For ex-'Idol' singer, life may not be sweet, but it is creamy

The Virginian-Pilot - Norfolk, VA, USA - CHRIS RICHARDSON was on the phone, telling me the new American Idol ice cream has half the fat of regular ice cream.

There are five new flavors in all. His favorite is something called Cheesecake Diva. He likes that better than Mint Karaoke Cookie, Cookies 'n Dreamz and One Split Wonder. Even though he's a self-described health nut, Chris is a big cheesecake guy.

He also likes ice cream, "most definitely."

But why did the "American Idol" finalist from Chesapeake, who finished in the top 10 in the television singing competition last year, want to talk about ice cream?

Because it's part of his strategy for increased exposure. He's in town this week on his new job as an Edy's ice cream spokesman.

Last fall, he had just come off a 60-day tour with the traveling "Idol" show, was working on an album and splitting time between Virginia and California when the offer from Edy's "came his way," he said, Hollywood style, as if it breezed in on a paper airplane.

Sure, being on "American Idol" opens some doors. But he thinks things may be tougher on him because of his fame. He is unsigned, a musical free agent.

"You can go into a record label, and they don't want you because you've been on the show," he said.

Now, every bit of exposure helps. He never knows where a break could come.

"Anything you can do - it can be a clip of your song on a Rhapsody commercial - and your single could just blow up."

So Richardson, 24, is looking for his shot at a place where the doors open automatically.