Alejandro Aranda
Alejandro Aranda (born August 11, 1994), known by his stage name Scarypoolparty, is an American singer, musician, and reality television personality from Pomona, California, and runner-up on the seventeenth season of American Idol. His debut album Exit Form was released on November 22, 2019. His follow-up album length EP, Doom Hologram was released on September 4, 2020. L.A. was released 2021. The Act of Forgiveness/a double Album was released in 2021 also.
Alejandro Aranda | |
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Also known as |
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Born | Pomona, California, U.S. | August 11, 1994
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Years active | 2017–present |
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Early life
Musically, Aranda's early influences included classical music like Beethoven, Bach and Chopin, along with Dead Can Dance, Nine Inch Nails and other classical and contemporary artists.
In 2017, Aranda won Artist of the Year with CSUN and Five of Five Entertainment. It was from here that he started gaining traction in the world of music.[3]
Aranda's American Idol audition in front of the judges was aired on ABC on March 6, 2019. He was the only contestant to play seven original songs in the show's history, even though producers encouraged him to play cover versions.[4]
American Idol
He received a private audition through someone who attended a backyard concert that he performed, and on April 6, 2019, he auditioned on Season 17 of American Idol in Los Angeles, CA. Alejandro performed two original songs, “Out Loud” and “Cholo Love.” Immediately, the judges were drawn to him. Luke Bryan said, “I just feel like I’m in the presence of greatness.” and “It was like watching my favorite movie that I did not want to end.” Katy Perry said, “Okay Alejandro, I think you're the winner. I think you're really special. I think you're an absolute genius.”[5]
His audition video was released on February 6, 2019, and as of August 22, 2019 it had reached 14 million YouTube views, 8.5 million more than any other Season 17 contestant's audition.[6] On March 16, 2019, Stevie Nicks wrote (on Instagram) a prophecy saying he will “perform across great stages of the world” and “...let me welcome you to the grand stage that will be your home for the rest of your extraordinary life.”
Aranda performed seven different original songs.[7][8] He played "10 Years" on American Idol in Hollywood Week and also in the finale with an orchestra, making him the only contestant to perform four original songs in the finale of the show. In total, he played seven original songs on the show.
Episode | Theme | Song Choice | Original Artist | Order # | Result |
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Audition | Auditioner's Choice | "Out Loud" | Himself | N/A | Advanced |
"Cholo Love" | N/A | ||||
Hollywood Round, Round 1 | Contestant's Choice | "Sorry" | Justin Bieber | N/A | Advanced |
Hollywood Round, Round 2 | Group Performance | "Go Your Own Way" (with Eddie Island, Shawn Robinson, Drew Chambers, & Aronn Mendoza) |
Fleetwood Mac | N/A | Advanced |
Hollywood Round, Round 3 | Contestant's Choice | "10 Years" | Himself | N/A | Advanced |
Showcase Round / Top 40 | Contestant's Choice | "Yellow" | Coldplay | 21 | Advanced |
Top 20 Solo & Duet | Contestant's Choice | "I Fall Apart" | Post Malone | 16 | Advanced |
"There Will Be a Light" (with Ben Harper) | Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama | 18 | |||
Top 14 | Contestant's Choice | "One Dance" | Drake | 11 | Safe |
Victory Song | "Cholo Love" | Himself | 13 | ||
Top 10 | Disney Night | "Remember Me" | from Coco | 3 | Safe |
Top 8 | Queen Night | "Under Pressure" | Queen | 5 | Safe |
Movie Duets | "Mrs. Robinson" (with Walker Burroughs) | Simon & Garfunkel | 10 | ||
Top 6 | Woodstock | "White Rabbit" | Jefferson Airplane | 5 | Safe |
Showstoppers | "Poison" | Himself | 8 | ||
Top 5 | Bobby Bones' Choice | "No Woman, No Cry" | Bob Marley and the Wailers | 3 | Safe |
Elton John Night | "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" | Elton John | 8 | ||
Hero Dedication | "Blesser" | Himself | 14 | ||
Finale | Contestant's Choice | "Millennial Love" | Himself | 3 | Runner–up |
"Tonight" | Himself | 6 | |||
"Out Loud" | Himself | 8 |
Post-American Idol
2019 to present
During the Hometown Heroes Concert in Pomona, California, the mayor of Pomona declared May 19, 2019 "Alejandro Aranda Day".[9]
Following his exit from American Idol, Aranda was scheduled to go on a seven-date US tour in July 2019.[10] Tickets went on sale on the morning of May 23, every show sold out in under 15 minutes.[11] American Idol judge Katy Perry jokingly begged Aranda to be a "roadie" on his tour.[10]
He announced on June 1, that he would put on a free concert in Nashville on July 3, joined by Bizz & Everyday People.[8] Along with that, he announced that he was working on another tour. He met Darren King at the Nashville show. Being a long-time fan of MuteMath, it was a great opportunity to play on the road with Darren King and his wife Sucre during the 2019 Fall Tour.
He released the single "Tonight" under the name Scarypoolparty on June 28, 2019, after signing with Hollywood Records. The song was co-written and co-produced by Twin Shadow.[12][13] "Tonight" was performed on American Idol during the auditions as well as April 15, 2019 during the top 14 results show.
On August 7, 2019, he released the ballad "Cholo Love". Cholo Love was played during the audition and again during the Wildcard Episode on April 15, 2019. He wrote and produced this song for Exit Form with his friend and mentor Twin Shadow.[14]
Shortly before the show in Independence Day show in Nashville, Tennessee, Aranda announced on June 23 that he was working on a new album,[15] and on June 24, he announced he would go on a twenty-eight stop tour from October 10 to November 21.[16] On June 25, he added a twenty-ninth stop in Los Angeles for November 22.
In addition to the Fall tour dates, he performed at several music festivals, including Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3, 2019,[17] Life Is Beautiful in September 2019[18] and Austin City Limits Music Festival in October 2019.[19] On June 25, he added a twenty-ninth stop in Los Angeles for the Fall Tour.
He released the single "Diamonds" on October 4, 2019, along with a YouTube video and Behind the Scenes video. Perhaps his grittiest song to date. It was to set the stage for upcoming albums and a separation from the Idol image that was created and often in conflict with his emerging Scarypoolparty alter ego.[20]
'Exit Form', his debut album was announced on November 5, 2019, and released on November 22, 2019.[21]
In 2020 some of his European tour was canceled. He was featured on Lollapalooza's 2020 online festival, which showed previously recorded concert sets.[22]
On March 2, 2021, Scarypoolparty released a collaborative single with Nothing,Nowhere.[23] The song is a precursor to Scarypoolparty's 2021 EP titled Los Angeles which will release worldwide on March 26.
On August 27, 2021, Aranda released a 21-song album, The Act of Forgiveness. He collaborated with composer Rob Mathes on an 18-piece orchestra, adding orchestral arrangements on 12 of the album's tracks.[24]
The Beautiful Liar tour with X Ambassadors and Taylor Janzen began on October 15, 2021. Scarypoolparty performed six to seven songs at each show on the US leg of the tour. Taylor Janzen opened the shows, Scarypoolparty followed her, and X Ambassadors were the main act. X Ambassadors have several number one hits including Popular Monster, Unsteady, and Renegades. X Ambassadors continued on to Europe.
Personal life
Alejandro Aranda was born on August 11, 1994, in Pomona, California. In an interview with Launch Left, he talked about his family and the fact that he was not close to them.[25]
Tours
Date | Location | Description | Tour Name |
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December 19, 2021 | Pomona, CA | The Glass House | Viva Pomona |
November 20, 2021 | Los Angeles, CA | The Belasco Theater | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 19, 2021 | Sacramento, CA | Ace of Spades | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 17, 2021 | Portland, OR | Roseland Theater | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 16, 2021 | Spokane, WA | The Knitting Factory | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 15, 2021 | Seattle, WA | The Showbox Theater | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 13, 2021 | Boise, ID | The Revolution Concert House | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 12, 2021 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Depot | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 11, 2021 | Denver, CO | The Ogden Theater | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 9, 2021 | Minneapolis, MN | The Varsity Theater | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 8, 2021 | Kansas City, MO | The Truman | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 6, 2021 | Milwaukee, WI | The Rave | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 5, 2021 | Indianapolis, IN | Old National Centre | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 4, 2021 | Chicago, IL | The Vic | Beautiful Liar Tour |
November 2, 2021 | Detroit, MI | Saint Andrews Hall | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 30, 2021 | Washington, DC | The Lincoln Theater | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 29, 2021 | Philadelphia, PA | The Theater of Living Arts | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 28, 2021 | Boston, MA | Big Night Live | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 27, 2021 | New York City, NY | Webster Hall | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 25, 2021 | Asheville, NC | Orange Peel | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 23, 2021 | Louisville, KY | The Mercury Ballroom | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 22, 2021 | Nashville, TN | The Brooklyn Bowl | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 19, 2021 | Austin, TX | Emo's | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 18, 2021 | Tulsa, OK | Cain's Ballroom | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 16, 2021 | Phoenix, AZ | The Marquee | Beautiful Liar Tour |
October 15, 2021 | San Diego, CA | House of Blues | Beautiful Liar Tour |
June 17 & 18, 2021 | Boulder, CO | Boulder Theater (2 Shows) | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 14, 2021 | Memphis, TN | Graceland | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 13, 2021 | Nashville, TN | The Basement East (2 shows) | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 12, 2021 | Birmingham, AL | Avondale Brewing Company | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 11, 2021 | Atlanta, GA | Coca-Cola Roxy | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 9, 2021 | Houston, TX | House of Blues | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 8, 2021 | Dallas, TX | House of Blues | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
