Josh Krajcik, the rock singer/songwriter who came in second place on “The X Factor” U.S. in 2011, has announced that he is recording his 2012 album. And three of his collaborators are award-winning songwriters/producers Steve Kipner, Julian Bunetta and Andrew Frampton.

What do Kipner, Bunetta and Frampton have in common, besides working with Krajcik? They have also had successful collaborations with singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield.

Frampton is the head of Phonogenic Records, a Sony Music affiliate whose artist roster includes Bedingfield and rock band The Script. Frampton has been a producer and songwriter on most of Bedingfield’s songs. Kipner and Bunetta co-wrote and co-produced Bedingfield’s song “Touch.”

Out of these three songwriters/producers, Kipner has the most experience. He is a songwriter and/or producer of a slew of hits that go back to the 1980s. Some of his most well-known songs include Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” “Twist of Fate” and “Heart Attack”; Wilson Phillips’ “Impulsive”; 98 Degrees’ “The Hardest Thing”; Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle”; The Script’s “Breakeven”; and Cheryl Cole’s “Fight for This Love.”

On January 25, 2012, Krajcik posted these messages on Twitter, along with a photo of himself in a recording studio:

“Workin on great ideas with @julianbulian @amf19 and @stevekipner”

“In the studio writing with great songsmiths @stevekipner and @amf19″

“The X Factor” executive producer Simon Cowell has said that Krajcik will get a Sony Music deal. It has not yet been announced which Sony Music label is signing Krajcik, but it will most likely be Columbia Records or RCA Records.

As previously reported, Krajcik is doing a Pepsi-sponsored concert with former “X Factor” U.S. contestants Rachel Crow and Stacy Francis on the weekend of January 28, 2012, in Orlando, Florida. “The X Factor” U.S. judge Paula Abul is hosting the event. More details are to be announced.

He came second in The X Factor singing competition, but although he did well on the talent show, Josh Krajcik has not been in the limelight as much as some other contestants. Chris Rene, Astro and Rachel Crow have been focused on closely since they left the singing competition, and it has been confirmed that Chris Rene has signed a record deal with Epic Records, which is headed by his former mentor on the XFactor, L.A. Reid. So what is happening with Josh’s music career and will he be signing a deal soon?

Josh Krajcik Has Been Working On His Music Since The X Factor

Josh made his way through the initial audition process with the public on his side right from the beginning. His husky voice saw him fly through to the finals, where he missed his chance of winning when Melanie Amaro scooped the crown and the amazing $5 million prize. Despite the fact he did not win the title, Josh has been spending time since The X Factor with his family and writing songs. Now, Josh’s fans are wondering whether or not he will be signed to a record deal to further his musical talents.   Read more →

 Paula Abdul and Josh Krajcik Credit: Reuters

Several stars from “The X Factor” U.S. are teaming up for a Pepsi-sponsored concert that will take place on the weekend of January 28, 2012, in Orlando, Florida.

Pepsi is one of the main sponsors of “The X Factor” U.S.

On the concert bill are:

• Paula Abdul, who is a judge on “The X Factor” U.S.
• Josh Krajcik, who came in second place on “The X Factor” U.S. in 2011
• Rachel Crow, who came in fifth place on “The X Factor” U.S. in 2011
• Stacy Francis, who came in 10th place on “The X Factor” U.S. in 2011

Abdul is hosting the concert, while the others will be performing. More details about the concert are to be announced, but here is what Francis and Crow said about the show when they revealed the news on Twitter:

Francis: “So excited to be doing a special performance with @iamrachelcrow @joshkrajcik and @PaulaAbdul !!! SO HAPPY!! More info to come!

“OK!! headed to Orlando got a show with @iamrachelcrow @joshkrajcik and @PaulaAbdul is hosting next weekend! And I just got offered a movie!”

Crow: “So happy to be performing for my friends @PepsiCo in Orlando next weekend!”

With the other two final ‘The X Factor’ contestants signed to record labels, what’s happening with Josh Krajcik’s deal?

The X Factor‘s second place finalist Josh Krajcik won us over with his Joe Crocker-esque sound and heartfelt performances, so it’s seemed bizarre we haven’t heard news that the 31-year-old singer signed to a record label yet. However, an insider close to Josh tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively what’s really going on with the talented artist’s future.

