Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 97 favorite American Idol finalist Haley Reinhart. She finished in third place on American Idol season 10. She is currently signed to Interscope Records.
Haley Reinhart was born to Patti Miller-Reinhart and Harry Reinhart in Wheeling, Illinois, on September 9, 1990. Both of her parents are musicians. She started singing at the age of 8, and she performed with her parents' band, called Midnight, which covers rock songs from the 1960s and 1970s. She attended Mark Twain Elementary School, O.W. Holmes Middle School, and Wheeling High School. After graduating from high school in 2009, Reinhart attended Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, in 2009 and 2010, where she studied music. She performed at the 2009 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland with her high school's jazz band and at Harper College with the college's Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Lab. Her younger sister is named Angela.
Reinhart originally auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Chicago, Illinois, but she did not advance to the Hollywood Round. However, with the song "Oh! Darling" by The Beatles, she returned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and this time she advanced to the Hollywood Round.
In the second Hollywood Round, her groupmates included fellow
finalist Paul McDonald, whom I have ranked at number 105 on my American Idol finalist chart. Later in the third Hollywood Round, she performed "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday, impressing the judges. In the Vegas Round, she performed The Beatles' song "The Long and Winding Road" with fellow finalists Naima Adedapo and my season 10 favorite Jacob Lusk, who also performed "God Bless the Child" in the same round as Reinhart, impressing the judges more strongly than Reinhart did. During the Sing for Your Life Round, she performed "Baby It's You" by The Shirelles. During semifinal sudden death week, she performed "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys and was voted into the top 13, but I think Ta-Tynisa Wilson should have been voted through instead.
Reinhart received notable musician and celebrity support from British rocker and songwriter Robert Plant, pop star Lady Gaga, British songwriter Jimmy Page, American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, actor Tom Hanks, American Idol season 6 finalists Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle, American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, American Idol season 8 winner Kris Allen, and talk show host and former American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres and others who picked Reinhart as their season 10 favorite. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page contacted Idol producers and offered Reinhart the opportunity to sing a Led Zeppelin song for top 3 week.
She is the only contestant from season 10 that has over one million
views on four of her Youtube performance videos: her renditions of "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John, and "I (Who Have Nothing)" by Ben E. King. Every video reached the million views in less than a month. Her version
of "Rolling in the Deep" reached over 2.3 million views before it was
taken down, and her version of "The House of the Rising Sun" received one million views as of July 13, 2011.
She's also the only contestant this season that received 3 standing ovations from the judges, 3 weeks in a row, after performing The Animals' version of the folk song "The House of the Rising Sun", "I (Who Have Nothing)" by Ben E. King, and "What Is and What Should Never Be" by Led Zeppelin. Her duet of "Moanin" with fellow finalist Casey Abrams also received standing ovation from the judges, and was considered one of the best duets, and performances, of the season. She was eliminated at third place, leaving a finale between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. After her stint on American Idol, on June 2, 2011, Reinhart was interviewed on Live With Regis and Kelly. She performed "House of The Rising Sun" on the show.
Reinhart is currently being managed by Red Light Management, alongside fellow season 10 finalists Pia Toscano and James Durbin. She participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011 alongside the rest of the top 11. On July 26, 2011, it was confirmed that Reinhart was signed to Interscope Records. Reinhart will release her debut album through Interscope Records.
Reinhart stated that "she will not work on her album until after the
Idols Live Tour 2011 is finished, this way, she can truly focus on her
material and make the album her best work possible."
On August 16, 2011, Reinhart was an artist featured in the Huffington Post's article entitled "15 New, Young Artists On The Rise".
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 96 American Idol finalist. She is the daughter of a Hispanic father and a Caucasian mother. She lost to Fantasia Barrino in the finale of American Idol season 3 by a 2% margin. She was a junior at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia. She was known for her ability to perform songs with ease at such a young age. On September 12, 2011 it was announced that she will join the cast of the popular CBS soap The Young and The Restless.
Friday, September 30, 2011
#98 Ryan Starr
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown, from my least favorite to my most favorite, is my number 98 favorite American Idol finalist Ryan Starr. She got seventh place on American Idol season 1. Since her stint on American Idol, she has appeared in number films and on both reality and scripted television shows. She was formerly signed to RCA Records, but she is now signed to Nightbird Records.
Starr was born Tiffany Ryan Montgomery on November 21, 1982. She was born into a middle class family in Sunland, Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of a Caucasian father and a Peruvian mother. She had a shady childhood. She cut ties with most of her immediate family.
She auditioned for American Idol season 1 as Ryan Montgomery, with the songs "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers and "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys. According to Simon Cowell's memoir I Don't Mean to be Rude, she was "crippling shy" during the audition, but "Paula Abdul saw some potential for stardom in her, and decided to mentor her." As a result, as Cowell claimed, Ryan Montgomery became too confident, and upon advancement to the Hollywood, she changed her name to Ryan Starr. Since then, she dressed in flamboyant homemade attire, and insisted on singing rock-and-roll rather than the pop music the judges felt that she was suited for.
During the semifinal round, instead of the usual pop songs the other contestants of season 1 were performing, Starr opted to perform an unusual song "The Frim Fram Sauce", which was made famous by The Nat King Cole Trio, and she was voted into the top 10 from the first semifinal group, alongside Jim Verraros and my season 1 favorite Tamyra Gray. On top 10 week, Starr was the first to perform on American Idol's first live show. She performed "If You Really Love Me" by Stevie Wonder, and received praise from the judges, including the quote from Cowell, "Pure star performance, loved it." She would later perform it on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002. She had a setback on top 8 week performing "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks and was critiqued by the judges. Cowell called the performance "dreadful." She was in the bottom 3 with Christina Christian and A.J. Gil who was eliminated that week. On top 7 week, Starr performed "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and received positive feedback from the judges, but ironically she was eliminated to seventh place. She was in the bottom 3 with Nikki McKibbin and Justin Guarini. During the finale, Starr performed "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra. Then she went on a 32-city nationwide tour with the rest of the top 10.
Shortly after her stint on American Idol, Starr made a guest appearance on the FOX network scripted television show That '70s Show, and had a guest role in the CBS scripted television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She had the lead role in the 2004 direct-to-video film Ring of Darkness, where she portrayed the lead role of Stacy.
Starr blamed her stalled music career on a two-year restrictive record deal with RCA Records. Under this contract, she refused to record a pop album, claiming that the producers wanted to make her musically resemble Avril Lavigne. After a bitter three year battle, she was dropped from RCA Records in 2005.
Upon her exit from RCA Records, Starr released an independent iTunes single "My Religion." The song went all the way to the top of the US Billboard Hot Digital Songs Chart, and was noted in the 2005 edition of Guinness Book of World Records to have sold the most exclusive single downloads in iTunes history. They also went on to detail the fact that My Religion was slated to be released to stores in early 2006, however, iTunes refused to release Ryan Starr's single from contract.
In an interview given to the Today Show during the time of American Idol season 6, Starr revealed that iTunes ad expressed interest in Starr releasing another exclusive single to follow up the immense success of "My Religion." Starr claimed that she was reluctant to accept as she wished to release a full album, but hinted she had accepted the very lucrative offer put forth by iTunes. Rumors began to circulate that 'Stranded' would be the next exclusive single when images of a single cover were released on her MySpace account.
Rumor had it that Starr rejected a three-year record deal with the British record company Sanctuary Records Group Limited, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group founded in 1979. The deal was rumored to require her to record two pop albums before being allowed to record her rock album. These rumors were later dismissed by her.
Starr revealed to MTV that she had formed a band called Aces. The music pure rock, and both she and the band members are very excited with the material.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 97 American Idol finalist. She originally auditioned for American Idol season 9 but did not advance to the Hollywood round, but she returned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and made it to Hollywood. Both of her parents are musicians. She is the only contestant of season 10 to receive standing ovation from the judges three weeks in a row. She performed "Steppin' Out with My Baby" with Tony Bennett, which also received standing ovation.
Starr was born Tiffany Ryan Montgomery on November 21, 1982. She was born into a middle class family in Sunland, Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of a Caucasian father and a Peruvian mother. She had a shady childhood. She cut ties with most of her immediate family.
She auditioned for American Idol season 1 as Ryan Montgomery, with the songs "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers and "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys. According to Simon Cowell's memoir I Don't Mean to be Rude, she was "crippling shy" during the audition, but "Paula Abdul saw some potential for stardom in her, and decided to mentor her." As a result, as Cowell claimed, Ryan Montgomery became too confident, and upon advancement to the Hollywood, she changed her name to Ryan Starr. Since then, she dressed in flamboyant homemade attire, and insisted on singing rock-and-roll rather than the pop music the judges felt that she was suited for.
During the semifinal round, instead of the usual pop songs the other contestants of season 1 were performing, Starr opted to perform an unusual song "The Frim Fram Sauce", which was made famous by The Nat King Cole Trio, and she was voted into the top 10 from the first semifinal group, alongside Jim Verraros and my season 1 favorite Tamyra Gray. On top 10 week, Starr was the first to perform on American Idol's first live show. She performed "If You Really Love Me" by Stevie Wonder, and received praise from the judges, including the quote from Cowell, "Pure star performance, loved it." She would later perform it on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002. She had a setback on top 8 week performing "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks and was critiqued by the judges. Cowell called the performance "dreadful." She was in the bottom 3 with Christina Christian and A.J. Gil who was eliminated that week. On top 7 week, Starr performed "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and received positive feedback from the judges, but ironically she was eliminated to seventh place. She was in the bottom 3 with Nikki McKibbin and Justin Guarini. During the finale, Starr performed "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra. Then she went on a 32-city nationwide tour with the rest of the top 10.
Shortly after her stint on American Idol, Starr made a guest appearance on the FOX network scripted television show That '70s Show, and had a guest role in the CBS scripted television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She had the lead role in the 2004 direct-to-video film Ring of Darkness, where she portrayed the lead role of Stacy.
Starr blamed her stalled music career on a two-year restrictive record deal with RCA Records. Under this contract, she refused to record a pop album, claiming that the producers wanted to make her musically resemble Avril Lavigne. After a bitter three year battle, she was dropped from RCA Records in 2005.
Upon her exit from RCA Records, Starr released an independent iTunes single "My Religion." The song went all the way to the top of the US Billboard Hot Digital Songs Chart, and was noted in the 2005 edition of Guinness Book of World Records to have sold the most exclusive single downloads in iTunes history. They also went on to detail the fact that My Religion was slated to be released to stores in early 2006, however, iTunes refused to release Ryan Starr's single from contract.
In an interview given to the Today Show during the time of American Idol season 6, Starr revealed that iTunes ad expressed interest in Starr releasing another exclusive single to follow up the immense success of "My Religion." Starr claimed that she was reluctant to accept as she wished to release a full album, but hinted she had accepted the very lucrative offer put forth by iTunes. Rumors began to circulate that 'Stranded' would be the next exclusive single when images of a single cover were released on her MySpace account.
Rumor had it that Starr rejected a three-year record deal with the British record company Sanctuary Records Group Limited, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group founded in 1979. The deal was rumored to require her to record two pop albums before being allowed to record her rock album. These rumors were later dismissed by her.
Starr revealed to MTV that she had formed a band called Aces. The music pure rock, and both she and the band members are very excited with the material.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 97 American Idol finalist. She originally auditioned for American Idol season 9 but did not advance to the Hollywood round, but she returned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and made it to Hollywood. Both of her parents are musicians. She is the only contestant of season 10 to receive standing ovation from the judges three weeks in a row. She performed "Steppin' Out with My Baby" with Tony Bennett, which also received standing ovation.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
#99 Haley Scarnato
Now out of the 100s, next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 99 finalist Haley Scarnato. She got eighth place on American Idol season 6. She announced in an interview in November 2009 that she canceled her album Strongheart after she left her management. However, she is working on her debut album. She was ranked at number 115 on The Los Angeles Times top 120 American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010. She is a fan of the San Antonio Spurs.
Haley Suzanne Scarnato was born to Rose and Anthony Scarnato in San Antonio, Texas, on June 15, 1982. She was a young gymnast between ages 5 and 15. She attended Jack C. Jordan Middle School. After her shoulders got dislocated, she moved onto other talents. Soon thereafter, she found her true love, talent, and passion, which are singing and music. She became a freelance singer, singing backup vocals with the Josephine Theatre, a local theater troupe, and singing in the band called The Oh So Good! Band, a llive wedding band in Texas. She attended William Howard Taft High School, named in honor of the 27th President of the United States, in San Antonio, Texas. She practices Christianity and prays before every performance.
Scarnato auditioned for American Idol season 6 in her hometown San Antonio, Texas, with the song "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. Paula Abdul said that she had real nice control of her voice and said that it was lovely. Randy Jackson thought it was just okay and Simon Cowell agreed by saying "you look good, you sound, it's a bit cabaret". Both Simon and Randy did not think she had much originality, but all three of them agreed that she did have a good voice and decided to let her through to Hollywood. In the first Hollywood round, Scarnato performed "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Celine Dion and she well impressed Cowell with her vocal prowess. In the second Hollywood round, which is the group round, she performed with semifinalist Amy Krebs and two other female contestants. Cowell thought the group performance was good, but he said that was going to forget the rest of the group. Scarnato advanced to the top 40 and then to the top 24. On March 8, 2007, America voted Scarnato through to the top 12 over her roommate Sabrina Sloan. Scarnato tended to get mixed feedback from the judges and landed in the bottom 3 during the last three weeks of her time in the competition. During top 24 week, she performed "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Pandora's Box. During top 20 week, she performed "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston. During top 16 week, she sang "If My Heart Had Wings" by Faith Hill. Her performance in the finals (on top 12 week) is "Missing You" by Diana Ross. During top 11 week, she performed "Tell Him" by Billie Davis. During top 10 week, she performed "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper, and it was her first appearance in the bottom 3; she was in the bottom 3 with Phil Stacey and my number 110 American Idol finalist Chris Sligh, who was eliminated that week. During top 9 week, she performed "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Fats Waller. She was once again in the bottom 3, with Phil Stacey and Gina Glocksen who got eliminated that week. On April 11, 2007, after performing "Turn the Beat Around" by Gloria Estefan, she was eliminated from American Idol finishing in eighth place.
After her stint on American Idol, on May 12, 2007, Scarnato sang the U.S. National Anthem for game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. On April 20, 2009, she sang the U.S. National Anthem once again for Game 2 for the NBA Western Conference First Round between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks.
On the May 25, 2007, episode of Larry King Live, it was mentioned that Scarnato would marry her fiancé on January 5, 2008. However, on October 16, 2007, in an interview with MySanAntonio.com, she stated that they were not meant to be, thus broke up during the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007.
Haley's now out of print EP of studio version of songs that she performed on American Idol was released on iTunes along with fellow American Idol season 6 contestants.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 98 finalist. She was born into a middle-class family in Sunland, Los Angeles, California, to a Caucasian father and a Peruvian mother on November 21, 1982. She starred in the 2004 direct-to-video film Ring of Darkness as the lead role of Stacy and in the 2006 film Vendetta as Brigitte Douglas. She also guest starred in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Sophia Renatta.
Haley Suzanne Scarnato was born to Rose and Anthony Scarnato in San Antonio, Texas, on June 15, 1982. She was a young gymnast between ages 5 and 15. She attended Jack C. Jordan Middle School. After her shoulders got dislocated, she moved onto other talents. Soon thereafter, she found her true love, talent, and passion, which are singing and music. She became a freelance singer, singing backup vocals with the Josephine Theatre, a local theater troupe, and singing in the band called The Oh So Good! Band, a llive wedding band in Texas. She attended William Howard Taft High School, named in honor of the 27th President of the United States, in San Antonio, Texas. She practices Christianity and prays before every performance.
Scarnato auditioned for American Idol season 6 in her hometown San Antonio, Texas, with the song "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. Paula Abdul said that she had real nice control of her voice and said that it was lovely. Randy Jackson thought it was just okay and Simon Cowell agreed by saying "you look good, you sound, it's a bit cabaret". Both Simon and Randy did not think she had much originality, but all three of them agreed that she did have a good voice and decided to let her through to Hollywood. In the first Hollywood round, Scarnato performed "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Celine Dion and she well impressed Cowell with her vocal prowess. In the second Hollywood round, which is the group round, she performed with semifinalist Amy Krebs and two other female contestants. Cowell thought the group performance was good, but he said that was going to forget the rest of the group. Scarnato advanced to the top 40 and then to the top 24. On March 8, 2007, America voted Scarnato through to the top 12 over her roommate Sabrina Sloan. Scarnato tended to get mixed feedback from the judges and landed in the bottom 3 during the last three weeks of her time in the competition. During top 24 week, she performed "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Pandora's Box. During top 20 week, she performed "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston. During top 16 week, she sang "If My Heart Had Wings" by Faith Hill. Her performance in the finals (on top 12 week) is "Missing You" by Diana Ross. During top 11 week, she performed "Tell Him" by Billie Davis. During top 10 week, she performed "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper, and it was her first appearance in the bottom 3; she was in the bottom 3 with Phil Stacey and my number 110 American Idol finalist Chris Sligh, who was eliminated that week. During top 9 week, she performed "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Fats Waller. She was once again in the bottom 3, with Phil Stacey and Gina Glocksen who got eliminated that week. On April 11, 2007, after performing "Turn the Beat Around" by Gloria Estefan, she was eliminated from American Idol finishing in eighth place.
After her stint on American Idol, on May 12, 2007, Scarnato sang the U.S. National Anthem for game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. On April 20, 2009, she sang the U.S. National Anthem once again for Game 2 for the NBA Western Conference First Round between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks.
On the May 25, 2007, episode of Larry King Live, it was mentioned that Scarnato would marry her fiancé on January 5, 2008. However, on October 16, 2007, in an interview with MySanAntonio.com, she stated that they were not meant to be, thus broke up during the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007.
Haley's now out of print EP of studio version of songs that she performed on American Idol was released on iTunes along with fellow American Idol season 6 contestants.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 98 finalist. She was born into a middle-class family in Sunland, Los Angeles, California, to a Caucasian father and a Peruvian mother on November 21, 1982. She starred in the 2004 direct-to-video film Ring of Darkness as the lead role of Stacy and in the 2006 film Vendetta as Brigitte Douglas. She also guest starred in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Sophia Renatta.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
#100 AJ Gil
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 100 American Idol finalist AJ Gil. He got 8th place on American Idol season 1. He was ranked at 91 in The Los Angeles Times American Idol power ranking list of May 31, 2010. He received the overnight recognition for auditioning for American Idol with his performance of the U.S. National Anthem ("The Star-Spangled Banner"), and he instantly began a Latin heartthrob. The pop singer became a favorite among many American Idol viewers around the world.
Abner Juda Gil was born to Martin and Teresa Gil in San Diego, California, on July 5, 1984. He is the fourth of ten children. He spent the first years of his childhood in Mexico, experiencing hardships and extreme poverty. His way of living and the limited musical resources did not discourage him from being a true musician. At the age of seven, he began to learn how to play music by practicing the guitar and learning percussion and then found interest in the piano. Today, he has mastered these instruments and incorporates them into his musical craft. His Spanish heritage and American roots are embedded in his music projects.
At the age of ten, Gil and his family relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where he spent the rest of his childhood. During his high school tenure, he was a member of the choir and participated in many talent shows. He entered into the “All State North West Choir” competition, where only one student from each city was chosen. He was successful and earned the only spot available in his city, and from there his talent began to flourish and mature. At the age of 17, his mother Teresa brought to his attention an audition that was being held for the highly anticipated first season of American Idol. He put his vocal prowess to the test and succeeded in doing so. His notable audition was his performance of the U.S. National Anthem. Simon Cowell dubbed Gil "a worthy contestant." After performing "All or Nothing" by O-Town, Gil advanced to the finals alongside his season's top 2. His musical styles and personality earned him eighth place on American Idol season 1, garnering over 500,000 votes. On the week of his elimination, he performed "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You" by Marvin Gaye. He was in the bottom 3 with Christina Christian and Ryan Starr, who got eliminated after him.
After his stint on American Idol, he participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, where he performed "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder, which he performed on the show during top 10 week, and several group numbers. After the tour, he decided to take some time off to pursue his music career. He relocated to Los Angeles and attended a technical school for audio engineering. Gil is now a well-rounded artist. His musical and technical prowess has evolved, with the guitar as his primary instrument and the piano as his secondary instrument. He has evolved into a fully developed artist, songwriter, and producer. “A.J. is Latin-America’s best kept secret, a real find”, says a label representative. His songs are relationship supporting, dance floor enhancing, and cruise soothing. A.J.’s enhanced vocals, instrumental skills and creative writing abilities are the driving force in his new material.
Now, out of the 100s, next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 99 American Idol finalist. She auditioned for American Idol season 6 in her hometown, San Antonio, Texas. She sings in the band called The Oh So Good! Band. She attended a high school named after a U.S. President. She was ranked at number 115 on The Los Angeles American Idol top 120 power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Abner Juda Gil was born to Martin and Teresa Gil in San Diego, California, on July 5, 1984. He is the fourth of ten children. He spent the first years of his childhood in Mexico, experiencing hardships and extreme poverty. His way of living and the limited musical resources did not discourage him from being a true musician. At the age of seven, he began to learn how to play music by practicing the guitar and learning percussion and then found interest in the piano. Today, he has mastered these instruments and incorporates them into his musical craft. His Spanish heritage and American roots are embedded in his music projects.
At the age of ten, Gil and his family relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where he spent the rest of his childhood. During his high school tenure, he was a member of the choir and participated in many talent shows. He entered into the “All State North West Choir” competition, where only one student from each city was chosen. He was successful and earned the only spot available in his city, and from there his talent began to flourish and mature. At the age of 17, his mother Teresa brought to his attention an audition that was being held for the highly anticipated first season of American Idol. He put his vocal prowess to the test and succeeded in doing so. His notable audition was his performance of the U.S. National Anthem. Simon Cowell dubbed Gil "a worthy contestant." After performing "All or Nothing" by O-Town, Gil advanced to the finals alongside his season's top 2. His musical styles and personality earned him eighth place on American Idol season 1, garnering over 500,000 votes. On the week of his elimination, he performed "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You" by Marvin Gaye. He was in the bottom 3 with Christina Christian and Ryan Starr, who got eliminated after him.
After his stint on American Idol, he participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, where he performed "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder, which he performed on the show during top 10 week, and several group numbers. After the tour, he decided to take some time off to pursue his music career. He relocated to Los Angeles and attended a technical school for audio engineering. Gil is now a well-rounded artist. His musical and technical prowess has evolved, with the guitar as his primary instrument and the piano as his secondary instrument. He has evolved into a fully developed artist, songwriter, and producer. “A.J. is Latin-America’s best kept secret, a real find”, says a label representative. His songs are relationship supporting, dance floor enhancing, and cruise soothing. A.J.’s enhanced vocals, instrumental skills and creative writing abilities are the driving force in his new material.
Now, out of the 100s, next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 99 American Idol finalist. She auditioned for American Idol season 6 in her hometown, San Antonio, Texas. She sings in the band called The Oh So Good! Band. She attended a high school named after a U.S. President. She was ranked at number 115 on The Los Angeles American Idol top 120 power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
#101 Melissa McGhee
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is at number 101 in my preference: Melissa McGhee from American Idol season 5, who got 12th place. Her music genre is pop country. Her favorite female artist is American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Her favorite male artist is Jason Mraz. Aside from singing, her other talent is dancing. She stole a spot in the top 12 from Ayla Brown.
Melissa Christine McGhee was born in Tampa, Florida, on September 14, 1984. She began to sing at the age of four. Both of her parents have a long rap sheet. Her father was arrested thirty times, and her mother was arrested twenty times. McGhee is the oldest of four children, and her younger sister Crystal Johnson is also a recording artist who is signed to Divercity Records under the stage name Lil' Crystal. Before her stint on American Idol, she participated in pageants, as did my number 1 American Idol finalist.
McGhee originally auditioned for American Idol season 2, but she did not advance to the callback audition round. She auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Denver, Colorado. She has family in Colorado, whom she stayed with during the audition rounds. She was able to advance to the callback audition round in which she auditioned in front of the judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. She auditioned with the song "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes. Although Cowell gave her a 6 out of 10, she was given a "Yes" by Jackson and Abdul, and was sent to Hollywood. During the group round, Simon declared her group the best group of the day. During the Green Mile round, the judges put her through to the top 24, competing for America's vote. McGhee was perceived as an underdog since she received no airtime prior to the voting rounds, a situation one other contestant face that season. During the semifinals, she garnered support from Jackson and Abdul, but Simon criticized her performances.
During top 24 week, she performed "When the Lights Go Down" by Faith Hill. During top 20 week, she performed "Why Haven't I Heard From You" by Reba McEntire. After she performed "What About Love" by the rock band called Heart, Simon predicted that she would be eliminated. America proved him wrong according to the results show, as a surprise to the viewers, McGhee was the final girl to advance to the top 12 over Ayla Brown. During top 12 week, alongside the rest of the top 12, McGhee met with Stevie Wonder, and she was embarrassed when she forgot the lyrics to his song "Lately", which would later be performed by Stefano Langone on American Idol season 10, in front of him. She did the same thing during the performance, flubbing a verse and singing the word "recognition" instead of the word "premonition" in the chorus. On the night of March 15, 2006, it was revealed that she garnered the lowest number of votes and she would the first finalist to be eliminated, thus finishing in 12th place. She was in the bottom 3 with Ace Young and Lisa Tucker. During the finale, she performed "I Made It Through the Rain" by Barry Manilow alongside the rest of the top 12 and season 4's winner Carrie Underwood, as well as a medley with the other girls of season 5. She also duetted with season 5's 7th placer Ace Young.
After her stint on American Idol, McGhee performed at various festivals like Weeki Wachee Springs and the Pet Rock Festival. She also toured with American Idol season 2's winner Ruben Studdard from October 3 to 7, 2006. She had vocal surgery but made full recovery. She also stars and sings in the new More TV 32 commercial singing "More, More, More". She also appeared at VH1's "Big in '06" alongside her American Idol season's runner-up Katharine McPhee. She appeared at The Nevada Ballet Honors Paula Abdul as 2007 Woman of the Year alongside some fellow American Idol alumni. She appeared on The Dr. Keith Ablow Show on February 9, 2006, discussing life after her stint on American Idol. Since then, she has performed at various concerts and festivals throughout the U.S. state of Florida. Because she wanted to find out who she is as an artist, she postponed her debut album, but she is now at the early stages of recording an album.
McGhee was featured on American Idol compilation album American Idol Season 5: Encores, where she was featured as recording a studio version of the song that got her eliminated.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 100 American Idol finalist. He auditioned for American Idol season 1 in Seattle, Washington, singing the U.S. National Anthem. He was ranked at number 91 on The Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Melissa Christine McGhee was born in Tampa, Florida, on September 14, 1984. She began to sing at the age of four. Both of her parents have a long rap sheet. Her father was arrested thirty times, and her mother was arrested twenty times. McGhee is the oldest of four children, and her younger sister Crystal Johnson is also a recording artist who is signed to Divercity Records under the stage name Lil' Crystal. Before her stint on American Idol, she participated in pageants, as did my number 1 American Idol finalist.
McGhee originally auditioned for American Idol season 2, but she did not advance to the callback audition round. She auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Denver, Colorado. She has family in Colorado, whom she stayed with during the audition rounds. She was able to advance to the callback audition round in which she auditioned in front of the judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. She auditioned with the song "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes. Although Cowell gave her a 6 out of 10, she was given a "Yes" by Jackson and Abdul, and was sent to Hollywood. During the group round, Simon declared her group the best group of the day. During the Green Mile round, the judges put her through to the top 24, competing for America's vote. McGhee was perceived as an underdog since she received no airtime prior to the voting rounds, a situation one other contestant face that season. During the semifinals, she garnered support from Jackson and Abdul, but Simon criticized her performances.
During top 24 week, she performed "When the Lights Go Down" by Faith Hill. During top 20 week, she performed "Why Haven't I Heard From You" by Reba McEntire. After she performed "What About Love" by the rock band called Heart, Simon predicted that she would be eliminated. America proved him wrong according to the results show, as a surprise to the viewers, McGhee was the final girl to advance to the top 12 over Ayla Brown. During top 12 week, alongside the rest of the top 12, McGhee met with Stevie Wonder, and she was embarrassed when she forgot the lyrics to his song "Lately", which would later be performed by Stefano Langone on American Idol season 10, in front of him. She did the same thing during the performance, flubbing a verse and singing the word "recognition" instead of the word "premonition" in the chorus. On the night of March 15, 2006, it was revealed that she garnered the lowest number of votes and she would the first finalist to be eliminated, thus finishing in 12th place. She was in the bottom 3 with Ace Young and Lisa Tucker. During the finale, she performed "I Made It Through the Rain" by Barry Manilow alongside the rest of the top 12 and season 4's winner Carrie Underwood, as well as a medley with the other girls of season 5. She also duetted with season 5's 7th placer Ace Young.
After her stint on American Idol, McGhee performed at various festivals like Weeki Wachee Springs and the Pet Rock Festival. She also toured with American Idol season 2's winner Ruben Studdard from October 3 to 7, 2006. She had vocal surgery but made full recovery. She also stars and sings in the new More TV 32 commercial singing "More, More, More". She also appeared at VH1's "Big in '06" alongside her American Idol season's runner-up Katharine McPhee. She appeared at The Nevada Ballet Honors Paula Abdul as 2007 Woman of the Year alongside some fellow American Idol alumni. She appeared on The Dr. Keith Ablow Show on February 9, 2006, discussing life after her stint on American Idol. Since then, she has performed at various concerts and festivals throughout the U.S. state of Florida. Because she wanted to find out who she is as an artist, she postponed her debut album, but she is now at the early stages of recording an album.
McGhee was featured on American Idol compilation album American Idol Season 5: Encores, where she was featured as recording a studio version of the song that got her eliminated.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 100 American Idol finalist. He auditioned for American Idol season 1 in Seattle, Washington, singing the U.S. National Anthem. He was ranked at number 91 on The Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
#102 EJay Day
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 102 (or 102nd favorite) American Idol finalist EJay Day. He got 10th place on the first season of American Idol. Of the season 1 finalists, I prefer him over Jim Verraros and Nikki McKibbin. As of May 2010, EJay Day was ranked by Los Angeles Times at number 100 on their American Idol power rankings list.
Day was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on September 13, 1981. He is a day younger than American Idol season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson.
Day was a last minute replacement in the American Idol season 1 semifinals for Delano Cagnolatti, who was disqualified for falsifying his age to escape American Idol's age cutoff, which was then 24 but now 28, since season 4. Cagnolatti stated that he was 23 years old, but he was actually 29 years old at the time of the auditions. Day was a member of the third semifinal group, and he performed "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, which would later be performed by American Idol season 10 semifinalist Jovany Barreto. I think Barreto sung that song better than Day did. Day was voted into the top 10 alongside Nikki McKibbin and Christina Christian. However, he was the first finalist to be eliminated after performing "My Girl" by The Temptations. Later that night, Jim Verraros was eliminated, and Nikki McKibbin was also in the bottom 3.
After his stint on American Idol, Day participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002 alongside the other season 1 finalists. He opened the tour concert with a performance of "Black Cat" by Janet Jackson. He also performed many times for WBA legend Muhammad Ali, who asked him to perform at his book-singing event and other receptions held in Ali's honor. He also performed in the 2003 Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. During childhood, he was part of a church choir and did many performances including singing the U.S. National Anthem for professional sports teams based in the U.S. state of Georgia. Day co-wrote the song "Pure Love" on behalf of television actress and R&B, pop, and hip hop singer Raven-Symoné's sophomore album entitled Undeniable. He also performed aboard several of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 101 American Idol finalist. She did not sing on camera until the voting rounds. She auditioned with the song "Can't Fight for the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes. She was ranked at number 114 on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Day was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on September 13, 1981. He is a day younger than American Idol season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson.
Day was a last minute replacement in the American Idol season 1 semifinals for Delano Cagnolatti, who was disqualified for falsifying his age to escape American Idol's age cutoff, which was then 24 but now 28, since season 4. Cagnolatti stated that he was 23 years old, but he was actually 29 years old at the time of the auditions. Day was a member of the third semifinal group, and he performed "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, which would later be performed by American Idol season 10 semifinalist Jovany Barreto. I think Barreto sung that song better than Day did. Day was voted into the top 10 alongside Nikki McKibbin and Christina Christian. However, he was the first finalist to be eliminated after performing "My Girl" by The Temptations. Later that night, Jim Verraros was eliminated, and Nikki McKibbin was also in the bottom 3.
After his stint on American Idol, Day participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002 alongside the other season 1 finalists. He opened the tour concert with a performance of "Black Cat" by Janet Jackson. He also performed many times for WBA legend Muhammad Ali, who asked him to perform at his book-singing event and other receptions held in Ali's honor. He also performed in the 2003 Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. During childhood, he was part of a church choir and did many performances including singing the U.S. National Anthem for professional sports teams based in the U.S. state of Georgia. Day co-wrote the song "Pure Love" on behalf of television actress and R&B, pop, and hip hop singer Raven-Symoné's sophomore album entitled Undeniable. He also performed aboard several of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 101 American Idol finalist. She did not sing on camera until the voting rounds. She auditioned with the song "Can't Fight for the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes. She was ranked at number 114 on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Friday, September 23, 2011
#103 John Stevens
Next on my American Idol finalist is John Stevens. He got 6th place on American Idol season 3. He is vocally inferior to Jennifer Hudson, who was eliminated before him. He was ranked at number 88 on the May 31, 2010, Los Angeles Times ultimate American Idol power rankings list.
John Bassat Stevens IV was born in Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1987. He resides in East Amherst, New York. He attended Willamsville East High School and sang in a select jazz group.
Stevens auditioned for American Idol season 3 in New York City singing "That's Amore" by Dean Martin. Then the judges asked him to sing in his normal voice. He heeded the judges' advice and performed "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra (which would later be performed by Michael Lynche on top 5 week of American Idol season 9) and he advanced to the Hollywood round.
Stevens was a member of the last semifinal group. With his performance of "She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel, he got first place with America's vote among his semifinal group, garnering 28% of the vote. At the age of 16, he has been the youngest finalist of American Idol season 3.
Stevens is vocally compared to his favorite artist Frank Sinatra, who born in 1915 and died in 1998. He was nicknamed "Teen Martin" because of his Dean Martin impersonation and the ability to croon at such an early age. Stevens' musical style is not traditional American Idol fare, and that caused him to struggle with unfamiliar music genres during the competition.
During top 12 week, Stevens performed "Lately" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11 week, he performed "King of the Road" by Roger Miller. During top 10 week, he performed "My Girl" by The Temptations. During top 9 week, he performed "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John. During top 8 week, he performed "As Time Goes By" by Dooley Wilson and from the film Casablanca, but he was in the bottom 3 with season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo and my number 108 American Idol finalist Jon Peter Lewis who got elminated that week. During top 7 week, the week of Jennifer Hudson's elimination, Stevens performed "Mandy" by Barry Manilow. Top 6 week was "Latin week" as a tribute to Gloria Estefan. He performed "Music of My Heart" and Simon Cowell commented that Stevens was "taking every bullet thrown at you like a man." The next night, he was eliminated coming in 6th place despite receiving over four million votes.
Stevens was signed to Maverick Records and released his debut album called Red on June 28, 2005. It was produced by Steve Tyrell and executive produced by Canadian record producer David Foster. It features covers of The Beatles' "Here, There and Everywhere" and Maroon 5's "This Love", both arranged in a relaxed jazz and lounge fashion. Its first week sales placed it into the top 10 of the Billboard jazz charts. As of March 2006, it sold 18,000 copies, and after that he parted ways with Maverick Records.
Stevens graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in May 2009 and released a Christmas CD "Home for Christmas" on November 1, 2009. He currently sings with the Boston-based Beantown Swing Orchestra, focusing on big band arrangements originally performed by Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown, from my least favorite to my most favorite, is my number 102 American Idol finalist. He was the first finalist to be eliminated on American Idol season 1. He was a last minute replacement for Delano Cagnolati, who was disqualified for lied to escape American Idol's age cut off, which was then 24, but now 28.
John Bassat Stevens IV was born in Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1987. He resides in East Amherst, New York. He attended Willamsville East High School and sang in a select jazz group.
Stevens auditioned for American Idol season 3 in New York City singing "That's Amore" by Dean Martin. Then the judges asked him to sing in his normal voice. He heeded the judges' advice and performed "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra (which would later be performed by Michael Lynche on top 5 week of American Idol season 9) and he advanced to the Hollywood round.
Stevens was a member of the last semifinal group. With his performance of "She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel, he got first place with America's vote among his semifinal group, garnering 28% of the vote. At the age of 16, he has been the youngest finalist of American Idol season 3.
Stevens is vocally compared to his favorite artist Frank Sinatra, who born in 1915 and died in 1998. He was nicknamed "Teen Martin" because of his Dean Martin impersonation and the ability to croon at such an early age. Stevens' musical style is not traditional American Idol fare, and that caused him to struggle with unfamiliar music genres during the competition.
During top 12 week, Stevens performed "Lately" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11 week, he performed "King of the Road" by Roger Miller. During top 10 week, he performed "My Girl" by The Temptations. During top 9 week, he performed "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John. During top 8 week, he performed "As Time Goes By" by Dooley Wilson and from the film Casablanca, but he was in the bottom 3 with season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo and my number 108 American Idol finalist Jon Peter Lewis who got elminated that week. During top 7 week, the week of Jennifer Hudson's elimination, Stevens performed "Mandy" by Barry Manilow. Top 6 week was "Latin week" as a tribute to Gloria Estefan. He performed "Music of My Heart" and Simon Cowell commented that Stevens was "taking every bullet thrown at you like a man." The next night, he was eliminated coming in 6th place despite receiving over four million votes.
Stevens was signed to Maverick Records and released his debut album called Red on June 28, 2005. It was produced by Steve Tyrell and executive produced by Canadian record producer David Foster. It features covers of The Beatles' "Here, There and Everywhere" and Maroon 5's "This Love", both arranged in a relaxed jazz and lounge fashion. Its first week sales placed it into the top 10 of the Billboard jazz charts. As of March 2006, it sold 18,000 copies, and after that he parted ways with Maverick Records.
Stevens graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in May 2009 and released a Christmas CD "Home for Christmas" on November 1, 2009. He currently sings with the Boston-based Beantown Swing Orchestra, focusing on big band arrangements originally performed by Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown, from my least favorite to my most favorite, is my number 102 American Idol finalist. He was the first finalist to be eliminated on American Idol season 1. He was a last minute replacement for Delano Cagnolati, who was disqualified for lied to escape American Idol's age cut off, which was then 24, but now 28.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
#104 Jim Verraros
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Jim Verraros. He got 9th place on American Idol season 1 in a double elimination with EJay Day. He is one of the most talked about American Idol contestants ever. He is signed to Koch Entertainment. He is not on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
James Conrad Verraros was born in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on February 8, 1983. Because he was raised by deaf parents, he is fluent in American Sign Language. He is the son of a father who is of Greek descent and a mother who is of German, Irish, French, and English descent. Verraros unexpectedly excelled in singing and acting at a very early age so much that the school's music teachers explained his talent to his parents who were unaware of his talent.
Verraros quickly became a celebrity in the American gay press due to a controversy that erupted when it was rumored that FOX forced him to remove his online journal that included a discussion of his homosexuality during summer 2002. However, he stated that "it wasn't because I was gay. It was because they thought I was trying to gain more votes and have that little extra edge." While Verraros was out to fellow American Idol contestants and Idol personnel, he did not mention his homosexual in the broadcast of American Idol season 1. Following the end of American Idol season 1, and the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, his homosexuality was revealed to the public in an article in the magazine The Advocate. On September 6, 2009, he joined in a civil union with Bill Brennan in a private ceremony in Illinois. The union was made legal on July 24, 2011, in New York City.
After his stint on American Idol, Verraros won the hearts of many fans across the United States when he participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, which played to sold out arenas in 30 venues across the United States. Verraros was also a contributing artist on the RIAA certified Gold "American Idol: Greatest Moments" compilation album alongside two-time Grammy Award winner and American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.
Verraros released his freshman album Unsaid and Understood in 2004 through an independent record label, Red Queen Music—Sound Axis. It won the 2004 Outmusic Award for Outstanding New Recording – Debut Male. The album was revamped and picked up by Koch Records and retitled Rollercoaster in 2005. Verraros' mainstream debut album, which garnered several dance floor hits, including the Top 25 Billboard Hot Club/Dance Chart hit "You Turn It On." The album was produced and co-written by Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Gabe Lopez and features four songs co-written by American Idol semifinalist Angela Peel. The album had a limited release deal through Koch Records.
Verraros is an avid fan of the Chicago based professional sports team franchises.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 103 American Idol finalist. He is the youngest of season 3's top 12. He auditioned for season 3 in New York City with the song "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra. He currently sings with the Beantown Swing Orchestra.
James Conrad Verraros was born in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on February 8, 1983. Because he was raised by deaf parents, he is fluent in American Sign Language. He is the son of a father who is of Greek descent and a mother who is of German, Irish, French, and English descent. Verraros unexpectedly excelled in singing and acting at a very early age so much that the school's music teachers explained his talent to his parents who were unaware of his talent.
Verraros quickly became a celebrity in the American gay press due to a controversy that erupted when it was rumored that FOX forced him to remove his online journal that included a discussion of his homosexuality during summer 2002. However, he stated that "it wasn't because I was gay. It was because they thought I was trying to gain more votes and have that little extra edge." While Verraros was out to fellow American Idol contestants and Idol personnel, he did not mention his homosexual in the broadcast of American Idol season 1. Following the end of American Idol season 1, and the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, his homosexuality was revealed to the public in an article in the magazine The Advocate. On September 6, 2009, he joined in a civil union with Bill Brennan in a private ceremony in Illinois. The union was made legal on July 24, 2011, in New York City.
After his stint on American Idol, Verraros won the hearts of many fans across the United States when he participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, which played to sold out arenas in 30 venues across the United States. Verraros was also a contributing artist on the RIAA certified Gold "American Idol: Greatest Moments" compilation album alongside two-time Grammy Award winner and American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.
Verraros released his freshman album Unsaid and Understood in 2004 through an independent record label, Red Queen Music—Sound Axis. It won the 2004 Outmusic Award for Outstanding New Recording – Debut Male. The album was revamped and picked up by Koch Records and retitled Rollercoaster in 2005. Verraros' mainstream debut album, which garnered several dance floor hits, including the Top 25 Billboard Hot Club/Dance Chart hit "You Turn It On." The album was produced and co-written by Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Gabe Lopez and features four songs co-written by American Idol semifinalist Angela Peel. The album had a limited release deal through Koch Records.
Verraros is an avid fan of the Chicago based professional sports team franchises.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 103 American Idol finalist. He is the youngest of season 3's top 12. He auditioned for season 3 in New York City with the song "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra. He currently sings with the Beantown Swing Orchestra.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
#105 Paul McDonald
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 105 American Idol finalist Paul McDonald, the lead singer of The Grand Magnolias, originally known as Hightide Blues. He got 8th place on American Idol season 10. His music genres are folk, country, and rock and roll. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee, at the time of his stint on American Idol.
William Paul McDonald was born to David and Susan McDonald in Auburn, Alabama, on August 29, 1984. He was raised in Huntsville, Alabama. His father David was a clinical psychologist and his mother teaches occupational therapy at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He is an alumnus of Huntsville High School, where he played as a wide receiver on the varsity football team. He participated in the school's play "The Wizard of Oz", directed by Mike Chappell.
In early 2005, McDonald and his fellow Auburn University student Jonathan Peers founded the Hightide Blues and began to write songs together. Joining them are Cragon Sims and Scott Rollins. They began to tour small clubs across the state of Alabama. In 2006, McDonald put his education on hiatus to pursue a full-time career as a recording artist. After a limited edition of their self-titled EP Hightide Blues in 2007, the band released a self-produced album, entitled Love Come Easy, which was a recorded in a recording studio that was formerly a boarding school. That recording studio was operated by David Briggs, and it was dubbed the House of David in Nashville, Tennessee. The album earned radio play from the songs "Dreamin' Alone" and "Let It Roll." The album also included a song called "Dancing with the Angels (Meg's Song)." McDonald wrote this song in memory of his late close friend Meg Ingram, who died of cancer at the age of 21. The band performs annually at the Meg Ingram Memorial Scholarship benefit concert in Huntsville, Alabama.
Hightide Blues has also been successful on the Internet, winning multiple awards on OurStage.com including 15 Top 10 placements, as well as reaching number 2 on Best of Pop for 2011. From 2007 to 2010, the band began to tour across the United States, performing with recording artists such as the Zac Brown band, Sara Bareilles, and JJ Grey and Mofro. Hightide Blues also played festivals such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Florida Music Festival, the Hangout Festival, and the Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man Cruise. During those years, Hightide Blues ranged about 150 to 200 shows annually.
In middle 2010, Hightide Blues relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and campaigned to have their fans choose a new name for the band. The fans dubbed the band The Grand Magnolias. The groups first album under their new name, entitled The Grand Magnolias, was published during the time of American Idol season 10. The songs were written by McDonald and fellow band member Jonathan Peers and produced by Dan Hannon and Ken Coomer. The album has seen a sales boost since McDonald's stint on American Idol, at it reached the #12 spot on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and has sold over 9,000 copies by April 27, 2011. However, iTunes deleted the album from its store for no reason and the sales dropped 60% from the previous week. One week later, iTunes put the album back into its store again for no reason.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 104 American Idol finalist. He got 9th place on American Idol season 1, and was eliminated in a double elimination alongside EJay Day.
William Paul McDonald was born to David and Susan McDonald in Auburn, Alabama, on August 29, 1984. He was raised in Huntsville, Alabama. His father David was a clinical psychologist and his mother teaches occupational therapy at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He is an alumnus of Huntsville High School, where he played as a wide receiver on the varsity football team. He participated in the school's play "The Wizard of Oz", directed by Mike Chappell.
In early 2005, McDonald and his fellow Auburn University student Jonathan Peers founded the Hightide Blues and began to write songs together. Joining them are Cragon Sims and Scott Rollins. They began to tour small clubs across the state of Alabama. In 2006, McDonald put his education on hiatus to pursue a full-time career as a recording artist. After a limited edition of their self-titled EP Hightide Blues in 2007, the band released a self-produced album, entitled Love Come Easy, which was a recorded in a recording studio that was formerly a boarding school. That recording studio was operated by David Briggs, and it was dubbed the House of David in Nashville, Tennessee. The album earned radio play from the songs "Dreamin' Alone" and "Let It Roll." The album also included a song called "Dancing with the Angels (Meg's Song)." McDonald wrote this song in memory of his late close friend Meg Ingram, who died of cancer at the age of 21. The band performs annually at the Meg Ingram Memorial Scholarship benefit concert in Huntsville, Alabama.
Hightide Blues has also been successful on the Internet, winning multiple awards on OurStage.com including 15 Top 10 placements, as well as reaching number 2 on Best of Pop for 2011. From 2007 to 2010, the band began to tour across the United States, performing with recording artists such as the Zac Brown band, Sara Bareilles, and JJ Grey and Mofro. Hightide Blues also played festivals such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the Florida Music Festival, the Hangout Festival, and the Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man Cruise. During those years, Hightide Blues ranged about 150 to 200 shows annually.
In middle 2010, Hightide Blues relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and campaigned to have their fans choose a new name for the band. The fans dubbed the band The Grand Magnolias. The groups first album under their new name, entitled The Grand Magnolias, was published during the time of American Idol season 10. The songs were written by McDonald and fellow band member Jonathan Peers and produced by Dan Hannon and Ken Coomer. The album has seen a sales boost since McDonald's stint on American Idol, at it reached the #12 spot on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and has sold over 9,000 copies by April 27, 2011. However, iTunes deleted the album from its store for no reason and the sales dropped 60% from the previous week. One week later, iTunes put the album back into its store again for no reason.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 104 American Idol finalist. He got 9th place on American Idol season 1, and was eliminated in a double elimination alongside EJay Day.
Monday, September 19, 2011
#106 Kevin Covais
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Kevin Covais. He got 11th place on American Idol season 5. He bears a striking resemblance to Chicken Little. He also starred in the film called College. His music genre is blue-eyed soul. He is not on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Kevin Patrick Covais was born to John and Patty Covais in Levittown, New York on Long Island on May 30, 1989. His father John Covais is a retired sheriff officer. Like me, Kevin Covais is the youngest of three. He has a brother and a sister. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and receives insulin injections like his fellow American Idol season 5 finalist Elliott Yamin.
Covais began to sing at the age of 10 and has taken formal vocal training for four years. He has stated that established R&B star Brian McKnight and American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson are his musical influences. In the future, he plans to pursue a career as a recording artist, an actor, and a journalist.
Covais was a junior at Island Trees High School during his stint on American Idol. He graduated at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. He attended Island Trees Middle School. He is a member of the Drama Club and has played the lead role in several school plays including Brighton Beach Memoirs, Godspell, and Guys and Dolls. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Youth Chorale and the National Honor Society. During the 2005-2006 school year, he won the lead in the school's musical, Anything Goes, but he had to leave for American Idol season 5. He also won some competitions outside academia, such as Eisenhower Park's Reach for the Stars in 2003. He is also a fan of several teams based on New York, such as the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, the New York jets, and he has followed many other teams.
Covais auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Boston, Massachusetts. On top 24 week, he performed "One Last Cry" by Brian McKnight; that song was previously sung by Rickey Smith on American Idol season 2. On March 9, 2006, he was voted into the top 12. Covais sarcastically dubbed himself the show's "sex symbol", while fellow season 5 finalist Paris Bennett called him "Chicken Little" for his purported resemblance to the Disney character. Following one performance, Paula Abdul commented that she wanted to pinch Covais' cheeks. Ryan Seacrest sent him to where the female contestants were sitting, so that they could do so.
Covais made the top 12 over Gedeon McKinney, finishing second from last. He beat out Melissa McGhee to make it to the top 11. After performing "When I Fall in Love" by Doris Day, he was elminated getting 11th place on March 22, 2006. He was in the bottom three with Bucky Covington (my number 113 American Idol finalist) and Lisa Tucker.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 105 finalist. He is my least favorite finalist of American Idol season 10. He started his music career as a member of The Grand Magnolias. He was absent from the Providence, Rhode Island, iteration of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011.
Kevin Patrick Covais was born to John and Patty Covais in Levittown, New York on Long Island on May 30, 1989. His father John Covais is a retired sheriff officer. Like me, Kevin Covais is the youngest of three. He has a brother and a sister. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and receives insulin injections like his fellow American Idol season 5 finalist Elliott Yamin.
Covais began to sing at the age of 10 and has taken formal vocal training for four years. He has stated that established R&B star Brian McKnight and American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson are his musical influences. In the future, he plans to pursue a career as a recording artist, an actor, and a journalist.
Covais was a junior at Island Trees High School during his stint on American Idol. He graduated at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. He attended Island Trees Middle School. He is a member of the Drama Club and has played the lead role in several school plays including Brighton Beach Memoirs, Godspell, and Guys and Dolls. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Youth Chorale and the National Honor Society. During the 2005-2006 school year, he won the lead in the school's musical, Anything Goes, but he had to leave for American Idol season 5. He also won some competitions outside academia, such as Eisenhower Park's Reach for the Stars in 2003. He is also a fan of several teams based on New York, such as the New York Yankees, the New York Knicks, the New York jets, and he has followed many other teams.
Covais auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Boston, Massachusetts. On top 24 week, he performed "One Last Cry" by Brian McKnight; that song was previously sung by Rickey Smith on American Idol season 2. On March 9, 2006, he was voted into the top 12. Covais sarcastically dubbed himself the show's "sex symbol", while fellow season 5 finalist Paris Bennett called him "Chicken Little" for his purported resemblance to the Disney character. Following one performance, Paula Abdul commented that she wanted to pinch Covais' cheeks. Ryan Seacrest sent him to where the female contestants were sitting, so that they could do so.
Covais made the top 12 over Gedeon McKinney, finishing second from last. He beat out Melissa McGhee to make it to the top 11. After performing "When I Fall in Love" by Doris Day, he was elminated getting 11th place on March 22, 2006. He was in the bottom three with Bucky Covington (my number 113 American Idol finalist) and Lisa Tucker.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 105 finalist. He is my least favorite finalist of American Idol season 10. He started his music career as a member of The Grand Magnolias. He was absent from the Providence, Rhode Island, iteration of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
#107 Tim Urban
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 107 American Idol finalist Tim Urban. He got 7th place on American Idol season 9, the most embarrassing season of the show. He stole a spot in the top 12 from Todrick Hall, possibly due to the "frau vote", or "tween and cougar vote." On November 10, 2010, he released his debut album and EP titled "Heart of Me." He is now working on his first LP to be released sometime this year. As of May 2010, he was ranked at number 90 by the Los Angeles on their American Idol power rankings list.
Timothy Joseph Urban was born in Tacoma, Washington, on May 1, 1989. He resided there until the age of 5, when he relocated to Duncanville, Texas. He has been singing and playing the guitar since the age of 13. He was homeschooled by his mother. He is the sixth of ten children and has two brothers serving in the U.S. military. His oldest brother was awaiting Air Force pilot training at the time of American Idol season 9. His second oldest brother returned from a tour in Afghanistan as a Marine. Urban had three months of formal vocal training in a music studio and cites several recording artists as his musical influences. These influences include John Denver (known by his mother as Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.; born on New Years Eve 1943 and died on October 12, 1997), Jack Johnson, John Mayer, OneRepublic, Jim Croce, and James Taylor. According to his American Idol interview, Urban stated that he never bothered to consume or possess alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances.
Before his stint on American Idol, Urban was a member of Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ (AMTC), a talent development agency that also credited American Idol season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo as a past participant. He was once a hotel and restaurant singer who played in the Dallas / Fort Worth Christian music circuit with his band.
Urban auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Dallas, Texas, with the song "Bulletproof Weeks" by Matt Nathanson. He made it through to the Hollywood round, but he was originally cut in the green mile round. However, he was called back to American Idol upon the disqualification of Chris Golightly, who was disqualified on February 17, 2010, over an old recording contract. Golightly's contract expired by the time the voting rounds began, but American Idol disqualified Golightly because his old recording contract was valid at the time of the auditions, in violation of American Idol rules. Golightly later appeared on a Korean television show called Superstar K, a singing competition show in the vein of American Idol. In there, he states that he once wrote songs for Korean recording artists.
Urban was subsequently voted into season 9's top 10, but I believe that Todrick Hall should have made the top 10 instead of him. When American Idol asked Urban what his proudest moment is, he answered, "Handing out nutritional products to orphans in South Africa and Swaziland."
Through his stint on American Idol, Urban received mixed feedback from the judges, who praised a few of his performances but regarded most of them as tedious, "pedestrian" and "pointless and silly." However, bloggers, who often compare him to American Idol season 6 finalist Sanjaya Malakar, noted how the judges' critiques never seemed to affect the perpetually smiling Urban, or his chances of making it through week after week. On top 12 week, he was in the bottom three with Paige Miles as Lacey Brown was eliminated. On top 11 week, he was in the bottom three with Katie Stevens as Paige Miles was eliminated. On top 10 week, he was in the bottom three again with Katie Stevens as Didi Benami was eliminated. He was dubbed "Teflon Tim", a nickname that Ryan Seacrest alluded to during the March 31 episode. On the same night, Simon Cowell said "I don't think it makes any difference whatsoever what we say. You're going to smile, the audience is going to vote for you, nobody cares, and you'll be here next week. So well done." As controversy over Urban's lackluster performances escalated, American Idol critics began to fault the judges' comments as "little more than displays of ego or thinly disguised bullying," and suggested that Urban may be good for the show, because he put the judges in their place.
Vote for the Worst endorsed Urban during his entire American Idol run. The Web site claims that he holds the record for the contestant to survive the longest with its endorsement. Urban commented about the Web site, "I'm actually kind of sad that I was on that website."
Urban was eliminated in 7th place during the "Idol Gives Back" special on April 21, after receiving negative reviews for his performance of "Better Days" by Goo Goo Dolls. A montage of his American Idol run followed the announcement of his fate. Because the show ran beyond its scheduled time, it ended abruptly, and Urban had no chance to deliver a final performance. Urban later said, "I was a little sad that I didn't get to sing one last time on that stage, but... you don't always get what you want. I'll be back for the finale and hopefully get to perform on that stage again. It was a little bittersweet, but overall, it's all right."
After his stint on American Idol, Urban went on a media tour on local FOX affiliates, in addition to planned appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Late Show with David Letterman, and The Wendy Williams Show. He visited the If I Can Dream house. He participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, which began July 1 and ended August 31, where he performed "Better Days" by Goo Goo Dolls and "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay.
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 106 finalist. According to Paris Bennett, he has a striking resemblance to the Disney character Chicken Little. He is a type 1 diabetic like his fellow contestant Elliott Yamin. He was in the bottom three with Bucky Covington and Lisa Tucker when he was eliminated.
Timothy Joseph Urban was born in Tacoma, Washington, on May 1, 1989. He resided there until the age of 5, when he relocated to Duncanville, Texas. He has been singing and playing the guitar since the age of 13. He was homeschooled by his mother. He is the sixth of ten children and has two brothers serving in the U.S. military. His oldest brother was awaiting Air Force pilot training at the time of American Idol season 9. His second oldest brother returned from a tour in Afghanistan as a Marine. Urban had three months of formal vocal training in a music studio and cites several recording artists as his musical influences. These influences include John Denver (known by his mother as Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.; born on New Years Eve 1943 and died on October 12, 1997), Jack Johnson, John Mayer, OneRepublic, Jim Croce, and James Taylor. According to his American Idol interview, Urban stated that he never bothered to consume or possess alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances.
Before his stint on American Idol, Urban was a member of Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ (AMTC), a talent development agency that also credited American Idol season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo as a past participant. He was once a hotel and restaurant singer who played in the Dallas / Fort Worth Christian music circuit with his band.
Urban auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Dallas, Texas, with the song "Bulletproof Weeks" by Matt Nathanson. He made it through to the Hollywood round, but he was originally cut in the green mile round. However, he was called back to American Idol upon the disqualification of Chris Golightly, who was disqualified on February 17, 2010, over an old recording contract. Golightly's contract expired by the time the voting rounds began, but American Idol disqualified Golightly because his old recording contract was valid at the time of the auditions, in violation of American Idol rules. Golightly later appeared on a Korean television show called Superstar K, a singing competition show in the vein of American Idol. In there, he states that he once wrote songs for Korean recording artists.
Urban was subsequently voted into season 9's top 10, but I believe that Todrick Hall should have made the top 10 instead of him. When American Idol asked Urban what his proudest moment is, he answered, "Handing out nutritional products to orphans in South Africa and Swaziland."
Through his stint on American Idol, Urban received mixed feedback from the judges, who praised a few of his performances but regarded most of them as tedious, "pedestrian" and "pointless and silly." However, bloggers, who often compare him to American Idol season 6 finalist Sanjaya Malakar, noted how the judges' critiques never seemed to affect the perpetually smiling Urban, or his chances of making it through week after week. On top 12 week, he was in the bottom three with Paige Miles as Lacey Brown was eliminated. On top 11 week, he was in the bottom three with Katie Stevens as Paige Miles was eliminated. On top 10 week, he was in the bottom three again with Katie Stevens as Didi Benami was eliminated. He was dubbed "Teflon Tim", a nickname that Ryan Seacrest alluded to during the March 31 episode. On the same night, Simon Cowell said "I don't think it makes any difference whatsoever what we say. You're going to smile, the audience is going to vote for you, nobody cares, and you'll be here next week. So well done." As controversy over Urban's lackluster performances escalated, American Idol critics began to fault the judges' comments as "little more than displays of ego or thinly disguised bullying," and suggested that Urban may be good for the show, because he put the judges in their place.
Vote for the Worst endorsed Urban during his entire American Idol run. The Web site claims that he holds the record for the contestant to survive the longest with its endorsement. Urban commented about the Web site, "I'm actually kind of sad that I was on that website."
Urban was eliminated in 7th place during the "Idol Gives Back" special on April 21, after receiving negative reviews for his performance of "Better Days" by Goo Goo Dolls. A montage of his American Idol run followed the announcement of his fate. Because the show ran beyond its scheduled time, it ended abruptly, and Urban had no chance to deliver a final performance. Urban later said, "I was a little sad that I didn't get to sing one last time on that stage, but... you don't always get what you want. I'll be back for the finale and hopefully get to perform on that stage again. It was a little bittersweet, but overall, it's all right."
After his stint on American Idol, Urban went on a media tour on local FOX affiliates, in addition to planned appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Late Show with David Letterman, and The Wendy Williams Show. He visited the If I Can Dream house. He participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, which began July 1 and ended August 31, where he performed "Better Days" by Goo Goo Dolls and "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay.
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 106 finalist. According to Paris Bennett, he has a striking resemblance to the Disney character Chicken Little. He is a type 1 diabetic like his fellow contestant Elliott Yamin. He was in the bottom three with Bucky Covington and Lisa Tucker when he was eliminated.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
#108 Jon Peter Lewis
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 108 finalist Jon Peter Lewis. He got eighth place on American Idol season 3. He is affectionately known as JPL by the host Ryan Seacrest, the judges, and his fans. He was ranked at number 37 on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Jon Peter Lewis was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on November 7, 1979. Therefore, he is one day older than me. He resided in various cities across the U.S. with his nomadic family before leaving the nest immediately after graduating from Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1998. He starred in the lead role of Thorin Oakenshield in a theatrical adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in a local youth club the summer of 1997. He performed in many other theatrical productions and was a member of various rock and roll groups throughout his time in high school and college.
At the age of 23, he cashed his college loans to audition for American Idol season 3 in Honolulu, Hawaii, alongside Jasmine Trias, with the song "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison. He was praised by judge Simon Cowell for "very, very good voice." He went on to display an uninhibited stage presence and personality that won Anerica's affection. Simon Cowell heralded him "the dark horse to win the competition", and he was pegged as an early favorite by Rolling Stone magazine. Elton John praised Lewis for having "excellent pitch and phrasing."