June 4, 2021 | Tempe, AZ | Marquee | Summer Acoustic Tour 2021 |
September 4, 2020 | Anaheim, CA | City National Grove | Appearance |
March 4, 2020 | Los Angeles, CA | Grammy Museum | Appearance |
January 23, 2020 | Los Angeles, CA | Homeward Bound | Appearance |
January 14, 2020 | Los Angeles, CA | Jimmy Kimmel Live | Appearance |
January 1, 2020 | Pasadena, CA | The Rose Bowl Parade | Appearance |
November 22, 2019 | Los Angeles, CA | Belasco Theater - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 21, 2019 | Los Angeles, CA | Belasco Theater - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 19, 2019 | San Diego, CA | House of Blues - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 16, 2019 | Dallas, TX | House of Blues - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 15, 2019 | Austin, TX | Emo's - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 13, 2019 | Houston, TX | White Oak Music Hall - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 12, 2019 | New Orleans, LA | House of Blues - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 10, 2019 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Revolution | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 9, 2019 | Orlando, FL | The Plaza Live - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 7, 2019 | Atlanta, GA | Buckhead Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 5, 2019 | Charlotte, NC | The Underground - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 4, 2019 | Raleigh, NC | Lincoln Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 3, 2019 | Charlottesville, VA | Jefferson Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
November 1, 2019 | Baltimore, MD | Baltimore Sound Stage - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 30, 2019 | Boston, MA | Royale - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 29, 2019 | Philadelphia, PA | Union Transfer - Sold out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 28, 2019 | New York, NY | PlayStation Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 26, 2019 | Cleveland, OH | House of Blues - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 25, 2019 | Detroit, MI | Majestic Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 23, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Vic Theater - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 22, 2019 | Minneapolis, MN | First Avenue - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 21, 2019 | Kansas City, MO | The Truman - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 19, 2019 | Boulder, CO | Fox Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 18, 2019 | Aspen, CO | Belly Up | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 16, 2019 | Salt Lake City, UT | The Depot | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 14, 2019 | Seattle, WA | Neptune Theatre - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 13, 2019 | Portland, OR | Crystal Ballroom - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 11, 2019 | Sacramento, CA | Ace of Spades - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 10, 2019 | Berkeley, CA | The UC Theater - Sold Out | Fall Tour 2019 |
October 4, 2019 | Austin, TX | Austin City Limits Music Festival | Festival |
September 29, 2019 | Venice, CA | Abbot Kinney Festival | Festival |
September 22, 2019 | Las Vegas, NV | Life is Beautiful | Festival |
August 25, 2019 | Pomona, CA | Viva Pomona | Festival |
August 3, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Lollapalooza - Lake Shore Stage | Festival |
August 2, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Lollapalooza - After Show - Park West | Festival |
July 18, 2019 | Pomona, CA | The Glass House - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 17, 2019 | Pomona, CA | The Glass House - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 15, 2019 | Los Angeles, CA | Moroccan Lounge - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 13, 2019 | San Francisco, CA | Swedish American Hall - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 11, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Subterranean - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 10, 2019 | Boston, MA | Sonia's Nightclub - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 9, 2019 | Brooklyn, NY | Baby's All Right - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 8, 2019 | Washington, DC | DC9 - Sold Out | Summer Tour 2019 |
July 3, 2019 | Nashville, TN | Fourth of July Celebration | Festival |
January 9, 2019 | Los Angeles, CA | Hotel Cafe | Performance |
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
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US Heat [26] | ||
Exit Form |
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6 |
Doom Hologram |
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The Act of Forgiveness |
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Extended plays
Title | Details |
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Los Angeles |
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Singles
Title | Year | Album |
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"Fading Away" | 2018 | Non-album single |
"Out Loud" | Exit Form | |
"10 Years" | ||
"Tonight" | 2019 | |
"Cholo Love" | ||
"Diamonds" | ||
"Return2Sender" | 2020 | Doom Hologram |
"Home" | 2021 | Non-album single |
"Cellphones" | The Act of Forgiveness | |
"Universe" | Los Angeles | |
"The Darkness" | The Act of Forgiveness | |
"Friends" | ||
"Poison" | ||
References
- "Scarypoolparty". Spotify. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- Patti, Sanchez (March 2, 2021). "Alejandro Aranda, AKA scarypoolparty, drops Heavy, New Rap Song and Announces Upcoming EP". www.grimygoods.com. GrimyGoods. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
..carefully tailored array of genres from rap and hip hop to classical music & R&B.
