"American Idol's" Anoop Desai Releases Single "My Name"

While much of the music world is waiting for Justin Bieber's "My World 2" to be released March 23, a former "American Idol" top contestant is releasing his first single the same day.

Anoop Desai, 23, a contestant on "American Idol" season 8, will debut "My Name," the first single off his upcoming digital extended play (EP) record set for release on May 4. The EP will be titled "All is Fair."

Desai told USA Weekend Magazine his music combines his Indian as well as American South culture. It infuses sitars and tablas into a modern R&B sound. Desai's father is of Indian origin though he was raised in North Carolina.

"Both of the cultures I consider myself a part of, the South and Indian culture, have rich musical traditions," Desai told USA Weekend.

"It's a pop record, but definitely influenced by a Bollywood (India) feel," Desai told People.com on Monday while out promoting the release of his song. He also said the single "My Name" is somewhat influenced by the fact he was often teased as a child because of his name. The song itself is about a time when Desai went to a club trying to come off as someone important to impress a woman.

On his blog, he admits to being nervous yet also very excited. However, judging from early returns on the People.com Web site, which posted the song Monday, he may not have much to worry about. Those listening to "My Name" and leaving comments enjoyed it.

The single "My Name" will be available for purchase at his Web site, as well as on iTunes and Amazon mp3. Since it is not being released through a major record label, Desai had complete control over the content. Desai says on his Web site he plans to release EPs more frequently, rather than the traditional method of releasing an album full of material every couple of years. Desai was eliminated in the seventh week of the competition last year.

In other "American Idol" news, ainow.org is reporting pop singer Miley Cyrus is the guest mentor on March 23 and will perform her single "When I Look at You" during Wednesday's results show. The theme for the March 23 episode will be a combination of Billboard #1 hits and Teen Idol songs, according to the Web site and its Twitter account. It also reported Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas will perform their duet, "Make A Wave."