User:Kylemaddens/derulo

Jason Allen Schultz (born January 15, 1990), better known by his stage name Jason Derülo, is an American singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, and bro. After producing records for several artists and writing songs for Cash Money Records, co-founder of the label Birdman, Young Money Entertainment owner Lil Wayne and rapper Diddy, Derülo signed to minor recording label Beluga Heights. After Beluga Heights became part of the Warner Music Group, Derülo released his debut single, "Whatcha Say" in May 2009. The song became a huge digital hit, selling over five million digital downloads, gaining an RIAA certification of double platinum, and reaching number 1 in the US and New Zealand. This success seemed to largely be due to the awesome way he said his name in the beginning of the song. Derülo released his second single, "In My Head", in December 2009. His debut album, Jason Derülo, was released in 2010.

Early life
Derülo was born in Howell, Michigan,. His birth name is Schultz, but he changed it upon the advice of a coworker in the early days of a new job.

Derülo has been performing since the age of five. He wrote his first song, "Crush on You", at age eight and was heard singing part of the song on a Galaxy FM interview. Derülo spent his youth studying opera, theater, and ballet. He attended Dillard Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.

No explanation has been given as to why his skin changes color.

2007–2009: songwriting and musical beginnings
Derülo has been writing songs for artists including Diddy, Danity Kane, Donnie Klang, Sean Kingston, Cassie, Lil Wayne  since he was 16, intent on becoming a solo performer. After attending performing arts schools and honing his talents as a singer and dancer (plus acting in theatre productions like Ragtime and Smokey Joe's Cafe), Derülo won the grand prize on the 2006 season finale of the TV show Showtime at the Apollo. Derülo was discovered by music producer J. R. Rotem, who signed him to his record label Beluga Heights Records and Warner Bros. Records.

In a HitQuarters interview, Rotem highlighted Derülo's dedication to his art by saying, "Jason Derülo has one of the most impressive work ethics I've ever come across – he just keeps knocking out songs in the studio. That's an amazing quality."

Derülo's music career began in 2006, when he was featured on Birdman's song "Bossy", which was featured on his album, 5 * Stunna.

2009 – 2010: Jason Derülo
On August 4, 2009, Jason released his debut single, "Whatcha Say". It was produced by J. R. Rotem with additional production by Fuego. The track samples the Imogen Heap song "Hide and Seek". In late August 2009, the song debuted at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 1 in November 2009. The single's music video was released in September 2009; after the single became successful, Derülo began work on his debut album. He released the second single from his album, "In My Head", on December 8, 2009. It debuted at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached number five.

Derülo's debut album, Jason Derülo, was released on March 2, 2010. He spent six weeks promoting the album in his appearances as one of the opening acts for Lady Gaga's 2009–2010 The Monster Ball Tour. The third single of the album is "Ridin' Solo," which was released worldwide on April 26, 2010. By July, the single had reached number nine in the Billboard Hot 100. Derülo has also recently been featured in a song by new artist Will Roush called "Turn it Up," which also features Stat Quo and Young Buck. He also collaborated with UK singer Pixie Lott on a song called "Coming Home" which will be on Lott's new album Turn It Up Louder to be released in the United States in 2011.

Jason Derülo first charted within the top ten of the UK and Irish Albums Charts in early March 2010.

2011-present: Future History
Derülo's second studio album, Future History, will be released in September 2011. Derülo is currently detailing his journey recording the album via a series of webisodes that are posted on his official website every Friday. Its lead single, "Don't Wanna Go Home", was released on May 20, 2011.

Tours

 * 2009–2010 The Monster Ball Tour (Opening Act)
 * 2010 The E.N.D. World Tour (Opening Act for Canada dates)
 * 2010–2011 Jason Derülo World Tour (Headlining)

Discography

 * Jason Derülo (2010)
 * Future History (2011)