But he has no complaints about the show that made him famous.

"Being on 'American Idol' was the lottery ticket," Lewis said. "It's one of the most amazing experiences I'll never have again ever in my life.

"It's an amazing way of communicating with people. I tell people that all I was put on this earth to do is communicate my art to people, and what better way to do that (than) on 'American Idol.'"

Lewis co-wrote 12 of the 13 tracks on "Audio Day Dream" and had a hand in producing them with collaborators such as Ryan "Alias" Tedder of the rock band OneRepublic, J.R. Rotem, bt, Mike Elizondo and David Hodges and S*A*M & Sluggo. The first single is "Break Anotha."

Fellow "Idol" finalist Chris Richardson co-wrote the song "What'cha Got 2 Lose?" with Lewis and Rotem, while Lupe Fiasco guests on the track "Know My Name."