Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Lauren Alaina. She is the runner-up of American Idol season 10. She is vocally compared to American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who is her musical influence. Her favorite quote is the same as Scotty McCreery's. She and McCreery are signed to the same record labels, which are 19 Records, Interscope Records, and Mercury Nashville.
Lauren Alaina Kristine Suddeth was born on my 15th birthday, November 8, 1994, to Kristy and J.J. Suddeth of Rossville, Georgia. Her father works as a process technician in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Alaina is a strong Christian, and often states that she lives for Jesus Christ.
At the time of her stint on American Idol, Lauren was a Sophomore at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where she is a cheerleader. Alaina was inspired to sing by her cousin, Holly Witherow, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Before her stint on American Idol, Alaina performed at several Chattanooga-area venues and was the first winner of the WinniSTAR youth talent contest at Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in 2009. In addition to performing, Alaina wrote several songs including "Leaving" and "Set Me Free".
Alaina auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Nashville, Tennessee, with the songs "Like We Never Loved at All" by Faith Hill and "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. From then on, she was a judge favorite. After her audition, American Idol judge Steven Tyler said "We found the one." During the first Hollywood Round, Alaina performed "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan. During Hollywood Group Round, her group performed "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Soul Brothers Six. During the third Hollywood Round, she performed "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith. During the Las Vegas Round, her group performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, she performed "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan.
On top 24 semifinal week, Alaina performed "Turn On the Radio" by Reba McEntire. On top 13 week, she performed "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain, which was previously performed by Siobhan Magnus on top 6 week (the week of Magnus' elimination) of American Idol season 9. On top 12 week, she performed "I'm the Only One" by Melissa Etheridge. On top 11A week, she performed "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes. On top 11B week, she performed "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John. On top 9 week, she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. On top 8 week, she performed "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus, featured on the 2009 film Hanna Montana: The Movie. On top 7 week, she performed "Born to Fly" by Sara Evans. On top 6 week, she performed a solo "Where You Lead" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Scotty McCreery. On top 5 week, she performed "Flat on the Floor" by Katrina Elam and an encore of "Unchained Melody" by Todd Duncan. On top 4 week, she performed "Anyway" by Martina McBride and "Trouble" by Elvis Pressley. On top 3 week, May 14, 2011 was proclaimed "Lauren Alaina Day" in her hometown of Rossville, Georgia. Alaina then performed "Wild One" by Zaca Creek as chosen by herself, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, which was previously performed by Scotty McCreery during the third Hollywood round, as chosen by the judges. During finale week, Alaina performed an encore of her first top 5 performance, and then performed "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis, as chosen by Carrie Underwood, and her would-be coronation song "Like My Mother Does", which was originally recorded by American Idol season 7 finalist Kristy Lee Cook. During the finale, she performed "Before He Cheats" with her American Idol Carrie Underwood. On May 25, 2011, Alaina was declared the runner-up to Scotty McCreery.
Alaina released her single "Like My Mother Does" following the finale of American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country charts at number 49 and the Hot 100 chart at number 20 and sold 121,000 copies in its first week.
Following the finale of American Idol season 10, Alaina has appeared and performed on several talk shows like NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live With Regis and Kelly, and The Today Show. On June 8, 2011, she and McCreery presented at the CMT Music Awards. In addition, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on June 9, and she performed with Martina McBride during her LP Field performance at the CMA Music Festival the day after that.
As the runner-up in the competition, Alaina won a contract that gave her
$87,500 in advances which will be doubled when she records an album.
Alaina has been signed to Mercury Nashville Records, 19 Recordings and
Interscope. On October 11, 2011, Alaina released her debut album, Wildflower and sold sold 69,000 the first week.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 87 American Idol finalist. He is known for his highly publicized disqualification from American Idol season 2 and later allegations of a sexual relationship between him and then American Idol judge Paula Abdul. He was replaced on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003 with Charles Grigsby. He was ranked at number 74 in the The Los Angeles Times' top 120 American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
#89 Scotty McCreery
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 89 finalist, who is none other than the current American Idol, country singer Scotty McCreery. He is the winner of American Idol season 10. He is my least favorite American Idol winner. He was pimped (or shipped) all throughout the voting rounds. He won with significantly inflated voting margins. I am glad Adam Stanton did a pop cover of McCreery's coronoation song "I Love You This Big." McCreery worked as a grocery store clerk at the time of his stint on American Idol. I never voted for him on American Idol. His favorite quote is, at Phillipians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." His musical influences are Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, Garth Brooks, Josh Turner, George Strait, and Elvis Pressley.
Scott Cooke McCreery was born on October 9, 1993, to Judy (née Cooke) and Michael McCreery in Garner, North Carolina. His mother Judy is a realtor, and his father Michael works as a manufacturing systems analyst. His father was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to a Puerto Rican mother from San Juan and an White American father. His mother is the daughter of a retired school teacher from Gates County, North Carolina. McCreery used to impersonate Elvis Pressley during childhood, and began to study guitar at the age of ten. He attended Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner, North Carolina, and later West Lake Middle School where he sang at his graduation. He also attended Garnet Magnet High School where joined vocal ensemble known as Die Meistersingers, that performs across the United States. He started out singing at the tenor register but switched to the bass register when his voice turned lower in his sophomore year.
McCreery won a singing contest called "Clayton Idol" at the Clayton Harvest Festival in Clayton, North Carolina. He was one of the 36 finalists in a "Rip the Hallways" contest featuring teenage vocalists in North Carolina. He has performed at various local charity events. He also attended Caswell Youth Retreat in the summer of 2009, and participated in the talent show there singing Long Black Train by Josh Turner.
McCreery is very religious. He often states that his religion plays a significant role in his life and that God helps him get through the things he has to face in life. He openly tells others that he loves Jesus Christ with all of his heart and that he needs to stand by Him all the time, because God is the only way he can get through the competition. He also states that Sunday is his favorite day of the week because, he gets to attend the First Baptist Church in Garner and helps his mother prepare meals for the church.
McCreery auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the songs "Your Man" by Josh Turner and "Put Some Drive in Your Country" by Travis Tritt. The judges were struck by his deep bass voice unusual for his age. During the first Hollywood round, McCreery did an encore of "Your Man" by Josh Turner. In the Hollywood group round, he joined the "Guaps" and became embroiled in the drama when fellow group member Clint Jun Gamboa expelled Jacee Badeaux from the group. They performed "Get Ready" by The Temptations. He later expressed regret for not standing up for Jacee. During the third Holywood Round, McCreery performed "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. In the Las Vegas Round, he performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, he performed "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner. He was one of the five male vote getters in the semi-final round to advance to the Top 13. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, he confirmed that has Puerto Rican ancestry, specifically his paternal grandmother. McCreery was never in the bottom 2 or 3 during the season joining past winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Lee DeWyze.
During top 24 semifinal week, McCreery performed "Letters from Home" by John Michael Montgomery. During top 13 week, he performed "The River" by Garth Brooks. During top 12 week, he performed "Can I Trust You with My Heart" by Travis Tritt. During top 11A week, he performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11B week, he performed "Country Comfort" by Elton John. During top 9 week, he performed "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup. During top 8 week, he performed "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, featured on the 1992 Western film Pure Country. During top 7 week, he performed "Swingin'" by John Anderson. During top 6 week, he performed a solo "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Lauren Alaina. During top 5 week, McCreery performed "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry and "Always on My Mind" by Brenda Lee. During top 4 week, he performed "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson and "Young Blood" by The Coasters. During McCreery's top 3 homecoming day, Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams gave McCreery the key to the town of Garner and officially made May 14 "Scotty McCreery Day." During that week, McCreery performed "Amazed" by Lonestar as chosen by himself, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "She Believes in Me" by Kenny Rogers as chosen by the judges. During finale week, he did an encore of his first top 5 peformance and then performed "Check Yes or No" by George Strait, and then his coronation song "I Love You This Big." He won American Idol season 10 on May 25, 2011, with Lauren Alaina as the runner-up.
McCreery released his coronation single "I Love You Tis Big" shortly after winning American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 32, becoming the highest debut for a debut single since the chart converted to BDS data the week of January 20, 1990. The song sold 171,404 units in its first week, and was RIAA certified gold on August 25, 2011. A music video for the song, shot on Angels Point near Dodger Stadium, was released on August 9 2011. He signed with Mercury Nashville, earning a contract that gave him over $250,000 in advances for recording the first album. On October 19, 2011, McCreery sang the United States National Anthem in Game 1 of the World Series between the Saint Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers at Busch Stadium in Saint Louis, Missouri.
McCreery's first album, titled Clear as Day, was released on October 4, 2011. His coronation single "I Love You This Big" is the second track on the album. Tracks from the album include a song from Keith Urban, and the title track "Clear as Day." A single from this album, "The Trouble With Girls" was premiered on radio on August 30, 2011, and released onto iTunes on September 1, 2011. An exclusive pre-order package on the album was offered in his website on August 8, 2011.
The album sold 197,000 on its debut week, and Scotty McCreery made history as the first country act to debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 ith their first studio album, as well as the youngest man to open at the top of the chart with his debut release. It reached No. 1 on five separate Billboard charts - Billboard 200, Top Current Albums, Digital Albums, Internet Albums, and Top Country Albums.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 88 American Idol finalist. She lost the finale to the subject of this blog entry.
Scott Cooke McCreery was born on October 9, 1993, to Judy (née Cooke) and Michael McCreery in Garner, North Carolina. His mother Judy is a realtor, and his father Michael works as a manufacturing systems analyst. His father was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to a Puerto Rican mother from San Juan and an White American father. His mother is the daughter of a retired school teacher from Gates County, North Carolina. McCreery used to impersonate Elvis Pressley during childhood, and began to study guitar at the age of ten. He attended Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner, North Carolina, and later West Lake Middle School where he sang at his graduation. He also attended Garnet Magnet High School where joined vocal ensemble known as Die Meistersingers, that performs across the United States. He started out singing at the tenor register but switched to the bass register when his voice turned lower in his sophomore year.
McCreery won a singing contest called "Clayton Idol" at the Clayton Harvest Festival in Clayton, North Carolina. He was one of the 36 finalists in a "Rip the Hallways" contest featuring teenage vocalists in North Carolina. He has performed at various local charity events. He also attended Caswell Youth Retreat in the summer of 2009, and participated in the talent show there singing Long Black Train by Josh Turner.
McCreery is very religious. He often states that his religion plays a significant role in his life and that God helps him get through the things he has to face in life. He openly tells others that he loves Jesus Christ with all of his heart and that he needs to stand by Him all the time, because God is the only way he can get through the competition. He also states that Sunday is his favorite day of the week because, he gets to attend the First Baptist Church in Garner and helps his mother prepare meals for the church.
McCreery auditioned for American Idol season 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the songs "Your Man" by Josh Turner and "Put Some Drive in Your Country" by Travis Tritt. The judges were struck by his deep bass voice unusual for his age. During the first Hollywood round, McCreery did an encore of "Your Man" by Josh Turner. In the Hollywood group round, he joined the "Guaps" and became embroiled in the drama when fellow group member Clint Jun Gamboa expelled Jacee Badeaux from the group. They performed "Get Ready" by The Temptations. He later expressed regret for not standing up for Jacee. During the third Holywood Round, McCreery performed "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. In the Las Vegas Round, he performed "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. During the Sing for Your Life Round, he performed "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner. He was one of the five male vote getters in the semi-final round to advance to the Top 13. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, he confirmed that has Puerto Rican ancestry, specifically his paternal grandmother. McCreery was never in the bottom 2 or 3 during the season joining past winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Lee DeWyze.
During top 24 semifinal week, McCreery performed "Letters from Home" by John Michael Montgomery. During top 13 week, he performed "The River" by Garth Brooks. During top 12 week, he performed "Can I Trust You with My Heart" by Travis Tritt. During top 11A week, he performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11B week, he performed "Country Comfort" by Elton John. During top 9 week, he performed "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup. During top 8 week, he performed "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, featured on the 1992 Western film Pure Country. During top 7 week, he performed "Swingin'" by John Anderson. During top 6 week, he performed a solo "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King and a duet "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters with Lauren Alaina. During top 5 week, McCreery performed "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry and "Always on My Mind" by Brenda Lee. During top 4 week, he performed "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson and "Young Blood" by The Coasters. During McCreery's top 3 homecoming day, Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams gave McCreery the key to the town of Garner and officially made May 14 "Scotty McCreery Day." During that week, McCreery performed "Amazed" by Lonestar as chosen by himself, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square as chosen by Jimmy Iovine, and "She Believes in Me" by Kenny Rogers as chosen by the judges. During finale week, he did an encore of his first top 5 peformance and then performed "Check Yes or No" by George Strait, and then his coronation song "I Love You This Big." He won American Idol season 10 on May 25, 2011, with Lauren Alaina as the runner-up.
McCreery released his coronation single "I Love You Tis Big" shortly after winning American Idol season 10. The song entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 32, becoming the highest debut for a debut single since the chart converted to BDS data the week of January 20, 1990. The song sold 171,404 units in its first week, and was RIAA certified gold on August 25, 2011. A music video for the song, shot on Angels Point near Dodger Stadium, was released on August 9 2011. He signed with Mercury Nashville, earning a contract that gave him over $250,000 in advances for recording the first album. On October 19, 2011, McCreery sang the United States National Anthem in Game 1 of the World Series between the Saint Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers at Busch Stadium in Saint Louis, Missouri.
McCreery's first album, titled Clear as Day, was released on October 4, 2011. His coronation single "I Love You This Big" is the second track on the album. Tracks from the album include a song from Keith Urban, and the title track "Clear as Day." A single from this album, "The Trouble With Girls" was premiered on radio on August 30, 2011, and released onto iTunes on September 1, 2011. An exclusive pre-order package on the album was offered in his website on August 8, 2011.
The album sold 197,000 on its debut week, and Scotty McCreery made history as the first country act to debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 ith their first studio album, as well as the youngest man to open at the top of the chart with his debut release. It reached No. 1 on five separate Billboard charts - Billboard 200, Top Current Albums, Digital Albums, Internet Albums, and Top Country Albums.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 88 American Idol finalist. She lost the finale to the subject of this blog entry.
Friday, October 28, 2011
#90 Siobhan Magnus
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 90 American Idol finalist Siobhan Magnus. She landed in sixth place on American Idol season 9. She was ranked at number 31 by The Los Angeles Times top 120 power rankings list of May 31, 2010. Her music genres are pop, rock, blues, and soul. Her musical influences are Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill, Courtney Love, Johnny Lang, her father Alan Magnus, Stevie Wonder, and others. Her favorite quote is: "Sing as if no one were listening."
Siobhan Evelyn Magnus was born to Alan and Colleen Magnus on March 15, 1990, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. She grew up with two older brothers Rory and Joe, an older sister Emily, and two younger sisters Ceili and Azora. Her father Alan is a singer-songwriter. Her siblings play in various musical acts, and her brother Rory is in the motion picture animation industry. She is the niece of Tracy Ferrie, a former bassist for the Christian metal act called Stryper and Alan Ware, and drummer for Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra.
Magnus has been singing since fourth grade, where she sang "Tomorrow" from the play Annie in a choral concert. She started her career as the lead vocalist of an alternative rock band called Lunar Value, also consisting of lead guitarist Ralph Bousquet, bassist Matthew Kohler, and drummer Jordan Bonina.
Magnus is a member of the Barnstable High School class of 2008 in Hyannis, Massachusetts. During her time in high school, she was a member of the Barnstable High School Drama Club. When the drama club was filmed for an Internet reality show by Warner Brothers, she was featured as one of the three incarnations of Dorothy for the play The Wizard of Oz. Back in the time of American Idol season 7, in a local profile about Magnus's singing talent, the music department chair of her school district was quoted as saying "Hands down, I think she'd win American Idol." During her senior year in high school, she was voted the most individual girl. She auditioned as a vocal major at Berkelee College of Music (a private college founded in 1945, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and known as a school for jazz, rock, and popular music), but she was rejected. She dropped out of Salem State College, a four year public college founded in 1854 as Salem Normal School under the direction of Horace Mann and located approximately 15 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, after one semester because she felt out of place as a non-partier.
Before her stint on American Idol, Magnus worked as an apprentice glassblower in Hyannis, Massachusetts. She auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Boston, Massachusetts, and was one of the two Massachusetts to make the semifinals of the show, with Tyler Grady being the other one. She auditioned with the song "Love of My Life" by the British rock band called Queen. During the first Hollywood round, she performed "A Woman's Worth" by Alicia Keys. During the second Hollywood round, she performed "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. During the third Hollywood round, she performed "Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder, which would later be performed by James Durbin on American Idol season 10.
During top 24 week, Magnus performed "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. During top 20 week, she performed "Think" by Aretha Franklin. During top 16 week, she performed the traditional song "The House of the Rising Sun." During top 12 week, she performed "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones. During top 11 week, she performed "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. During top 10 week, she performed "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan. During top 9A week, she performed "Across the Universe" by The Beatles. During top 9B week, she performed "Suspicious Minds" by Mark James. During top 7 week, she performed "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, which was previously performed by David Archuleta on top 7 week of American Idol season 7. I prefer Archuleta's verson over Magnus' version. During top 6 week, after performing "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain, Magnus was eliminated to sixth place. She was in the bottom 3 with Casey James and my favorite season 9 finalist Michael Lynche. Her elimination came as a surprise to many American Idol experts. Reportedly as a result, many fans of Magnus vowed not to watch the rest of American Idol season 9. The week after Magnus' dismissal, American Idol had its lowest ratings since 2002. Magnus is currently the only contestant from Massachusetts to become a finalist in American Idol history.
After her stint on American Idol, Magnus gave several media appearances and performed "House of the Rising Sun" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and "Paint It, Black" on The Late Show with David Letterman. Letterman would go on to say to Magnus "I don't know why they voted you off, frankly I don't care. As far as I'm concerned, you should be our American Idol". She also visited the If I Can Dream house, which stars American Idol season 9 semifinalist Alex Lambert, and sang "I Will Come to You" by Hanson and "Halo" by Beyoncé. She visited the house a second time with the Top 10 contestants, and sang many songs, including "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak, "No One" by Alicia Keys, "Creep" by Radiohead, and "Umbrella" by Rihanna, which would later be performed on American Idol season 10 by Naima Adedapo. She also appeared on The Wendy Williams Show performing "Summertime", composed by George Gershwin.
Magnus returned to the finale of American Idol on May 26, 2010 and sang "How Deep Is Your Love" with Aaron Kelly, who were later joined by the original artist The Bee Gees. She also had group performances with Alice Cooper, Christina Aguilera, and Janet Jackson.
On June 9, 2010, Magnus performed with childhood Idols Hanson at the Bardot in Hollywood, California. Magnus actually declared the experience (performing with Hanson) was "better than winning American Idol."
Magnus participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, where she performed "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones, "Spiderwebs" by No Doubt, and "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse. She also performed in two group numbers: "Climb" by Miley Cyrus and "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson. She was self-signed with the label Snotface. Her first single "Beatrice Dream" was released to iTunes on May 1, 2011. She has announced that the release of her debut album, Moonbaby, is being postponed due to "negotiations" with unspecified third-parties.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 89 American Idol finalist. He is the most recent American Idol winner.
Siobhan Evelyn Magnus was born to Alan and Colleen Magnus on March 15, 1990, in Barnstable, Massachusetts. She grew up with two older brothers Rory and Joe, an older sister Emily, and two younger sisters Ceili and Azora. Her father Alan is a singer-songwriter. Her siblings play in various musical acts, and her brother Rory is in the motion picture animation industry. She is the niece of Tracy Ferrie, a former bassist for the Christian metal act called Stryper and Alan Ware, and drummer for Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra.
Magnus has been singing since fourth grade, where she sang "Tomorrow" from the play Annie in a choral concert. She started her career as the lead vocalist of an alternative rock band called Lunar Value, also consisting of lead guitarist Ralph Bousquet, bassist Matthew Kohler, and drummer Jordan Bonina.
Magnus is a member of the Barnstable High School class of 2008 in Hyannis, Massachusetts. During her time in high school, she was a member of the Barnstable High School Drama Club. When the drama club was filmed for an Internet reality show by Warner Brothers, she was featured as one of the three incarnations of Dorothy for the play The Wizard of Oz. Back in the time of American Idol season 7, in a local profile about Magnus's singing talent, the music department chair of her school district was quoted as saying "Hands down, I think she'd win American Idol." During her senior year in high school, she was voted the most individual girl. She auditioned as a vocal major at Berkelee College of Music (a private college founded in 1945, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and known as a school for jazz, rock, and popular music), but she was rejected. She dropped out of Salem State College, a four year public college founded in 1854 as Salem Normal School under the direction of Horace Mann and located approximately 15 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, after one semester because she felt out of place as a non-partier.
Before her stint on American Idol, Magnus worked as an apprentice glassblower in Hyannis, Massachusetts. She auditioned for American Idol season 9 in Boston, Massachusetts, and was one of the two Massachusetts to make the semifinals of the show, with Tyler Grady being the other one. She auditioned with the song "Love of My Life" by the British rock band called Queen. During the first Hollywood round, she performed "A Woman's Worth" by Alicia Keys. During the second Hollywood round, she performed "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. During the third Hollywood round, she performed "Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder, which would later be performed by James Durbin on American Idol season 10.
During top 24 week, Magnus performed "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. During top 20 week, she performed "Think" by Aretha Franklin. During top 16 week, she performed the traditional song "The House of the Rising Sun." During top 12 week, she performed "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones. During top 11 week, she performed "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. During top 10 week, she performed "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan. During top 9A week, she performed "Across the Universe" by The Beatles. During top 9B week, she performed "Suspicious Minds" by Mark James. During top 7 week, she performed "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, which was previously performed by David Archuleta on top 7 week of American Idol season 7. I prefer Archuleta's verson over Magnus' version. During top 6 week, after performing "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain, Magnus was eliminated to sixth place. She was in the bottom 3 with Casey James and my favorite season 9 finalist Michael Lynche. Her elimination came as a surprise to many American Idol experts. Reportedly as a result, many fans of Magnus vowed not to watch the rest of American Idol season 9. The week after Magnus' dismissal, American Idol had its lowest ratings since 2002. Magnus is currently the only contestant from Massachusetts to become a finalist in American Idol history.
After her stint on American Idol, Magnus gave several media appearances and performed "House of the Rising Sun" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and "Paint It, Black" on The Late Show with David Letterman. Letterman would go on to say to Magnus "I don't know why they voted you off, frankly I don't care. As far as I'm concerned, you should be our American Idol". She also visited the If I Can Dream house, which stars American Idol season 9 semifinalist Alex Lambert, and sang "I Will Come to You" by Hanson and "Halo" by Beyoncé. She visited the house a second time with the Top 10 contestants, and sang many songs, including "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak, "No One" by Alicia Keys, "Creep" by Radiohead, and "Umbrella" by Rihanna, which would later be performed on American Idol season 10 by Naima Adedapo. She also appeared on The Wendy Williams Show performing "Summertime", composed by George Gershwin.
Magnus returned to the finale of American Idol on May 26, 2010 and sang "How Deep Is Your Love" with Aaron Kelly, who were later joined by the original artist The Bee Gees. She also had group performances with Alice Cooper, Christina Aguilera, and Janet Jackson.
On June 9, 2010, Magnus performed with childhood Idols Hanson at the Bardot in Hollywood, California. Magnus actually declared the experience (performing with Hanson) was "better than winning American Idol."
Magnus participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010, where she performed "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones, "Spiderwebs" by No Doubt, and "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse. She also performed in two group numbers: "Climb" by Miley Cyrus and "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson. She was self-signed with the label Snotface. Her first single "Beatrice Dream" was released to iTunes on May 1, 2011. She has announced that the release of her debut album, Moonbaby, is being postponed due to "negotiations" with unspecified third-parties.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 89 American Idol finalist. He is the most recent American Idol winner.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
#91 Phil Stacey
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 91 (or 91st favorite) American Idol finalist Phil Stacey. Shortly after he was eliminated at sixth place on American Idol season 6 on May 2, 2007, he was signed to the now defunct Lyric Street Records. His second album was released under the record label Reunion Records. He was ranked at number 55 on The Los Angeles Times' American Idol top 120 power rankings chart of May 31, 2010. His favorite male recording artists are Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Sting, Michael Jackson, Timberlake,
Robbie Williams, James Taylor and Sir Paul McCartney. His favorite female recording artists are Vienna Teng, Sheryl Crow, Anastasia, and American Idol judge Paula Abdul. His music genres are country and contemporary Christian music.
Joel Philip "Phil" Stacey was born to Adell Horn and Gary Stacey in Harlan County, Kentucky, on January 21, 1978. His mother Adell Horn hails from Madison County, Kentucky, and works as a nurse in Smyrna, Tennessee. His father Gary Stacey is the paster of the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. Both of his grandfathers Carlie Horn and E.T. Stacey were also Church of God pastors. Stacey was raised in Fairfield, Ohio, and began to sing in church. In 2006, he served as the music minister for First Coast Christian Center in Jacksonville, Florida. His father-in-law Mark McIntosh is the pastor of the Evangelistic Center Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He currently resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife Kendra and their two daughters, Chloe and McKayla.
Stacey graduated from Wichita Northwest High School in Wichita, Kansas, in 1997. He attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He holds a degree in vocal performance from Lee, where he was a member of one of its auditioned choirs, Lee Singers, and part of that choir's internally-selected traveling ensemble, Second Edition.
Stacey served in the United States Navy at the time of his stint on American Idol. He auditioned for American Idol season 6 in Memphis, Tennessee. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida, at the time of his stint on American Idol. He had to miss the birth of his daughter McKayla in order to audition for American Idol. He auditioned with the songs "My Girl" by The Temptations and "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye, and then he advanced to the Hollywood round.
During top 24 week, Stacey performed "I Could Not Ask for More" by Edwin McCain. During top 20 week, he performed "Missing You" by John Waite. During top 16 week, he performed "I Need You" by LeAnne Rimes. During top 12 week, he performed "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" by Dee Dee Warwick. He was in the bottom 3 with Sanjaya Malakar and Brandon Rogers, who got eliminated that week. During top 11 week, he performed "Tobacco Road" by The Nashville Teens. During top 10 week, he performed "Every Breath You Take" by the English rock band called The Police. He was in the bottom 3 with my number 99 American Idol finalist Haley Scarnato and the week's eliminee Chris Sligh. During top 9 week, he performed "Night and Day" by Fred Astaire. He was in the bottom 3 once again with Haley Scarnato and the week's eliminee Gina Glocksen. During top 8 week, he performed "Maria Maria" by Santana & The Product G&B. He was in the bottom 3 with Chris Richardson and a third time with Haley Scarnato, who got eliminated that week. During top 7 week, he performed "Where the Blacktop Ends" by Keith Urban. During Idol Gives Back week, he performed "The Change" by Garth Brooks. After performing "Blaze of Glory" by Bon Jovi, Stacey was eliminated from American Idol alongside Chris Richardson in the top 6 results show, as no one was eliminated in the week before that.
In late 2007, Stacey was signed to Lyric Street Records, which went belly-up in 2010. Under that label, his first single was "If You Didn't Love Me", which released to country radio on January 7, 2008 and peaked at #28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. It was written by Jason Sellers, Wendell Mobley, and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. His self-titled debut album was released in April 2008. Stacey also released a promotional single entitled "Old Glory" in July, and left Lyric Street Records soon thereafter. On January 28, 2009, Stacey was signed to Reunion Records, a Christian record label founded in 1982 by Dan Harrell and Mike Blanton, and based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and operating under the Provident Label Group. His album for the label, Into the Light, was released on August 25. It has sold 18,000 copies so far. His third album Faith was released on March 29, 2011, under the label Conquer Entertainment.
Joel Philip "Phil" Stacey was born to Adell Horn and Gary Stacey in Harlan County, Kentucky, on January 21, 1978. His mother Adell Horn hails from Madison County, Kentucky, and works as a nurse in Smyrna, