"As Long as You Love Me" is the debut and coronation song for American rock singer and ''

American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It aired on Fox from June 11, 2002, to Ap ...

'' thirteenth season winner,

Caleb Johnson Caleb Perry Johnson (born April 23, 1991) is an American singer who won the 13th season of ''American Idol''. Prior to appearing on the series, he was the front man for the band Elijah Hooker. After ''American Idol'', Johnson released his debu ...

. The song was written by The Darkness frontman

Justin Hawkins Justin David Hawkins (born 17 March 1975) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and YouTube personality best known for being the founder, lead singer, and lead guitarist of The Darkness. He was influenced by rock bands of the 1970s and ...

in 2010 and served as a bonus track from Johnson's debut album, ''

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.'' The song failed to chart on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 making it the first ''American Idol'' winner's single to do so.

Background

It was originally recorded in 2012 by an ''

Idols South Africa ''Idols'' is a television show on the South African television network Mzansi Magic, and previously on M-Net, based on the popular British show ''Pop Idol''. The show is a contest to determine the best young singer in South Africa. The general ...

'' finalist and seventh season runner-up Mark Haze, appearing on his debut album ''Where Angels Fear to Fly'' in 2012 It was produced by Theo Crous and released on Universal Music South Africa. although his recording of the song was never released in the United States.American Idol Net: Caleb Johnson - "As Long As You Love Me" – American Idol Top 2
/ref> Original ''American Idol'' winner,

Kelly Clarkson Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, author, and television personality. She rose to fame after winning the first season of ''American Idol'' in 2002, which earned her a record deal with RCA. Her debu ...

also wanted the song, but was not able to record it in time and the license was granted to Caleb Johnson who laid down the track as his own winning song. Back in 2012, Hawkins told Yahoo Music, "I think she liked it," "Kelly Clarkson had a song

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on hold, but unfortunately, within the lyrics, it talks about my mustache. So it needs a slight rewrite. She liked the tune, but I'm not sure if she was really feeling the subject matter." "The song was considered by Kelly, but ultimately 'unexploited', as we say in songwriting world."

Chart performance

The song debuted at No. 41 on the Hot Rock Songs chart and No. 26 on the Rock Digital Songs chart. The song sold 10,000 copies in the US in its debut week.

References

External links

The Darkness Official WebsiteMark Haze Official website
2014 singles 2010 songs Caleb Johnson (singer) songs 19 Recordings singles Songs written by Justin Hawkins {{2010s-rock-single-stub