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Hometown: Allentown, PA
Label: The Music Church
Website: www.IanHolmesOnline.com
Genre: Christian/Gospel
In 2005, the year of American Idol Season 4, a singer and voice and piano teacher from Allentown, Pennsylvania got his golden ticket to Hollywood and sang his way through the top 44 semi-finals. Born and raised in a family bonded by singing and worship. He started humming tunes as a baby and could already play the piano at age 2. At age 15. Ian pursued his passion for gospel music; with his soulful voice serving as an instrument in conveying God’s message of love, faith, and salvation. “I enjoy God’s Word and find that there is only hope inside the Word of God for me, and it’s one of the most profound ways that I can share with others.”, Ian enthuses. Ian has traveled in various parts of the world singing or teaching and directing choirs from as far as Puerto Rico, Kenya, Israel, and The Middle East. His professional singing career also gave him prominent exposure in live concert circuits. Ian has worked with Gospel recording artists Mel Holder, Calvin Nowell; modern Praise & Worship pioneers Freddy Rodriguez, Nicole Binion and Floyd Ellsworth, as well as Grammy winner Paulina Aguirre (Kenny O’Brien), Latin Grammy nominee Maria Del Rey, world-renowned LP percussionist Candido Camero and many more. He is also visible in the pop music scene doing opening stints for pop-rock artists like Collective Soul, Taylor Hicks, Tyler Hilton, and Jonah 33, to name a few. Currently, he is involved in a variety of music projects. He is one of the featured artists on the groundbreaking “EarthTones”, with Tony McLendon; and The Lord’s Prayer Project, produced by multi-Grammy winners Loris Holland and Jimmy ‘D’ Miller, featuring Howard Hewitt, Sheila E., James Ingram, Martha Munizzi, and more. This album peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Gospel chart. Ian is a seasoned songwriter and his introspective writing can be heard on the track “Thy Will Be Done”, which he co-wrote for the project. Ian has also appeared in Mel Holder’s music video ‘Always Been There’, and is part of Calvin Nowell’s special edition DVD “A Mercy-Full Christmas”, along with Kirk Whalum, Nia Allen, Drea Rhenee, B. Reith (Gotee Records), and a list of others.
In between live gigs and special music projects, Ian has managed to release two 10-track CD's in entitled “Changes” and "Destiny". He is also a guest artist on Edgar Rene’s CD “Generación”, as songwriter and vocalist for the track “Levantame”. A Spanish-English album is currently in the works, and a handful of new material like “Greater Is He”, “Every Moment”, and “Stop and Smell The Roses” are available for download in digital format. The American Idol experience for Ian was definitely not the end of the road. He took on a different path and is well on the road to fulfill his destiny.
“...Gospel singer Ian Holmes, a former “American Idol” contestant, won for Best Male Vocalist on the industry ballot, and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Soloist. His Holmes Family group won for Best Christian Band, and his sister Kari from that band tied for Best Spoken Word...”
John J. Moser - Lehigh Valley Music
“Nuevo single de "EVERY MOMENT" en la rotación de
Nueva Vida 97.7 (www.nuevavidafm.net) en Puerto Rico.
Get it@ www.blastmymusic.com / IanHolmesOnline”
Ianski Publishing
“New Single 'EVERY MOMENT' in rotation on
Nueva Vida 97.7 (www.nuevavidafm.net)
in Puerto Rico.
Download it @ www.blastmymusic.com/IanHolmesOnline”
Ianski Publishing
“...it’s equally puzzling how...supporting act, Allentown’s Ian Holmes didn’t make it farther...in the Hollywood round the year before Hicks won.
With a four-person band and several backup singers, Holmes commanded the stage as he sang and played keyboard on a set of straight-up gospel...”
John J Moser - Taylor Hicks finds his 'Idol' audience at Allentown's Croc Rock
“He (Ian Holmes) made the Top 44 (American Idol) in 2005, the year Carrie Underwood won.