Lewis was a member of the third semifinal group, and he performed Elton John's "Tiny Dancer." After performing "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley, he was chosen for the top 12 by public vote, receiving 22% of the votes cast. On top 12 week (Soul week), he performed "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray, On top 11 week (Country week), he performed "She Believes in Me" by Kenny Rogers. On top 10 week (Motown week), he performed "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" by The Isley Brothers. On top 9 week (Elton John week), he performed "Rocket Man" by Elton John. On top 8 week (Movie songs week), after performing "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley, he was eliminated in eighth place. During the competition, he had displayed a three-octave vocal range and developed a strong fanbase. As he made the top 10, he participated in the 50-city American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004.
After his stint on American Idol, Lewis decided to work on his own musical style and create original music rather than taking business offers to use his stint on the show to release a pop EP. From late 2004 to 2006, he spent most of his time recording original music working closely with Alex Gibson of Henson Recording Studios (formerly known as A&M studios), the studio where the original and 2010 versions of We Are the World were recorded, as well as other notable personnel in Hollywood. "Turn to Grey" was among the first songs Lewis wrote. He composed while participating in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004. He recorded part of the song as an homage to my season 3 favorite Jennifer Hudson after she told him that she loved singing in her home.
Lewis has been a contributor to MTV, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone magazine, The L.A. Times, and AOL Entertainment. He continues to be a recurring guest of national television and top 20 radio markets. He released his self-titled EP in 2010.
Members of JPL's band have included Sky Elobar, Andrew Synowiec, Ian Hendrickson, Craig Macintyre, Stuart Johnson, Blake Mills, Austin Nicholsen, Adam Range and Tyler George Beus. Lewis and his band are on tour across the U.S.A.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 107 finalist. He was not originaly chosen for American Idol season 9, the most embarrassing season in the history of the show. He was chosen for that season as a replacement for Chris Golightly, who was disqualified on February 17, 2010, over an old record deal.
Jon Peter Lewis was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on November 7, 1979. Therefore, he is one day older than me. He resided in various cities across the U.S. with his nomadic family before leaving the nest immediately after graduating from Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1998. He starred in the lead role of Thorin Oakenshield in a theatrical adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in a local youth club the summer of 1997. He performed in many other theatrical productions and was a member of various rock and roll groups throughout his time in high school and college.
At the age of 23, he cashed his college loans to audition for American Idol season 3 in Honolulu, Hawaii, alongside Jasmine Trias, with the song "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison. He was praised by judge Simon Cowell for "very, very good voice." He went on to display an uninhibited stage presence and personality that won Anerica's affection. Simon Cowell heralded him "the dark horse to win the competition", and he was pegged as an early favorite by Rolling Stone magazine. Elton John praised Lewis for having "excellent pitch and phrasing."
Lewis was a member of the third semifinal group, and he performed Elton John's "Tiny Dancer." After performing "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley, he was chosen for the top 12 by public vote, receiving 22% of the votes cast. On top 12 week (Soul week), he performed "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray, On top 11 week (Country week), he performed "She Believes in Me" by Kenny Rogers. On top 10 week (Motown week), he performed "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)" by The Isley Brothers. On top 9 week (Elton John week), he performed "Rocket Man" by Elton John. On top 8 week (Movie songs week), after performing "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley, he was eliminated in eighth place. During the competition, he had displayed a three-octave vocal range and developed a strong fanbase. As he made the top 10, he participated in the 50-city American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004.
After his stint on American Idol, Lewis decided to work on his own musical style and create original music rather than taking business offers to use his stint on the show to release a pop EP. From late 2004 to 2006, he spent most of his time recording original music working closely with Alex Gibson of Henson Recording Studios (formerly known as A&M studios), the studio where the original and 2010 versions of We Are the World were recorded, as well as other notable personnel in Hollywood. "Turn to Grey" was among the first songs Lewis wrote. He composed while participating in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004. He recorded part of the song as an homage to my season 3 favorite Jennifer Hudson after she told him that she loved singing in her home.
Lewis has been a contributor to MTV, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone magazine, The L.A. Times, and AOL Entertainment. He continues to be a recurring guest of national television and top 20 radio markets. He released his self-titled EP in 2010.
Members of JPL's band have included Sky Elobar, Andrew Synowiec, Ian Hendrickson, Craig Macintyre, Stuart Johnson, Blake Mills, Austin Nicholsen, Adam Range and Tyler George Beus. Lewis and his band are on tour across the U.S.A.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 107 finalist. He was not originaly chosen for American Idol season 9, the most embarrassing season in the history of the show. He was chosen for that season as a replacement for Chris Golightly, who was disqualified on February 17, 2010, over an old record deal.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
#109 Matthew Rogers
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Matthew Rogers from American Idol season 3. He was the host of the prematurely canceled reality television show There Goes the Neighborhood, which was broadcast in standard definition. He was also the host of a documentary series called Really Big Things. He now hosts Coming Home on the Lifetime television network. He was ranked at number 67 on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Matthew Wyatt "Matt" Rogers was born on September 16, 1978. He is a native and resident of Rancho Cucamonga, California, which is located approximately 39 miles (63 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, California. He began to sing at the age of five. He attended Sierra Vista Middle School, which is part of the Irvine Unified School District in Covina, California, and South Hills High School, which is part of the Covina-Valley Unified School District, in West Covina, California, which is east of Los Angeles and in the San Gabriel Valley. He played football during his time in high school. He went on to play college football at the University of Washington, where he served as an offensive lineman on their 2001 Rose Bowl championship team. He lost his mother to cancer in middle 2004.
After his stint on American Idol, he married his longtime girlfriend Teri Himes on February 19, 2005, and became father to a son named Brayden Douglas, born on April 16, 2006, weighing in at eight pounds.
Rogers was 25 years old during his stint on American Idol. He auditioned for American Idol in Los Angeles, California, with James Ingram's "Just Once." He was a member of semifinal group 2. During the semifinals, he performed the 1978 hit "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell, and he was chosen by the public to be in the top 12. On top 11 week, he performed "Hard to Handle" by Otis Redding. On March 24, 2006, after performing the 2000 hit "Amazed" by Lonestar, he got his 11th place curtain call on American Idol.
Since his stint on American Idol, Rogers served as a co-host for American Idol Extra, which ran from 2006 to 2009, and worked as a correspondent on several sports and entertainment shows, including Turner Sports College Football, The Best Damn Sports Show Period, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and American Idol. He made a guest appearance on the "Idols" edition of Family Feud.
Rogers was the host for the Discovery Channel show Really Big Things in 2007 and the CBS show There Goes the Neighborhood in 2009. He now hosts the Lifetime show Coming Home, which debuted March 6, 2011.
The next entry on my American Idol finalist countdown, from my least favorite (who is Nikki McKibbin, ranked at number 120) to my most favorite (whom I will not mention by name until I get to number 1), is my number 108 American Idol finalist. He is one day older than me. He lived in various cities across the United States with his nomadic family until he left the nest at 18. He auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Hawaii. After singing an Elvis Presley song, he was eliminated just before Jennifer Hudson.
Matthew Wyatt "Matt" Rogers was born on September 16, 1978. He is a native and resident of Rancho Cucamonga, California, which is located approximately 39 miles (63 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, California. He began to sing at the age of five. He attended Sierra Vista Middle School, which is part of the Irvine Unified School District in Covina, California, and South Hills High School, which is part of the Covina-Valley Unified School District, in West Covina, California, which is east of Los Angeles and in the San Gabriel Valley. He played football during his time in high school. He went on to play college football at the University of Washington, where he served as an offensive lineman on their 2001 Rose Bowl championship team. He lost his mother to cancer in middle 2004.
After his stint on American Idol, he married his longtime girlfriend Teri Himes on February 19, 2005, and became father to a son named Brayden Douglas, born on April 16, 2006, weighing in at eight pounds.
Rogers was 25 years old during his stint on American Idol. He auditioned for American Idol in Los Angeles, California, with James Ingram's "Just Once." He was a member of semifinal group 2. During the semifinals, he performed the 1978 hit "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell, and he was chosen by the public to be in the top 12. On top 11 week, he performed "Hard to Handle" by Otis Redding. On March 24, 2006, after performing the 2000 hit "Amazed" by Lonestar, he got his 11th place curtain call on American Idol.
Since his stint on American Idol, Rogers served as a co-host for American Idol Extra, which ran from 2006 to 2009, and worked as a correspondent on several sports and entertainment shows, including Turner Sports College Football, The Best Damn Sports Show Period, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, and American Idol. He made a guest appearance on the "Idols" edition of Family Feud.
Rogers was the host for the Discovery Channel show Really Big Things in 2007 and the CBS show There Goes the Neighborhood in 2009. He now hosts the Lifetime show Coming Home, which debuted March 6, 2011.
The next entry on my American Idol finalist countdown, from my least favorite (who is Nikki McKibbin, ranked at number 120) to my most favorite (whom I will not mention by name until I get to number 1), is my number 108 American Idol finalist. He is one day older than me. He lived in various cities across the United States with his nomadic family until he left the nest at 18. He auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Hawaii. After singing an Elvis Presley song, he was eliminated just before Jennifer Hudson.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
#110 Chris Sligh
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 110 American Idol finalist Chris Sligh from season 6. His music genres are Christian rock and alternative rock. He is a member of the band called Half Past Forever. He resided in Greenville, South Carolina, at the time of his stint on American Idol. He was ranked at number 53 on The Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Charles Christopher Sligh was born in Madison, Tennessee, to Chuck and Susan Sligh, Baptist Missionaries to U.S. soldiers, on July 20, 1978. He is the oldest of three sons. The family relocated to Durham, North Carolina, when Sligh was a toddler but soon relocate to Wiesbaden, Germany, where his father Chuck ministered to U.S. soldiers. Sligh lived there until he returned to the U.S. to attend high school in 1995. Chuck Sligh is an expert guitarist and passed his passion for music to his three sons. Although Chris Sligh started singing during his high school tenure, he was raised on classical music in a rigid upbringing.
Sligh started college, studying pre-law, at Pensacola College in Florida. He transferred in his sophomore year to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, intending to major in music. Although he had no prior formal training, he progressed rapidly in the school's vocal performance program, and he was invited to audition for The Julliard School and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He was expelled from Bob Jones University for violating school rules by attending a concert by the Christian band 4Him, which was founded in 1990 and disbanded in 2006. He then attended North Greenville University but left she a few credits of earning a music degree.
Sligh auditioned for American Idol season 6 in Birmingham, Alabama, singing "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal. Paula Abdul gave him standing ovation and said to him, "I like you very much." The judges laughed at his ambition "to make David Hasselhoff" cry, a reference to David Hasselhoff shedding tears of joy when Taylor Hicks won American Idol season 5. He was an early favorite of the judges, as all three judges spoke of a guy with curly hair who did not look like a typical American Idol. According to Abdul, he is vocally compared to Penn Jillette from the duo of Penn & Teller, whom he resembles. However, on top 16 week, after Sligh performed "We All Wanna Be Love" by DcTalk, the judges criticized him more harshly.
During top 24 week, Sligh demonstrated his extensive knowledge of American Idol trivia, which he claimed to have learned while researching extensively at his job in Greenville, South Carolina. Simon Cowell thought that Sligh's performance of "Typical" by the band called Mutemath "...like being at some weird student gig" and told Sligh that he felt like Sligh was more focused on personality rather than on vocal prowess. Sligh retorted by stating: "Just because I don't sound like Il Divo or the Teletubbies doesn't mean that I don't have a good voice", alluding to Cowell's creation of the classical group Il Divo and his work in making an album featuring the Teletubbies. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul cheered at the purported insult. The viewers and the studio audience were left bewildered by Simon's bitter reaction, while Sligh and host Ryan Seacrest later made it clear that the expression was directed at Seacrest.
Sligh was eliminated on American Idol claiming 10th place on March 28, 2007. While delivering his final performance on the American Idol stage, he told fellow contestant Phil Stacey, who got 6th place, "You owe me 50 bucks," referencing their bet that he would be eliminated during that results show. The next day, Sligh said that he was not trying to win the competition and that was only trying to make far enough to claim a seat on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 109 finalist, who was the host of the short-lived TV show There Goes the Neighborhood.
Charles Christopher Sligh was born in Madison, Tennessee, to Chuck and Susan Sligh, Baptist Missionaries to U.S. soldiers, on July 20, 1978. He is the oldest of three sons. The family relocated to Durham, North Carolina, when Sligh was a toddler but soon relocate to Wiesbaden, Germany, where his father Chuck ministered to U.S. soldiers. Sligh lived there until he returned to the U.S. to attend high school in 1995. Chuck Sligh is an expert guitarist and passed his passion for music to his three sons. Although Chris Sligh started singing during his high school tenure, he was raised on classical music in a rigid upbringing.
Sligh started college, studying pre-law, at Pensacola College in Florida. He transferred in his sophomore year to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, intending to major in music. Although he had no prior formal training, he progressed rapidly in the school's vocal performance program, and he was invited to audition for The Julliard School and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He was expelled from Bob Jones University for violating school rules by attending a concert by the Christian band 4Him, which was founded in 1990 and disbanded in 2006. He then attended North Greenville University but left she a few credits of earning a music degree.
Sligh auditioned for American Idol season 6 in Birmingham, Alabama, singing "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal. Paula Abdul gave him standing ovation and said to him, "I like you very much." The judges laughed at his ambition "to make David Hasselhoff" cry, a reference to David Hasselhoff shedding tears of joy when Taylor Hicks won American Idol season 5. He was an early favorite of the judges, as all three judges spoke of a guy with curly hair who did not look like a typical American Idol. According to Abdul, he is vocally compared to Penn Jillette from the duo of Penn & Teller, whom he resembles. However, on top 16 week, after Sligh performed "We All Wanna Be Love" by DcTalk, the judges criticized him more harshly.
During top 24 week, Sligh demonstrated his extensive knowledge of American Idol trivia, which he claimed to have learned while researching extensively at his job in Greenville, South Carolina. Simon Cowell thought that Sligh's performance of "Typical" by the band called Mutemath "...like being at some weird student gig" and told Sligh that he felt like Sligh was more focused on personality rather than on vocal prowess. Sligh retorted by stating: "Just because I don't sound like Il Divo or the Teletubbies doesn't mean that I don't have a good voice", alluding to Cowell's creation of the classical group Il Divo and his work in making an album featuring the Teletubbies. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul cheered at the purported insult. The viewers and the studio audience were left bewildered by Simon's bitter reaction, while Sligh and host Ryan Seacrest later made it clear that the expression was directed at Seacrest.
Sligh was eliminated on American Idol claiming 10th place on March 28, 2007. While delivering his final performance on the American Idol stage, he told fellow contestant Phil Stacey, who got 6th place, "You owe me 50 bucks," referencing their bet that he would be eliminated during that results show. The next day, Sligh said that he was not trying to win the competition and that was only trying to make far enough to claim a seat on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 109 finalist, who was the host of the short-lived TV show There Goes the Neighborhood.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
#111 Julia DeMato
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 111 American Idol finalist Julia DeMato. She got 10th place on American Idol season 2, barely being qualified to participate on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003. She is an American cosmetologist and karaoke singer. She was ranked at number 101 on The Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Julia Megan DeMato was born in Brookfield, Connecticut, on March 7, 1979. She is the youngest and only girl of six children. Her mother Joan is a realtor at RE/MAX in her hometown. Her father Peter owns Chase Equipment in New Milford, Connecticut. She is a 1997 Brookfield High School alumna.
DeMato was heavily featured in the television coverage of American Idol season 2's audition and Hollywood rounds, including the portrayal of drama with Kimberly Caldwell during the Hollywood round. She performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield in the semi-finals. In the finals, she performed "Flashdance ... What a Feeling" by Irene Cara on top 12 week and "Where Did Our Love Go" by The Supremes on top 11 week. She was eliminated at 10th place on March 26, 2003, after a performance of "Breathe" by Faith Hill.
After her stint on American Idol, DeMato enjoyed some success on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003, performing "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera. She also covered "At Last" by Etta James on the American Idol 2 Love Songs CD. DeMato's renditions of the songs well received by fans and critics. However, her brief musical career peaked with an album and the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003, and further success eluded her. Later that year, she had a brief stint as a judge for the Oxygen Network show Meow TV.
DeMato could not claim a major record deal, but she did record one song, "Let It Rain", with a company called Somme Music, an Internet outlet marketing that one song. The song got mixed reviews: Some audiences liked the vocals and the music, but others complained about the composition and the negative tone of some of the lyrics, written by the head of Somme Music. No further songs were recorded.
On July 6, 2005, DeMato and her fiancé, electrician Jim Polches, claimed parenthood when she gave birth in Danbury, Connecticut (I went there back in 1998). She and Polches married the following year.
In December 2005, DeMato briefly returned to the news when she encountered the law on charges of possession of marijuana and cocaine, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol after failing a field sobriety test. At first, she claimed that they were misunderstood. While Connecticut has severe penalties against driving under the influence, she avoided incarceration and a criminal record by negotiation through her attorney, an alternative sentence involving community service and a program of drug and alcohol education.
Residing in her hometown Brookfield, Connecticut, and working as a cosmetologist once again, she has appeared as a singer and humanitarian occasionally, mainly in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Between July 22 and August 2, 2008, Julia and fellow American Idol season 2 finalists Trenyce and Rickey Smith, disqualified season 2 contestant Frenchie Davis (who competed on The Voice season 1), and season 1 finalist RJ Helton performed at the Razz Room in San Francisco, California. American Idol season 4 finalists Vonzell Solomon and Constantine Marouls, and season 7 finalist David Hernandez also performed at the Razz Room from August 5 to 16, 2008.
On June 18, 2009, DeMato began to host a twelve-week "Summer Idol" Karaoke contest at Rowley's Tavern, a local Irish style pub located in Norwalk, Connecticut. Julia opened the night singing a song, the offering color commentary and announcing upcoming karaoke singers. Her other appearances in Connecticut include performing the U.S. National Anthem at the Thompson International Speedway at a NASCAR event.
On April 15, 2010, during the time of American Idol season 9, DeMato participated in a humanitarian aid mission in New York City by delivering food to hungry New York City residents with City Harvest, alongside American Idol season 5 finalist Ace Young, season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo, season 8 finalist Jorge Núñez, and season 1 finalist RJ Helton.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 110 American Idol finalist, who is from season 6 and hails from Greenville, South Carolina.
Julia Megan DeMato was born in Brookfield, Connecticut, on March 7, 1979. She is the youngest and only girl of six children. Her mother Joan is a realtor at RE/MAX in her hometown. Her father Peter owns Chase Equipment in New Milford, Connecticut. She is a 1997 Brookfield High School alumna.
DeMato was heavily featured in the television coverage of American Idol season 2's audition and Hollywood rounds, including the portrayal of drama with Kimberly Caldwell during the Hollywood round. She performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield in the semi-finals. In the finals, she performed "Flashdance ... What a Feeling" by Irene Cara on top 12 week and "Where Did Our Love Go" by The Supremes on top 11 week. She was eliminated at 10th place on March 26, 2003, after a performance of "Breathe" by Faith Hill.
After her stint on American Idol, DeMato enjoyed some success on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003, performing "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera. She also covered "At Last" by Etta James on the American Idol 2 Love Songs CD. DeMato's renditions of the songs well received by fans and critics. However, her brief musical career peaked with an album and the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003, and further success eluded her. Later that year, she had a brief stint as a judge for the Oxygen Network show Meow TV.
DeMato could not claim a major record deal, but she did record one song, "Let It Rain", with a company called Somme Music, an Internet outlet marketing that one song. The song got mixed reviews: Some audiences liked the vocals and the music, but others complained about the composition and the negative tone of some of the lyrics, written by the head of Somme Music. No further songs were recorded.
On July 6, 2005, DeMato and her fiancé, electrician Jim Polches, claimed parenthood when she gave birth in Danbury, Connecticut (I went there back in 1998). She and Polches married the following year.
In December 2005, DeMato briefly returned to the news when she encountered the law on charges of possession of marijuana and cocaine, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol after failing a field sobriety test. At first, she claimed that they were misunderstood. While Connecticut has severe penalties against driving under the influence, she avoided incarceration and a criminal record by negotiation through her attorney, an alternative sentence involving community service and a program of drug and alcohol education.
Residing in her hometown Brookfield, Connecticut, and working as a cosmetologist once again, she has appeared as a singer and humanitarian occasionally, mainly in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Between July 22 and August 2, 2008, Julia and fellow American Idol season 2 finalists Trenyce and Rickey Smith, disqualified season 2 contestant Frenchie Davis (who competed on The Voice season 1), and season 1 finalist RJ Helton performed at the Razz Room in San Francisco, California. American Idol season 4 finalists Vonzell Solomon and Constantine Marouls, and season 7 finalist David Hernandez also performed at the Razz Room from August 5 to 16, 2008.
On June 18, 2009, DeMato began to host a twelve-week "Summer Idol" Karaoke contest at Rowley's Tavern, a local Irish style pub located in Norwalk, Connecticut. Julia opened the night singing a song, the offering color commentary and announcing upcoming karaoke singers. Her other appearances in Connecticut include performing the U.S. National Anthem at the Thompson International Speedway at a NASCAR event.
On April 15, 2010, during the time of American Idol season 9, DeMato participated in a humanitarian aid mission in New York City by delivering food to hungry New York City residents with City Harvest, alongside American Idol season 5 finalist Ace Young, season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo, season 8 finalist Jorge Núñez, and season 1 finalist RJ Helton.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 110 American Idol finalist, who is from season 6 and hails from Greenville, South Carolina.
Monday, September 12, 2011
#112 Michael Sarver
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 112 finalist Michael Sarver. He got 10th place on American Idol season 8. He should not have been on the tour. He is from Jasper, Texas.
Jeremy Michael Sarver was born in Sulphur, Louisiana, on March 28, 1981. He attended Sulphur High School. His wife is Tiffany Sarver, and he has two children: McKenna and Grayson. He wrote over 890 songs for himself since the age of 14, and he has been singing since his teenage years. Before his stint on American Idol he worked as a roughneck on an oil rig.
Sarver auditioned for American Idol season 8 with the song "Thank You" by Boyz II Men in Phoenix, Arizona. During the semi-final week, after performing "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw, he was barely able to garner enough votes from the American public to claim a spot in the top 13, defeating fellow contestant Anoop Desai with a margin of 20,000 votes. On top 13 week, he performed "You Are Not Alone" by Michael Jackson. On top 11 week, he performed "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)" by Garth Brooks. After performing "Ain't to Proud to Beg" by The Temptations, he was eliminated at 10th place, after the judges could not unanimously agree to save him. As he made the top 10, he was qualified to perform on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009. I would have replaced him with my season 8 favorite, who is my all-time favorite. Reflecting on his stint on American Idol, Sarver stated that his family thought Cowell acted "like a jerk" but was entitled to his own opinion.
On October 31, 2009, Sarver was signed to Dream Records and Universal Music Group. He went the country route and released his debut album on July 27, 2010. Around the time of American Idol season 9, he participated in the American Stars in Concert Tour alongside season 6 finalist Gina Glocksen, season 7 finalist David Hernandez, and my number 116 American Idol finalist Alexis Grace from seaosn 8. He performed his first single "You Are" at the Dream Center, a Pentecostal Christian Church located at 2301 Bellevue Avenue in Los Angeles, California. According to his MySpace page, he signed to Dream Records/Fontana Distribution. Sarver is also the official spokesman for Credit Power Educational Foundation, Inc. He recently released an official single titled "Ferris Wheel." He also filmed a music video for it. It will be Sarver's first official single being broadcast on country radio. In June 2010, he also launched his official web site MichaelSarverSite.com where fans can pre-order his album.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 111 finalist, a season 2 finalist who hails from Brookfield, Connecticut, and is the youngest and only girl of six.
Jeremy Michael Sarver was born in Sulphur, Louisiana, on March 28, 1981. He attended Sulphur High School. His wife is Tiffany Sarver, and he has two children: McKenna and Grayson. He wrote over 890 songs for himself since the age of 14, and he has been singing since his teenage years. Before his stint on American Idol he worked as a roughneck on an oil rig.
Sarver auditioned for American Idol season 8 with the song "Thank You" by Boyz II Men in Phoenix, Arizona. During the semi-final week, after performing "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw, he was barely able to garner enough votes from the American public to claim a spot in the top 13, defeating fellow contestant Anoop Desai with a margin of 20,000 votes. On top 13 week, he performed "You Are Not Alone" by Michael Jackson. On top 11 week, he performed "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)" by Garth Brooks. After performing "Ain't to Proud to Beg" by The Temptations, he was eliminated at 10th place, after the judges could not unanimously agree to save him. As he made the top 10, he was qualified to perform on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009. I would have replaced him with my season 8 favorite, who is my all-time favorite. Reflecting on his stint on American Idol, Sarver stated that his family thought Cowell acted "like a jerk" but was entitled to his own opinion.
On October 31, 2009, Sarver was signed to Dream Records and Universal Music Group. He went the country route and released his debut album on July 27, 2010. Around the time of American Idol season 9, he participated in the American Stars in Concert Tour alongside season 6 finalist Gina Glocksen, season 7 finalist David Hernandez, and my number 116 American Idol finalist Alexis Grace from seaosn 8. He performed his first single "You Are" at the Dream Center, a Pentecostal Christian Church located at 2301 Bellevue Avenue in Los Angeles, California. According to his MySpace page, he signed to Dream Records/Fontana Distribution. Sarver is also the official spokesman for Credit Power Educational Foundation, Inc. He recently released an official single titled "Ferris Wheel." He also filmed a music video for it. It will be Sarver's first official single being broadcast on country radio. In June 2010, he also launched his official web site MichaelSarverSite.com where fans can pre-order his album.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 111 finalist, a season 2 finalist who hails from Brookfield, Connecticut, and is the youngest and only girl of six.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
#113 Bucky Covington
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 113 finalist, country singer-songwriter Bucky Covington. He is my least favorite finalist of season 5. He came to fame when he got eighth place on American Idol season 5. In December 2006, he was signed to Lyric Street Records. His self-titled debut album, which was produced by Mark Miller, a member of the band Sawyer Brown, was released on April 17, 2007, during the time of American Idol season 6. He was ranked at number 45 on The Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings list.
William Joel "Bucky" Covington, III, was born in Rockingham, North Carolina, on November 8, 1977, alongside his identical twin brother Robert David "Rocky" Covington. Bucky is the nickname derived from his grandfather Buck. He graduated as a member of the class of 1996 from Scotland High School in Laurinburg, North Carolina. When he was fresh out of high school, he worked at Covington's Body Shop in Hamlet, North Carolina.
At the age of 18, ten years before his stint on American Idol, Covington learned to play the guitar and began to perform at clubs. He is also a bassist, drummer, and a songwriter. Over the years, he evolved talentwise in both the country and rock genres. Sometime thereafter, he elected to record and perform both original songs and cover songs in a cross-genre fashion. His twin brother Rocky is also a musician and is the former lead singer of the local band called Swamp Cat.
In 1998, the year I graduated from high school, when the Covington twins were 20 years old, they were in a minor automobile identity mishap. Bucky allegedly pretended to be Rocky, and were arrested for confusing law enforcement. The plaintiff could not identity whether it was Bucky or Rocky driving, since the twins were identical.
In the fifth season of American Idol, the Covington twins individually auditioned in Greensboro, North Carolina. Of the two, only Bucky advanced to the voting rounds. Bucky Covington made the top 12 after a performance of "Wave on Wave" by Pat Green. On March 22, 2006, he was in the bottom 3 with Lisa Tucker and Kevin Covais, who was eliminated that week. On April 12, 2006, when he was in the bottom 3 with Ace Young (who was eliminated right after Covington) and my season 5 favorite Elliott Yamin, he was eliminated at eight place. During the top 8 results show of season 6, he appeared on one of the front rows.
After his stint on American Idol, he bought a house near Franklin, Tennessee, near Nashville, which he shared with Rocky and his wife Terra. Rocky also joined Bucky's band as a percussionist. On February 23, 2007, he and his wife Crystal, whom he married before his stint on American Idol, separated from each other, but he recently got engaged to his girl friend of three and a half years, Katherine Cook.
In April 2010, Lyric Street Records went belly up, but Covington was transferred to record label affiliated with Disney Music Group.
Next up is my number 112 American Idol finalist, who auditioned for season 8 in Phoenix, Arizona, and was an oil rigger before his stint on American Idol.
William Joel "Bucky" Covington, III, was born in Rockingham, North Carolina, on November 8, 1977, alongside his identical twin brother Robert David "Rocky" Covington. Bucky is the nickname derived from his grandfather Buck. He graduated as a member of the class of 1996 from Scotland High School in Laurinburg, North Carolina. When he was fresh out of high school, he worked at Covington's Body Shop in Hamlet, North Carolina.
At the age of 18, ten years before his stint on American Idol, Covington learned to play the guitar and began to perform at clubs. He is also a bassist, drummer, and a songwriter. Over the years, he evolved talentwise in both the country and rock genres. Sometime thereafter, he elected to record and perform both original songs and cover songs in a cross-genre fashion. His twin brother Rocky is also a musician and is the former lead singer of the local band called Swamp Cat.
In 1998, the year I graduated from high school, when the Covington twins were 20 years old, they were in a minor automobile identity mishap. Bucky allegedly pretended to be Rocky, and were arrested for confusing law enforcement. The plaintiff could not identity whether it was Bucky or Rocky driving, since the twins were identical.
In the fifth season of American Idol, the Covington twins individually auditioned in Greensboro, North Carolina. Of the two, only Bucky advanced to the voting rounds. Bucky Covington made the top 12 after a performance of "Wave on Wave" by Pat Green. On March 22, 2006, he was in the bottom 3 with Lisa Tucker and Kevin Covais, who was eliminated that week. On April 12, 2006, when he was in the bottom 3 with Ace Young (who was eliminated right after Covington) and my season 5 favorite Elliott Yamin, he was eliminated at eight place. During the top 8 results show of season 6, he appeared on one of the front rows.
After his stint on American Idol, he bought a house near Franklin, Tennessee, near Nashville, which he shared with Rocky and his wife Terra. Rocky also joined Bucky's band as a percussionist. On February 23, 2007, he and his wife Crystal, whom he married before his stint on American Idol, separated from each other, but he recently got engaged to his girl friend of three and a half years, Katherine Cook.
In April 2010, Lyric Street Records went belly up, but Covington was transferred to record label affiliated with Disney Music Group.
Next up is my number 112 American Idol finalist, who auditioned for season 8 in Phoenix, Arizona, and was an oil rigger before his stint on American Idol.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
#114 Didi Benami
Next on my American Idol countdown, at number 114 is Didi Benami from American Idol season 9. She finished in 10th place. She was in the bottom 3 with Tim Urban and Katie Stevens. Her music genres are pop and acoustic rock. Her musical influences are Adele, Norah Jones, Angel Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell, Alana Davis, Patty Griffin, Sarah McLachlan, the late Amy Winehouse, Paul McCartney, Jason Reeves, and the late John Lennon. She plays the piano and guitar. In my opinion, stole a spot in the top 12 from Michelle Delamor.
Vered "Didi" Benami (Hebrew ורד "דידי" בן עמי) was born in New York City on October 25, 1986, and relocated to my mothertown Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of 7. She is the daughter of Jewish parents, with her father being Israeli, and her first name Vered is Hebrew for "rose." She spent most of her childhood in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Benami graduated from West High School of Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2005. She began to sing at the age of 11. In school, she claimed the role of Marty in the musical show called "Grease", and often performed the U.S. national anthem (Star Spangled Banner) in front of many crowds. During the broadcast of American Idol season 9, she mentioned that she was a cheerleader and mascot at Bearden Middle School.
