Three American Idol alumni look to make a splash in the holiday album charts. Charted for release this fall both season 8 winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert will have CDs on the shelves as well as season 7 finalist Jason Castro.

Kris Allen will be looking to notch chart topping hits like his Idol brethren Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. His album will be released by 19/Jive and he has no shortage of material to choose from. He's had material from Claude Kelly (Leona Lewis, Akon), Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Nas) and David Hodges (Kelly Clarkston, Daughtry) submitted for his perusal. He's also worked in the recording studio with the Fray's Joe Henry. He's said that the sonic feel he will be going for on the album will be akin to John Mayer and Jason Mraz. He'll throw a good measure of urban in there as well to prop up his street cred.

Adam Lambert will actually be releasing two albums this year, but only one of them is officially authorized. "On with the Show" is hitting shelves this summer and was material that was recorded while he was still a fledgling unknown. The latest single "Want" has been making its way around the Net meeting a mixed reception among fans. He'd like fans to completely ignore the unauthorized release, but I'm sure curiousity will get the better of many. For his fall release, Lambert is working with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder (Jordin Sparks, Beyonce) and RedOne (Lady Gaga). Tedder has pegged the new album as a blend of New Wave and Tears for Fears. Whatever the end result, it is sure to be unique.

Our old friend, Jason Castro chalked up a fourth place finish during season 7 and was signed in April to Atlantic Records. A&R rep for Atlantic Pete Ganberg described the effort, "It's introspective, playful and very much a combination of his influences, which range from Jeff Buckley to Jack Johnson."

The stoned, surfer dude recorded 11 of the 14 tracks with contributions by Idol's own Kara DioGuardi, Evan Rosse and John Fields. The debut single off Castro's effort is aimed for radio play in August.

As for the other Idol finalists from season 8, Danny Gokey is said to be in talks with 19 Records and Sony Nashville. When asked what type record Gokey sees himself recording, he replied, "Ideally, I would like to do my own little fusion of R&B and Latin… but I would be open to do a modern-soul country." Not sure Sony Nashville would be up for a little R&B, Latin explosion. Allison Iraheta leap frogged Gokey by already signing with 19/Jive Records. Her album is also slated for a fall release.