LOVE network offices where he was invited to join hosts on-air to chat about his experience on “American Idol,” his new CD and the first single from the album, “All We Need To Know.” Prior to his stop in Houston, word of an anticipated station drop-by reached KSBJ listeners. Almost immediately, fans began e-mailing the station asking when they could hear some music from RJ.

“Early research on ‘All We Need To Know’ shows very high positive scores on this power-ballad,” says Andrew Patton, vp of national promotions for Provident Label Group. “The strength of this song, along with the immediate recognition of RJ, makes this combination a win-win for any radio programmer. We are anticipating across-the-board airplay on this record.”

Helton performed before an estimated 25 million viewers per week while on the hit show, “American Idol.” The popular singer has since appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (performing with Kirk Franklin and Friends), “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” CNN, MTV’s “Total Request Live” and other major television outlets. Helton has also been featured in publications including Billboard, Radio & Records Magazine, People Magazine, US Weekly, Entertainment Weekly and more.

B-Rite Music and Gospo Centric Records, owned by Vickie Mack Lataillade and her husband Claude, were founded by Ms. Mack Lataillade in 1993 with $6,000 she borrowed from her father’s postal pension. In addition to Helton, Gospo Centric & B-Rite Music artists include Platinum-selling GRAMMY winner Kirk Franklin, Stellar Award winner Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers, GRAMMY Award-winning gospel music legend Tramaine Hawkins, Gold-selling Stellar Award winner Trin-i-tee 5:7, Stellar Award-winning Male Vocalist of the Year Byron Cage, Stellar Award-winning reggae legend Papa San, three-time Stellar Award nominee Natalie Wilson & The S.O.P. Chorale and GRAMMY Award-winning producer/recording artist Percy Bady.

For up-to-date information on RJ Helton, please visit www.rjheltononline.com or www.gospocentric.com.