Before relocating to Hollywood, California, she attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. This relocation was tainted by the death of her best friend and roommate, recording artist Rebecca Joy Lear, in an automobile accident driving from Nashville to Lear's Kansas home during the Christmas holiday of her freshman year. They shared writing sessions mainly on Lear's album. Recently, Benami stated that she would cover Lear's song catalog and upload her version of the Lear's songs.
Benami auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Los Angeles, California, where she has lived there since 2006. She credited her best friend Rebecca Joy Lear, whose career she would pick up after, as one of the reasons why she auditioned for the show. She auditioned with The Beatles' song "Hey Jude." The judges, including guest judge Avril Lavigne, well praised the audition. She became an early favorite in the competition following her critically acclaimed performance of "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee, the runner-up of American Idol season 5 in the first Hollywood round, where Simon Cowell said "she was good." The song was co-written by then American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who left the judges' panel after season 9 alongside Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. During group night, Benami's group performed "No One" by Alicia Keys. In the third Hollywood round, she performed "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.
On top 24 week, Benami performed "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson, where she failed to impress the judges, with the judges stating that she has a good voice but was rather "sound-alike." On top 20 week, she performed "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers, where she once again failed to impress the judges, with Randy Jackson saying that it was pitchy and Simon Cowell said that it was like a "screaching cat." However, on top 16 week, she went from zero to hero with the song "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac, with Kara DioGuardi adding that the performance has the "singer-songwriter" vibe and swagger that DioGuardi loves on Benami's Hollywood round performance of "Terrified" which she would later sing on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010. On top 12 week, Benami performed "Play With Fire" by The Rolling Stones. On top 11 week, she performed "You're No Good" by Betty Everett. On top 10 week, after performing "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin, she was eliminated from the competition finishing in 10th place. Despite an encore of her top 16 performance for the judges' save, the judges elected not to save her, but the decision was not unanimous. However, Simon Cowell consoled her stating that it was "a million times better" than her performance the night before her elimination.
Next up is my number 113 finalist, a country star born exactly two years before I was born and has an identical twin.
Vered "Didi" Benami (Hebrew ורד "דידי" בן עמי) was born in New York City on October 25, 1986, and relocated to my mothertown Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of 7. She is the daughter of Jewish parents, with her father being Israeli, and her first name Vered is Hebrew for "rose." She spent most of her childhood in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Benami graduated from West High School of Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2005. She began to sing at the age of 11. In school, she claimed the role of Marty in the musical show called "Grease", and often performed the U.S. national anthem (Star Spangled Banner) in front of many crowds. During the broadcast of American Idol season 9, she mentioned that she was a cheerleader and mascot at Bearden Middle School.
Before relocating to Hollywood, California, she attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. This relocation was tainted by the death of her best friend and roommate, recording artist Rebecca Joy Lear, in an automobile accident driving from Nashville to Lear's Kansas home during the Christmas holiday of her freshman year. They shared writing sessions mainly on Lear's album. Recently, Benami stated that she would cover Lear's song catalog and upload her version of the Lear's songs.
Benami auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Los Angeles, California, where she has lived there since 2006. She credited her best friend Rebecca Joy Lear, whose career she would pick up after, as one of the reasons why she auditioned for the show. She auditioned with The Beatles' song "Hey Jude." The judges, including guest judge Avril Lavigne, well praised the audition. She became an early favorite in the competition following her critically acclaimed performance of "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee, the runner-up of American Idol season 5 in the first Hollywood round, where Simon Cowell said "she was good." The song was co-written by then American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who left the judges' panel after season 9 alongside Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. During group night, Benami's group performed "No One" by Alicia Keys. In the third Hollywood round, she performed "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.
On top 24 week, Benami performed "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson, where she failed to impress the judges, with the judges stating that she has a good voice but was rather "sound-alike." On top 20 week, she performed "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers, where she once again failed to impress the judges, with Randy Jackson saying that it was pitchy and Simon Cowell said that it was like a "screaching cat." However, on top 16 week, she went from zero to hero with the song "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac, with Kara DioGuardi adding that the performance has the "singer-songwriter" vibe and swagger that DioGuardi loves on Benami's Hollywood round performance of "Terrified" which she would later sing on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010. On top 12 week, Benami performed "Play With Fire" by The Rolling Stones. On top 11 week, she performed "You're No Good" by Betty Everett. On top 10 week, after performing "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin, she was eliminated from the competition finishing in 10th place. Despite an encore of her top 16 performance for the judges' save, the judges elected not to save her, but the decision was not unanimous. However, Simon Cowell consoled her stating that it was "a million times better" than her performance the night before her elimination.
Next up is my number 113 finalist, a country star born exactly two years before I was born and has an identical twin.
Friday, September 9, 2011
#115 Megan Joy
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown, is my number 115 American Idol finalist Megan Joy Allman (known as Megan Joy during her stint on the show). Formerly known as Megan Joy Corkrey, she is my least favorite finalist of season 8's top ten. I doubt whether she earned a spot in the top 10. She did a horrible performance of "Turn the Lights Down Low" at top 9, resulting in elimination. She made her acting debut as a minor character in the R-rated 2011 film Hall Pass. She is placed by LA Times' May 2010 power ranking list at number 64. She and Michael Sarver certainly did not deserve to make the top 10 as much as my all-time favorite finalist. She aspires to release her self-titled EP very soon. Her music is independently produced. Her music genres are indie pop, jazz, blue-eyed soul, electronic, and experimental music.
Megan Joy Allman was born Megan Joy Knudsen on September 18, 1985, in Sandy, Utah. Before her stint on American Idol she worked as a font designer for a company known as SendOutCards. She has a mother, a stepfather, a sister, and a brother named CJ. She starting singing when she was in kindergarten. She was musically influenced by Björk after listening to the said female artist at the age of 16. She revealed that she auditioned for every talent competition she could think of during her teenage years, but made nothing. She added: "Even the choir that anyone can be in, I wouldn't even make like a silly little solo." She originally had no plans to audition for American Idol, because she thought she would have zero chance to make it to the Hollywood round. However, her family and friends motivated her to audition for the show and she agreed to do so. Joy stated that for the first time in her life, "it was crossroads where anything can happen, so why not go for what I love to do." She later revealed that before her stint on American Idol, she was at her lowest, and was depressed and miserable, and that she lost herself. American Idol gave herself back, and she fell back in love with music and reclaimed her confidence. Her goals at the time were to move out of the nest, finance to return to school, and figure out how to establish herself. Joy graduated from Taylorsville High School in Taylorsville, Utah.
Joy never had any formal singing classes before her stint on American Idol. She auditioned for American Idol season 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah, on her birthday in 2008. At the audition in front of the judges, she sang "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" by Oscar Hammerstein II. Simon Cowell stated that Joy had a great voice and he loved it, and Kara DioGuardi thought that Joy was an interesting girl and had an unbelievable face. The judges unanimously decided to advance her to the Hollywood rounds. In the green mile round, Joy had to have a sing-off against another contestant (later identified as my number 118 finalist Lacey Brown, who would later become a season 9 contestant), with the judges chosing Joy for season 8.
Joy's semifinal performance of "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae was less than stellar. Cowell stated during his critique that Joy had a rough road in the Hollywood rounds. Joy was not one of the three finalists chosen by the public out of the semifinal group 2 (the group that included the contestant who later become my number 1 finalist), which are the finalists I rank at numbers 32, 42, and 59. However, Joy returned for the Wild Card and sang KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" and was selected by the judges to be in the top 13.
Joy began her run in the finals with most negative feedback from the judges on her performance of The Jackson 5's "Rockin' Robin." That performance was a joke. Kara DioGuardi praised Joy for her ability to put her signature in every song she takes on, with Randy Jackson in agreement added "That's so Megan." Randy Jackson added that the song choice did not truely let her be herself. Paula Abdul felt disconnected from Joy and that the judges did not hear that sound that they love from Joy.
During top 11 week, Joy caught the Influenza B virus and was so ill with influenza that she was hooked up to an IV minutes before taking the American Idol stage. I thought she should have withdrawn to let my all-time favorite finalist take her place. Despite the illness, she belted out a rendition of Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight." The judges were unanimously well impressed with the performance and Simon Cowell added, "You should have the flu every week."
On top 10 week, Joy pulled off the Stevie Wonder classic "For Once in My Life" and guest mentor Smokey Robinson believed that she was one of the most unique contestants in American Idol history.
On top 9 week, Joy performed "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley and The Wailers. She thought she would connect with the judges, but she did not. The judges strongly critiqued her performance, with Simon Cowell stating that it was "boring, indulgent, and monotonous." DioGuardi stated that the judges would not have chosen that song for her and thought that Adele's song catalog would have been better. DioGuardi then added that she likes Joy but think's Joy is in trouble.
Upon elimination, when Joy asked Ryan Seacrest on her thoughts about the performance and on Simon Cowell's feedback, she said "I love you Simon, but I didn't really care." With Simon Cowell demured, "Megan, with the greatest respect, when you said that you don't care -- nor do we. So I'm not going to pretend that we're even going to contemplate saving you." Joy was never in the bottom 3 prior to her 9th place elimination. I believe that she and Michael Sarver are vocally inferior to the bottom 2 of the top 13.
Next is my number 114 American Idol finalist, the American Idol season 9 finalist who lost her best friend in an automobile accident.
Megan Joy Allman was born Megan Joy Knudsen on September 18, 1985, in Sandy, Utah. Before her stint on American Idol she worked as a font designer for a company known as SendOutCards. She has a mother, a stepfather, a sister, and a brother named CJ. She starting singing when she was in kindergarten. She was musically influenced by Björk after listening to the said female artist at the age of 16. She revealed that she auditioned for every talent competition she could think of during her teenage years, but made nothing. She added: "Even the choir that anyone can be in, I wouldn't even make like a silly little solo." She originally had no plans to audition for American Idol, because she thought she would have zero chance to make it to the Hollywood round. However, her family and friends motivated her to audition for the show and she agreed to do so. Joy stated that for the first time in her life, "it was crossroads where anything can happen, so why not go for what I love to do." She later revealed that before her stint on American Idol, she was at her lowest, and was depressed and miserable, and that she lost herself. American Idol gave herself back, and she fell back in love with music and reclaimed her confidence. Her goals at the time were to move out of the nest, finance to return to school, and figure out how to establish herself. Joy graduated from Taylorsville High School in Taylorsville, Utah.
Joy never had any formal singing classes before her stint on American Idol. She auditioned for American Idol season 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah, on her birthday in 2008. At the audition in front of the judges, she sang "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" by Oscar Hammerstein II. Simon Cowell stated that Joy had a great voice and he loved it, and Kara DioGuardi thought that Joy was an interesting girl and had an unbelievable face. The judges unanimously decided to advance her to the Hollywood rounds. In the green mile round, Joy had to have a sing-off against another contestant (later identified as my number 118 finalist Lacey Brown, who would later become a season 9 contestant), with the judges chosing Joy for season 8.
Joy's semifinal performance of "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae was less than stellar. Cowell stated during his critique that Joy had a rough road in the Hollywood rounds. Joy was not one of the three finalists chosen by the public out of the semifinal group 2 (the group that included the contestant who later become my number 1 finalist), which are the finalists I rank at numbers 32, 42, and 59. However, Joy returned for the Wild Card and sang KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" and was selected by the judges to be in the top 13.
Joy began her run in the finals with most negative feedback from the judges on her performance of The Jackson 5's "Rockin' Robin." That performance was a joke. Kara DioGuardi praised Joy for her ability to put her signature in every song she takes on, with Randy Jackson in agreement added "That's so Megan." Randy Jackson added that the song choice did not truely let her be herself. Paula Abdul felt disconnected from Joy and that the judges did not hear that sound that they love from Joy.
During top 11 week, Joy caught the Influenza B virus and was so ill with influenza that she was hooked up to an IV minutes before taking the American Idol stage. I thought she should have withdrawn to let my all-time favorite finalist take her place. Despite the illness, she belted out a rendition of Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight." The judges were unanimously well impressed with the performance and Simon Cowell added, "You should have the flu every week."
On top 10 week, Joy pulled off the Stevie Wonder classic "For Once in My Life" and guest mentor Smokey Robinson believed that she was one of the most unique contestants in American Idol history.
On top 9 week, Joy performed "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley and The Wailers. She thought she would connect with the judges, but she did not. The judges strongly critiqued her performance, with Simon Cowell stating that it was "boring, indulgent, and monotonous." DioGuardi stated that the judges would not have chosen that song for her and thought that Adele's song catalog would have been better. DioGuardi then added that she likes Joy but think's Joy is in trouble.
Upon elimination, when Joy asked Ryan Seacrest on her thoughts about the performance and on Simon Cowell's feedback, she said "I love you Simon, but I didn't really care." With Simon Cowell demured, "Megan, with the greatest respect, when you said that you don't care -- nor do we. So I'm not going to pretend that we're even going to contemplate saving you." Joy was never in the bottom 3 prior to her 9th place elimination. I believe that she and Michael Sarver are vocally inferior to the bottom 2 of the top 13.
Next is my number 114 American Idol finalist, the American Idol season 9 finalist who lost her best friend in an automobile accident.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
#116 Alexis Grace
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 116 finalist, Alexis Grace. She is my least favorite finalist of American Idol season 8. Alexis Grace Middleton was born on August 14, 1987, in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a single mother.
Grace was an early favorite of American Idol season 8. She was a member of semifinal group 1. Her semifinal performance of "I Never Love a Man (The Way I Love You)" demonstrated that she had potential. She was chosen to be a finalist alongside Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey. Anoop Desai from the same semifinal group was later chosen as a wildcard finalist.
During top 13 week, Grace closed the performance show with a performance of "Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson. After performing "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, she finished in 11th place, thus missing out on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009. Her 11th place elimination shocked many across the country, but I disagree with the shock. I thought her elimination was merited and I agreed with the judges. On the night of her elimination, she stated that her best friend on the show is my all-time favorite finalist.
Grace was on the scene in the season 9 auditions in Atlanta and Dallas where she interviewed some of the hopefuls. She served as the American Idol expert on Memphis radio station Q107.5. As of May 2010, the LA Times ranked her at number 54 in their power rankings.
On January 31, 2010, Grace attended the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards show held at Staples Center, where Michael Jackson's memorial service took place. On May 25, 2010, she attended the Ubisoft video launch of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands at the Mondrian Hotel's Skybar in Los Angeles, California.
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is at number 115, who is my least favorite of season 8's top 10, and who did a less-than-stellar performance that merited her 9th place ouster.
Grace was an early favorite of American Idol season 8. She was a member of semifinal group 1. Her semifinal performance of "I Never Love a Man (The Way I Love You)" demonstrated that she had potential. She was chosen to be a finalist alongside Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey. Anoop Desai from the same semifinal group was later chosen as a wildcard finalist.
During top 13 week, Grace closed the performance show with a performance of "Dirty Diana" by Michael Jackson. After performing "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, she finished in 11th place, thus missing out on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009. Her 11th place elimination shocked many across the country, but I disagree with the shock. I thought her elimination was merited and I agreed with the judges. On the night of her elimination, she stated that her best friend on the show is my all-time favorite finalist.
Grace was on the scene in the season 9 auditions in Atlanta and Dallas where she interviewed some of the hopefuls. She served as the American Idol expert on Memphis radio station Q107.5. As of May 2010, the LA Times ranked her at number 54 in their power rankings.
On January 31, 2010, Grace attended the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards show held at Staples Center, where Michael Jackson's memorial service took place. On May 25, 2010, she attended the Ubisoft video launch of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands at the Mondrian Hotel's Skybar in Los Angeles, California.
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is at number 115, who is my least favorite of season 8's top 10, and who did a less-than-stellar performance that merited her 9th place ouster.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
#117 Amy Adams
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown, from my least favorite to my most favorite, is at number 117, and that is Amy Adams from American Idol season 3. She finished in 10th place. Lisa Leuschner should have made the top 12 instead of her.
Amy Christina Adams was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on July 25, 1979. She currently resides in Bakerfield, California, and works as a makeup artist. On November 10, 2010, she got married to Adam Miller in Bakersfield, California. She has one son named Harrison Ryan, born in May 2005.
Adams auditioned in Atlanta, Georgia, and was a member of the third semifinal group. She claimed a spot in the top 12 with a rendition of "The Power of Love" by Jennifer Rush. Her successful performance of Dixie Chicks' "Sin Wagon" lead her to make the top 10, thus qualifying her for a seat on the American Idols LIVE! Tour bus. On the night March 30, she was eliminated with a 10th place finish after performing "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas.
She is the first contestant not to make the top 5 to appear on the late night show Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Simon Cowell previously stated on the show that Adams reminded him of Jay Leno, likely a combined reference to her big chin and sense of humor.
In September 2005, Adams began to tour in the U.S. touring company production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Patrick Cassidy, appearing as the Narrator.
In August 2009, Adams collaborated with Garden Pathways Inc. Performing Arts daycare and American Sound Recording Studios in Bakersfield, CA for a weeklong singing camp for local children ages 12 to 18.
Her personal quote is: "I believe that we can all change the world in small form. Being granted a chance to have people believe in your talents enough that you can touch the world in masses, there is no telling how you can change the world. Whether it be through music, charity, or simply, self love."
Next on the countdown is at 116, who is an early favorite of season 8 and who barely fellow short of the top 10 after singing "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, thus missing out on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009, and is a close friend of my number 1 American Idol finalist.
Amy Christina Adams was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on July 25, 1979. She currently resides in Bakerfield, California, and works as a makeup artist. On November 10, 2010, she got married to Adam Miller in Bakersfield, California. She has one son named Harrison Ryan, born in May 2005.
Adams auditioned in Atlanta, Georgia, and was a member of the third semifinal group. She claimed a spot in the top 12 with a rendition of "The Power of Love" by Jennifer Rush. Her successful performance of Dixie Chicks' "Sin Wagon" lead her to make the top 10, thus qualifying her for a seat on the American Idols LIVE! Tour bus. On the night March 30, she was eliminated with a 10th place finish after performing "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas.
She is the first contestant not to make the top 5 to appear on the late night show Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Simon Cowell previously stated on the show that Adams reminded him of Jay Leno, likely a combined reference to her big chin and sense of humor.
In September 2005, Adams began to tour in the U.S. touring company production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Patrick Cassidy, appearing as the Narrator.
In August 2009, Adams collaborated with Garden Pathways Inc. Performing Arts daycare and American Sound Recording Studios in Bakersfield, CA for a weeklong singing camp for local children ages 12 to 18.
Her personal quote is: "I believe that we can all change the world in small form. Being granted a chance to have people believe in your talents enough that you can touch the world in masses, there is no telling how you can change the world. Whether it be through music, charity, or simply, self love."
Next on the countdown is at 116, who is an early favorite of season 8 and who barely fellow short of the top 10 after singing "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, thus missing out on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009, and is a close friend of my number 1 American Idol finalist.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
#118 Lacey Brown
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 118 American Idol finalist: Christian singer Lacey Brown. She is recently signed to an independent record label called LEB Records. She is my least favorite contestant of American Idol season 9, the most embarrassing season in the history of the show. I cannot stand listening to her, and she lacks originality. Lilly Scott should have made the top 12 instead of her.
Lacey Elizabeth Brown was born on August 13, 1985, in Amarillo, Texas. She is the daughter of the pastors of Victory Church, a local Christian church in the said town. At that town, she served as Venue (Victory Church's college-age group) director and taught civics and Christian values to Victory's internship students. During childhood, she studied violin. She also resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she had Bible schooling, and her eduction includings studying art. One of her memorable anecdotes is a memory when she was a small child, when she first heard of Patsy Cline.
Her music genre is Christian, folk, pop, rock, and country. Her musical influences include Lady Antebellum, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, U2, Patsy Cline, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and Pete Yorn.
Brown originally auditioned for American Idol season 8, where she made the top 54 of the Hollywood rounds, more specifically the green mile round, but she was cut before the top 36 in favor of Megan Joy after a sing-off. She later auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Orlando, Florida, with a rendition of "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, by Judy Garland. She impressed the judges, including guest judge Kristin Chenoweth, and she advanced to the Hollywood round. During Hollywood week, her performance of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong was featured as a montage for the contestants who became a part of American Idol season 9's top 24. During top 24 week, she performed "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, but the judges critiqued her for lack of originality. During top 20 week, the judges critiqued her performance of "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer, but it was well-received by the band's leader Leigh Nash. Brown went from zero to hero with her rendition of Brandi Carlile's "The Story" on top 16 week, and she eventually made the top 12.
At top 12, Brown's rendition of "Ruby Tuesday" by The Rolling Stones, based on Melanie Safka's version, was critiqued by the judges that it "lacked energy", but Simon Cowell consoled her by saying that there was nothing wrong with her vocals. I was relieved that on the night of March 17, 2010, Brown's stint on American Idol came into an end. During the night of her elimination, the song "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong was played at the beginning of the results show, with a montage of the top 12's journey, which set the tone for her elimination. The judges' save, which was originally used on Matt Giraud back in season 8, was reintroduced that night. Despite her effort with a second performance of "The Story", the judges chose not to save her, but the decision was not unanimous. In fact, the judges' save was never used on a female contestant. This season the judges' save was used on my season favorite Michael Lynche. Brown's elimination sparked controversy when Ryan Seacreast spoiled the results via twitter, and that reduced the audience size. Because she fell short of the top 10, as did my all-time favorite contestant, she and Paige Miles did not attend the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, the first American Idol summer tour I attended.
Lacey Elizabeth Brown was born on August 13, 1985, in Amarillo, Texas. She is the daughter of the pastors of Victory Church, a local Christian church in the said town. At that town, she served as Venue (Victory Church's college-age group) director and taught civics and Christian values to Victory's internship students. During childhood, she studied violin. She also resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she had Bible schooling, and her eduction includings studying art. One of her memorable anecdotes is a memory when she was a small child, when she first heard of Patsy Cline.
Her music genre is Christian, folk, pop, rock, and country. Her musical influences include Lady Antebellum, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, U2, Patsy Cline, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and Pete Yorn.
Brown originally auditioned for American Idol season 8, where she made the top 54 of the Hollywood rounds, more specifically the green mile round, but she was cut before the top 36 in favor of Megan Joy after a sing-off. She later auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Orlando, Florida, with a rendition of "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, by Judy Garland. She impressed the judges, including guest judge Kristin Chenoweth, and she advanced to the Hollywood round. During Hollywood week, her performance of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong was featured as a montage for the contestants who became a part of American Idol season 9's top 24. During top 24 week, she performed "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, but the judges critiqued her for lack of originality. During top 20 week, the judges critiqued her performance of "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer, but it was well-received by the band's leader Leigh Nash. Brown went from zero to hero with her rendition of Brandi Carlile's "The Story" on top 16 week, and she eventually made the top 12.
At top 12, Brown's rendition of "Ruby Tuesday" by The Rolling Stones, based on Melanie Safka's version, was critiqued by the judges that it "lacked energy", but Simon Cowell consoled her by saying that there was nothing wrong with her vocals. I was relieved that on the night of March 17, 2010, Brown's stint on American Idol came into an end. During the night of her elimination, the song "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong was played at the beginning of the results show, with a montage of the top 12's journey, which set the tone for her elimination. The judges' save, which was originally used on Matt Giraud back in season 8, was reintroduced that night. Despite her effort with a second performance of "The Story", the judges chose not to save her, but the decision was not unanimous. In fact, the judges' save was never used on a female contestant. This season the judges' save was used on my season favorite Michael Lynche. Brown's elimination sparked controversy when Ryan Seacreast spoiled the results via twitter, and that reduced the audience size. Because she fell short of the top 10, as did my all-time favorite contestant, she and Paige Miles did not attend the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, the first American Idol summer tour I attended.
Monday, September 5, 2011
#119 Vanessa Olivarez
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown: At number 119 in my preference is Vanessa Olivarez, hence my second least favorite American Idol finalist. She got 12th place on the second season of American Idol. She is the vocalist, primary songwriter, and autoharpist of the new alternative country band Granville Automatic. She has written songs for country stars. As of May 2010, LA Times placed her at number 117 on their "Ultimate Power Ranking" list. She is the only finalist of season 2 who was not featured on the season's compilation album.
Vanessa Denae Olivarez was born on April 7, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia. Before her stint on American Idol, she worked as a chemical assistant. She also worked as a hair colorist doing highlights at Salon Corsica. She had six months of vocal training at Gwinnett School of Fine Arts during her teenage years in 1997. At the age of 3, she once sang "Rainbowland" on the Rainbow Brite Record. Her favorite male artist is Justin Timberlake. Her favorite female artist is Norah Jones.
Olivarez auditioned for the second season of American Idol in Atlanta, Georgia, with a rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Paula Abdul was absent from the audition, but Olivarez impressed both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson and made it to Hollywood. Olivarez impressed the judges in one of the Hollywood rounds, where the contestants had to write their own songs. She wrote a song called "The Only Thing Special About You Is Me." She then made it to the top 32 round.
Olivarez performed in front of America for the first time on the night of February 18, 2003. That night, she performed "Out Here on My Own" by Latin star Irene Cara. She impressed the judges, but Cowell told her that she need to lose weight. She received words of encouragement by Abdul and Jackson, and America voted her into the top 12. On top 12 week, March 11, 2003, she performed in front of America once again, singing "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes. The judges gave her mixed feedback. When Ryan Seacreast interviewed Olivarez after the performance, she made a controversial comment, which many viewers thought of as rather discourteous, and she came off as arrogant. Seacreast informed viewers that the comment was scripted, but that still hurt her chances in the competition real bad. According to my opinion, Equoia Coleman, who was in the top 3 of semi-final group 3 alongside Olivarez and Ricky Smith, should have made the top 12 instead of Olivarez.
After her stint on American Idol, Olivarez posed nude for PETA. She was later contacted by Canadian actor and recording artist James Collins, and he conveyed her to Toronto, Canada, for writing and recording sessions. She released a single called "The One", featuring "I'm In Love With My Best Friend's Ex" as a B-side. That single reached number 9 on Canada's single charts and Top 30 on the Canadian BDS airplay chart.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 118 finalist. She is my least favorite finalist of the most embarrassing season in the history of the show.
Vanessa Denae Olivarez was born on April 7, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia. Before her stint on American Idol, she worked as a chemical assistant. She also worked as a hair colorist doing highlights at Salon Corsica. She had six months of vocal training at Gwinnett School of Fine Arts during her teenage years in 1997. At the age of 3, she once sang "Rainbowland" on the Rainbow Brite Record. Her favorite male artist is Justin Timberlake. Her favorite female artist is Norah Jones.
Olivarez auditioned for the second season of American Idol in Atlanta, Georgia, with a rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Paula Abdul was absent from the audition, but Olivarez impressed both Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson and made it to Hollywood. Olivarez impressed the judges in one of the Hollywood rounds, where the contestants had to write their own songs. She wrote a song called "The Only Thing Special About You Is Me." She then made it to the top 32 round.
Olivarez performed in front of America for the first time on the night of February 18, 2003. That night, she performed "Out Here on My Own" by Latin star Irene Cara. She impressed the judges, but Cowell told her that she need to lose weight. She received words of encouragement by Abdul and Jackson, and America voted her into the top 12. On top 12 week, March 11, 2003, she performed in front of America once again, singing "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes. The judges gave her mixed feedback. When Ryan Seacreast interviewed Olivarez after the performance, she made a controversial comment, which many viewers thought of as rather discourteous, and she came off as arrogant. Seacreast informed viewers that the comment was scripted, but that still hurt her chances in the competition real bad. According to my opinion, Equoia Coleman, who was in the top 3 of semi-final group 3 alongside Olivarez and Ricky Smith, should have made the top 12 instead of Olivarez.
After her stint on American Idol, Olivarez posed nude for PETA. She was later contacted by Canadian actor and recording artist James Collins, and he conveyed her to Toronto, Canada, for writing and recording sessions. She released a single called "The One", featuring "I'm In Love With My Best Friend's Ex" as a B-side. That single reached number 9 on Canada's single charts and Top 30 on the Canadian BDS airplay chart.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 118 finalist. She is my least favorite finalist of the most embarrassing season in the history of the show.
#120 Nikki McKibbin
My American Idol finalist countdown series begin, from my least favorite to my most favorite. It begins with my number 120 finalist, Nikki McKibbin. She is my least favorite American Idol finalist ever, but many viewers seem to like her. Before American Idol, she competed on the international reality television show Popstars, the precursor to the Idol franchise. She was a stripper and an alcoholic. She was ranked by LA Times at number 42, between season 2's 4th placer Josh Gracin, and my season 9 favorite Michael Lynche.
Katherine Nicole McKibbin was born on September 28, 1978, in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is a wife and mother. Her husband Craig appeared alongside her in the second and fifth seasons of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Before her stint on American Idol, McKibbin ran a karaoke business called Angelfire Productions.
McKibbin auditioned for the first season of American Idol in Dallas, Texas, and advanced all the way to third place. With the exception of top 8 week, she was in the bottom 3 every week.
After her stint the show, she closed Angelfire Productions for good in order to focus on her career as a recording artist. She was signed to 19 Management and RCA Records. They convinced her to go country, but she refused as she was determined to stay true to her rock and roll roots. The creative differences resulted in no legitimate records being produced.
In 2004, McKibbin was featured on the holiday CD Christmas in a Fishbowl with several other reality television stars for Fishbowl.com. In 2005, she was signed to the independent record label Astral Records, with her rock-influenced album originally intended to be released in February 2006.
In 2007, she released her debut CD Unleashed. For the promotional tour, she toured with the Texas heavy metal band Rivethead. Later in 2007, she recorded Christmas songs for the Christmas CD American Christmas.
The next post will be about my number 119 American Idol finalist, who finished 12th place on the second season of American Idol.
As for gender and age, my number 2 American Idol finalist is male, and he was 22 during his stint on the show. My number 1 American Idol finalist is female, and she was 17 during her stint on the show.
Katherine Nicole McKibbin was born on September 28, 1978, in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is a wife and mother. Her husband Craig appeared alongside her in the second and fifth seasons of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Before her stint on American Idol, McKibbin ran a karaoke business called Angelfire Productions.
McKibbin auditioned for the first season of American Idol in Dallas, Texas, and advanced all the way to third place. With the exception of top 8 week, she was in the bottom 3 every week.
After her stint the show, she closed Angelfire Productions for good in order to focus on her career as a recording artist. She was signed to 19 Management and RCA Records. They convinced her to go country, but she refused as she was determined to stay true to her rock and roll roots. The creative differences resulted in no legitimate records being produced.
In 2004, McKibbin was featured on the holiday CD Christmas in a Fishbowl with several other reality television stars for Fishbowl.com. In 2005, she was signed to the independent record label Astral Records, with her rock-influenced album originally intended to be released in February 2006.
In 2007, she released her debut CD Unleashed. For the promotional tour, she toured with the Texas heavy metal band Rivethead. Later in 2007, she recorded Christmas songs for the Christmas CD American Christmas.
The next post will be about my number 119 American Idol finalist, who finished 12th place on the second season of American Idol.
As for gender and age, my number 2 American Idol finalist is male, and he was 22 during his stint on the show. My number 1 American Idol finalist is female, and she was 17 during her stint on the show.
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