“Josh is taking his time to get the best possible deal and it might not be with Epic Records [which is where Astro, Melanie Amaro and Chris Rene signed],” the source says, explaining that Columbia Records, RCA Records and even Simon Cowell‘s SyCo Music have all been in discussions with Josh.

“He’s so versatile, Josh has actually had more options than Chris and Astro, who everyone knew would sign with L.A. Reid regardless,” the insider says.

Throughout the last week, Josh has been in Los Angeles taking meetings and we’re told he’ll sign a deal within the next month or two.

By LYDIA GEHRING

Living Editor

WOOSTER — As the community continues to realize just how far Wooster native Josh Krajcik has come since his days of playing gigs in his hometown, the widespread support of his fans lingers on.

Followers of the Krajcik Magic now have a way to get their feelings to him, thanks to the Wooster Recreation Department and U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, Sharon Tylka.

On the square in downtown Wooster — right next to the gazebo — stands a purple mailbox, all decked out with Krajcik photos. Fans of “The X Factor” runner-up are encouraged to drop in their letters to him, postage free, and Tylka will make sure they get to him, wherever he ends up being.   Read more →

In the weeks since Columbus rocker Josh Krajcik finished second on Fox’s singing competition “The X Factor,” the former “burrito slinger” has been lounging in Columbus writing songs, spending time with his girlfriend and logging hours on Xbox 360.

Now it’s time to get down to business. Krajcik called Tuesday morning from Port Columbus on his way to business meetings in Los Angeles with Front Line Management.

Though he missed out on the $5 million record contract, second place affords him the freedom to move at his pace, on his terms. No deal is in place yet, but he’s hoping to tour the country and release an album before the end of the year.

“I’m going to make a record, there’s no question,” Krajcik said. “It’s just with who and when at this point.”   Read more →

Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX ©2011 Fox Broadcasting Co

Photo:

Josh gave yet another amazing performance.

Yes, we’re all delighted and pleased and super-enthusiastic for Melanie Amaro and her big X Factor win. But it’s not like the runners-up are chopped liver, either, and we want to know when’s the next time and where’s the next place we’ll hear from Josh Krajcik!

Now, we have heard that Simon Cowell has no intention of letting go of some of these X Factor contestants. Indeed, our boy, along with Astro and Chris Rene, are very likely to get some recording rewards out of Cowell and Sony. In the meantime, of course, we can’t blame Krajcik for wanting to get out of the spotlight for a little while and rest up.  But at the same time, demand for the soft-spoken singing sensation is peaking, and we need a lead on where he’ll pop up next.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot to go on when it comes to Krajcik-hunting.  Searches for “Josh Krajcik Band” yield this mysterious site, which seems to promote a concert in February… but doesn’t mention a year, or even a venue. But Krajcik-worshipers in the know will already be aware that “Atavistic,” the album in question, came out some time ago… and was promptly yanked from Amazon, iTunes, and pretty much everywhere else as a condition of Krajcik’s participation in The X Factor. (Proud owners of “Atavistic” or “Ghosts,” Krajcik’s other album, had better make sure nothing happens to those soon-to-be priceless copies!)

So when can we expect an update from our beloved X Factor number-two? Well, as of now, it appears that Krajcik has decided to keep a low profile to recuperate from the past year’s grueling competition. (And he’s definitely brought some notoriety to sleepy little Wooster, OH!) But he’ll have to pop back up sometime — and with an active Twitter account and the Krajcik fan site keeping track of his every move besides, it should be only mere moments before we (and you!) know all the details.

By BOBBY WARREN

Staff Writer

WOOSTER — Christmas lights for a live TV remote: $14.87. A 30-second ad on Fox TV’s “The X Factor:” $280,000-$400,000. The national exposure Wooster and Wayne County received because of a burly-looking burrito slinger from Wooster’s ability to sing: Priceless.

Most of the 26 episodes of “The X Factor” mentioned Josh Krajcik as being from Wooster, though he was living in Columbus at the time he auditioned in Chicago to be one of the contestants.

Krajcik captured the judges’ attention with his soulful performance of Etta James’ “At Last,” and his voice continued to garner the praises of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid. As the 30-year-old singer continued to advance in the singing competition, so, too, did the exposure of Wooster and Wayne County.

Wooster, Triway High School and Wayne County received even more national exposure in the reality series’ two-part season finale in which there were numerous live shots from the school during the Dec. 21 show and a recorded video segment from around Wooster, Wayne County and Columbus on the Dec. 22 finale.   Read more →