- "Who Is Alejandro Aranda? 10 Facts About 'American Idol's Rising Star". Talent Recap. March 27, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- "Volume West Interview". Sirius XM Radio. April 9, 2020.
- "ALEJANDRO ARANDA'S AMERICAN IDOL AUDITION | Idols Global". YouTube.com. May 6, 2020. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- "Alejandro Aranda Interview on 'American Idol' & Making Music as Scarypoolparty". Billboard.com. August 26, 2019. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- Larsen, Peter (May 20, 2019). "Alejandro Aranda loses the 'American Idol' crown but wins in originality". Daily Bulletin. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- Preston, Hannah (June 12, 2019). "'AMERICAN IDOL' RUNNER-UP ALEJANDRO ARANDA ANNOUNCES FREE CONCERT". Newsweek. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- Roe, Mike (May 14, 2019). "Pomona Throws A Giant Parade For Its Hometown 'American Idol' Finalist Alejandro Aranda". LAist. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Preston, Hannah (May 21, 2019). "'AMERICAN IDOL' RUNNER-UP ALEJANDRO ARANDA ANNOUNCES FIRST TOUR, KATY PERRY ASKS TO BE A 'ROADIE'". Newsweek. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- Santilli, MJ (May 23, 2019). "American Idol's Alejandro Aranda Tour Sold Out, Scalpers Asking Big Bucks". MJsBigBlog. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- Angermiller, Michelle (June 26, 2019). "Greyson Chance, 'Idol' Alums Gabby Barrett and Alejandro Aranda Sign Major Label Deals". Variety. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- Wass, Mike (June 28, 2019). "Scarypoolparty (AKA Alejandro Aranda) Drops Alt-Pop Anthem "Tonight"". Idolator. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
- Polo, Maxamillion (August 9, 2019). "Scarypoolparty Pens a Deceptively Haunting Ballad in 'Cholo Love'". Ones to Watch. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
- @scarypoolparty (June 23, 2019). "Working on an album. Totally having a blast making music and producing everyday" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- @scarypoolparty (June 24, 2019). "Tour in the fall. Pre sale tomorrow 10 am local. (code: SCARYPOOLPARTY) Public on sale Friday 10am local. New single Friday. bit.ly/SPPTour2019" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "Scarypoolparty". lollapalooza.com. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
- "LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL FESTIVAL 2019". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
- Stith, Deborah (August 9, 2019). "ACL Fest adds new artists, more Third Eye Blind". Austin 360. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
- Campbell, Rachel (October 9, 2019). "SCARYPOOLPARTY ROCKS A SKATE SHOP IN GRITTY "DIAMONDS" VIDEO". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
- Wass, Mike (November 5, 2019). "Scarypoolparty (AKA Alejandro Aranda) Announces Debut LP, 'Exit Form'". Idolator. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
- "Lolla2020 online festival night". Chicago Reader. July 30, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- "nothing,nowhere. Has Collaborated With Scarypoolparty On Their New Track 'Universe' - News". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- "SCARYPOOLPARTY'S MONUMENTAL 21-TRACK DOUBLE ALBUM 'THE ACT OF FORGIVENESS,' AVAILABLE TODAY". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- "iHeartRadio – Launch Left Podcast – Portrait: Alejandro Aranda". iHeart.com. January 14, 2020. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- "Scarypoolparty Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard.