'Idol': Anoop Desai has first single ready

"American Idol" season eight finalist Anoop Desai is releasing his debut album titled "All is Fair" on May 4. Take a listen to the first single, "My Name," here.

"It's a pop record, but definitely influenced by a Bollywood feel," Desai told People.com of the single, which hits iTunes Tuesday.

" 'My Name' has a double meaning," Desai told People. "On one hand, it's a response to kids that used to make fun of my name when I was little. I wanted my first contribution to be something that said, 'Hey, my name is now cool, not something to be ashamed of.' "

The 23-year-old North Carolina native (and graduate of UNC Chapel Hill) co-wrote the song with fellow "American Idol" finalist Brandon Rogers, whom you may remember from season six. He recorded it in Raleigh with producer Ian Schrier.

This story was originally published March 22, 2010 at 1:42 PM with the headline "'Idol': Anoop Desai has first single ready."