L.A. Laker Singer Marcellus Long Shoots for “The X Factor”
Los Angeles Lakers Singer Sets Sights on ‘The X Factor’
After winning over a sold out crowd
of 19,000 + at The Staples Center, unsigned Recording Artist Marcellus
Long shoots for Simon Cowell’s ‘The X Factor’
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWE March 25, 2011
Simon Cowell took to Twitter and engaged fans with a live Q&A on
Tuesday (March 22). His new reality series ‘The X Factor’, has Hollywood
buzzing as to what will be expected when the show hits airwaves in
September. “We hope to find an artist who can compete with people in the
charts,” said Cowell.
Marcellus Long believes he is that artist. Born in Houston, Texas,
Marcellus studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music which is
home to star-studded alumni such as John Mayer, Quincy Jones and recent
Grammy Award-Winning Artist Esperanza Spalding.
While at Berklee, Marcellus began uploading videos onto YouTube, a
popular video sharing website. Gaining the attention of The Los Angeles
Lakers, Marcellus was asked to open the ceremonies at the Staples Center
as the Lakers defeated The Orlando Magic last Monday (March 14th).
Performing in front of a 19,000 + crowd, Long belted an electrifying
rendition of the National Anthem to a screaming applause. Marcellus’
‘NBA Lakeshow National Anthem’ can be viewed virally on YouTube at the
following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSpKE1fa7SQ
Today, March 25th, Marcellus announced to his army of Twitter followers, that he would be auditioning for ‘The X Factor’.
As a business savvy performer, Long hopes to set the bar for
independent musicians. Last spring, Marcellus released his viral single
‘The Price of Fame’ through a partnership with Interscope/Geffen/A&M
Records and digital distributor, Tuncecore. Following in the footsteps
of artist like Drake, Aretha Franklin and Jay-Z, Long was a part of the
same independent platform used to garner underground buzz within the
music industry.
However, it looks like Long has opted out of pursuing a recording
contract with Interscope Records. “Contrary to what some bloggers have
reported, I am in fact not signed to Interscope Records, nor have I ever
signed with Universal Music Group or any record label for that matter,”
said Marcellus. He then added, “I hold the upmost respect for
Interscope Records and Jimmy Iovine.”
With his proclaimed “free agent” status, Long will now turn to
Iovine’s competitor, Simon Cowell, in pursuit of a five million dollar
recording contract.
March 25, 2011