Holmes since had a track on an album, "Lord's Prayer," that hit the Top 20 on Billboard's gospel chart”
John J Moser - Top 3 Concerts This Week
“...It happened again Tuesday. Former “American Idol” finalist Ian Holmes won three awards: Best Singer/Songwriter, Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Solo Artist, and Best Live Christian Band. Then, with his Holmes Family band, gave an amazing vocal performance that drew spontaneous applause from the crowd...”
John J Moser - Music Awards ceremony growing on Lehigh Valley
“...Ian Holmes II...among the 2009 Arts Ovations recipients, the Allentown Arts Commission announced Tuesday. The awards recognize artists, organizations and individuals that had a major impact on the arts in Allentown, according to a news release.
Holmes, a piano and voice teacher at Community Music School in Allentown, works with various arts groups in the area. He placed in the top 44 of "American Idol" contestants in 2005 and earlier this year released a solo album, "Changes."”
Adam Richter - Allentown, Bethlehem arts organizations announce award recipients
“...The bonus track “Movin’ On” has Holmes singing about a breakup instead of faith. Holmes lets loose soulfully here with impressive drawn out notes and soaring passages.
This could be a mainstream radio hit.
This is a modern take on gospel that expertly draws from a number of musical forms...”
Dave Howell - Ian Holmes gospel CD is modern and super smooth
“Ian Holmes of Allentown, known for his local gospel singing and for his star turn as a contestant on Season 4 of "American Idol," sounds off about his track on the nationally released "Lord's Prayer" album. The album is now No. 20 on Billboard's Gospel Chart.”
Gabrielle Salerno - 'Idol's' Holmes sounds off on top-charting 'Prayer'
“...Ian Holmes II, of American Idol fame, steps in on the "Thy Will Be Done (In Earth)"...”
Reviews - DC Gospel News Update
“Ian Holmes co-writes with Loris Holland (Mariah Carey, R Kelly, Shirley Ceasar) and Jetro DaSilva (Whitney Houston) singing 'Thy Will Be Done' for The Lord's Prayer Project featuring Ian Holmes,
Howard Hewitt, James Ingram, Sheila E, Martha Munizzi and many more available on itunes and walmart.com
”
The Lord's Prayer Project
“Life has been sweet for Ian Holmes of Allentown since he nearly made it into the finals of the Fox reality show “American Idol” almost exactly one year ago.
The 29-year-old voice and piano teacher, singer and composer, who previously was best known as a member of the Holmes Family Singers, his family’s gospel group, has become something of a local celebrity.
Last spring he sang at Allentown’s Mayfair Festival of the Arts and the Allentown Arts Ovation Awards. In November, he participated in an American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Benefit held at four downtown Allentown nightclubs. In December, he pinch-hit for pop singer Howie Day, who couldn’t make it to a B104 event at Carrabba’s restaurant. He has performed at a business meeting for Martin Guitar and was a speaker at the Governor’s School for young entrepreneurs at Lehigh University.
“National television will do that to you,” says Holmes of his high profile in the past year.
”
By Jodi Duckett Of The Morning Call - 'Idol' vocalist Ian Holmes striving for a feel-good vibe in his songs
“According to various Internet betting sites, rocker Bo Bice has pulled away from country girl Carrie Underwood in the "American Idol" competition. Allentown singer Ian Holmes, who made it to the Hollywood Round as an "Idol" contestant this year and almost cracked the top 24, also thinks Bo will win. But he thinks Underwood has a good shot, too. Either contestant will have to perform well tonight to get enough viewer votes to win, says Holmes, who has been analyzing "Idol" each Thursday morning on B-104 disc jockey Ken Matthews' program.”
Frank Devlin - Morning Call - "Idol' contestant Ian Holmes has some "do's and don'ts' for Bo and Carrie
“Ian Holmes II, dressed in funky gear, making it work somehow, sings a spirited "I’ll Be There" which owes more to Mariah than Michael, complete with high-notes (which I think he pulled off, but the judges are clearly cranky by this point). Randy says he’s on the fence, Mark is too. Paula is a definite yes. Randy relents with a yes, and so does Mark. Ian is going to Hollywood! He collapses in crying heap outside the audition room. I would too, that was nerve-wracking!”
Sting7 - Reality News Online - American Idol 4, January 18, 2005: Breaking The Band
