Ace Young Debuts New Video Exclusively Online

The steamy spot for "Addicted" offers a glimpse of the performer's first album, out this summer

Two-and-a-half years after wowing fans on season 5 of American Idol, Ace Young continues to garner accolades from industry vets like Diane Warren, Andreas Carlsson and Desmond Child. In fact, Young, 27, has enlisted the power players – his idols! - for his debut disc, due out July 15. Fans got the first taste of the performer’s post-Idol sound when his first video, “Addicted,” was released exclusively online this month on AceMusic.com.

“I've been in L.A. for 7 years now and have visited video shoots for 50 Cent, The Game, Kid Rock and Jessica Simpson and this was the first time I've seen 50 people work together without one argument,” Young says. “They were all working for the best video possible.”

Of the storyline, Young – who funded and produced his entire record himself before being courted by Universal’s Fontana Records – says it offers a comprehensive sneak peek into what his album has in store. “The video’s storyline is addiction to the fullest: lust, desire, and the anxiety of that final fix,” Young tells Us. “The concept didn't finalize until a few days before the shoot, but after 3 weeks of brainstorming, my team and I couldn’t happier with the final product.”

In addition to pulling together a team of industry experts to help get his debut album off the ground, Young called upon two young talents to enhance his new project: director and USC student Spencer Cohen and dancer Staci Flood, who acts as Young’s video dream girl.

“Spencer came with the highest regards and a very experienced eye,” Young remembers. “After our first meeting, I was very impressed with not only his work but with how passionate Spencer is with every detail. He cared about my vision as much as I did.” How did his leading lady rate? “Staci Flood is a dream come true,” the performer enthuses. “She's beautiful, young, and has loads of experience and film smarts. I was very happy that Spencer's team knew her and involved her in this project.”

Why did Young decide to release his debut video exclusively online? It’s simple, he explains. “The internet is everywhere! It's the new TV. I want my fans to be able to watch my video whenever they want, wherever they want, and as many times as they want,” he said.

BY ALLISON CORNEAU