In late May, Grammy Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist LeAnn Rimes surprised “American Idol” contestant Layla Spring and her little sister Dyxie Spring when she walked out on stage and joined them in singing her breakout hit “Blue.” Rimes made the country tune a worldwide hit when she released it back in 1996 where it remained #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart for more than three months.
“I was honored to be asked by ‘American Idol’ to surprise Layla and Dyxie Spring on the season finale,” shared Rimes. “The ‘American Idol’ team can sure keep a secret! The sweethearts had no idea; it felt like a surprise birthday party! The two of them bring so much joy to the world, and I hope I was able to give them a little of it back.”
Following the intimate performance, “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced Rimes will be releasing a brand EP titled Re-Imagined on June 20. The project will feature five new renditions of some of her biggest classics including her previously released versions of “How Do I Live,” “One Way Ticket” and others as well as “Blue.”
“I originally recorded the song ‘Blue’ right before I turned 12 years old,” Rimes explains exclusively to Taste of Country. “It is crazy to think how this one song changed the course of my life. After 24 years of performing the song it was due for a simple ‘Re-imagining’ of the arrangement for my Remnants tour last year. Starting out this version with just the bass guitar with me singing the opening word of the song just goes to show you how special of a song it is. I wanted to share this live version of the track with you and truly hope you enjoy as much as we did performing it. “
Fans can purchase and stream the new re-imagined “Blue” as heard on the ABC hit show now on all digital platforms.
Globally, Rimes has sold more than 44 million units, won 2 Grammy® Awards; 12 Billboard Music Awards; 2 World Music Awards; 3 Academy of Country Music Awards; one Country Music Association Award and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won “Best New Artist” making her the youngest recipient of a Grammy® Award.
For more information on Rimes and her new Re-Imagined EP, please visit www.leannrimesworld.com.
