Can "Talent" Produce a Star?

Simon Cowell is about to find out if “America’s Got Talent” can produce a star.

Bianca Ryan, the 12-year-old singing sensation that won “Talent” earlier this year, will release her first album November 14th on Columbia/Syco Records—Simon’s label.

The CD is filled with soaring ballads to showcase Bianca’s voice including “I Believe I Can Fly,” “The Rose,” and “You Light Up My Life.” From the clips I’ve heard, her voice is amazing; but it’s hard to buy a 12-year-old singing such serious lyrics.

Cowell has wisely gotten some of the best in the business, such as Diane Warren, to write Bianca some original songs and from what I’ve heard, they are the best on the CD. I especially like “Superstar” and “Why Couldn’t It Be Christmas Every Day?” They don’t show her range as well, but they also don’t age her as much as the standards do.

I don’t think Bianca will do “Idol” numbers, but it will be a real test of “Talent”—and Cowell—to see what she can do.