Chart-topping recording stars prove there’s life after talent tilts

RICHARDS. Parlays boy-next-door appeal into recording gold.

Alden Richards has come a long way since his failed bid on “StarStruck V” in 2009. As the bedimpled other half of “Eat Bulaga’s” phenomenal AlDub “kalyeserye,” Alden is wisely seizing the opportunity to parlay his swoon-worthy, boy-next-door appeal into recording gold.

His latest single, “Wish I May,” composed by Agat Obar-Morallos and arranged by Gino Cruz, continues to gain hitmaking traction this week.

In fact, it is the only Pinoy entry on iTunes’ Top Songs list, which includes the latest hits of One Direction (“Infinity,” “Drag Me Down”), Justin Bieber (“What Do You Mean?”), Beyoncé (“Runnin’”), Adam Levine (“Locked Away”), Ed Sheeran (“Photograph”), Meghan Trainor (“Like I’m Gonna Lose You”) and Chris Brown (“Zero”). —Such prodigious company!

Alden may not have the sturdiest pipes in the music biz, but his heart is in the right place. “Wish I May” benefits from a dreamy melody that complements the charming comer’s easygoing (and occasionally nasal) singing style.

Moreover, the song’s saccharine lyrics bank on nostalgia—and suitably convey the dilemma his star-crossed romance with Yaya Dub (Maine Mendoza) continually faces at the hands of the snittily devious Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola):

“Wish I may, wish I might find a way to your heart/ Wish that I could say these words tonight/ Have a chance to show you what’s on my mind/ I’ve loved you from the start/ Now, I’m ready to be found!”

David Cook

David Cook also wants to prove that there’s life after “American Idol.” The 32-year-old Season Seven winner of the once-mighty singing tilt, resurfaces with the release of his fourth studio album, “Digital Vein,” which draws our attention with his grungily idiosyncratic singing more than his anthemic, self-penned rock tunes (“Criminals” and the rallying “Carry You”).

When he eschews speed for something subtler and more sedate, like the stirring “Better Than Me” and the seamlessly sung “I’m Gonna Love You,” David demonstrates that there’s more to him than booming bluster.

The poignant “Home Movies” recalls with bracing clarity Cook’s fond memories of his brother, Adam, who lost his battle with cancer six years ago.

In his exceptional cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game,” he puts his own bleakly Lynchian spin on the lure and dangers of obsessive love!

Katharine McPhee

Even more impressive is “Hysteria,” the fourth studio album of 31-year-old “American Idol, Season Five” runner-up and lead actress of the CBS series, “Scorpion,” Katharine McPhee, who scales the heights of pop music with grace and lilting groove.

Growing up, McPhee struggled with eating disorders and a misdiagnosed learning disability that contributed to her “beautiful but dumb” image in school. She has since made peace with her troubled past.

In her latest album, Katharine sings about unexpected love (Ryan Tedder’s “Stranger Than Fiction”), getting swept off her feet (the plucky “Feather”), craving for stability after a reckless one-night stand (“Only One”), her inability to see beyond her emotions (“Burn,” “Hysteria”) and the heady promise of a budding romance (“Love Strikes”).

Top picks: McPhee turns the gorgeous ballad, “Round Your Little Finger,” her collaboration with Sia, into a compelling tale about romantic uncertainty.

Her self-assured singing gives the steamy carrier single, “Lick My Lips,” and the playful “Appetite” a sprightly swagger!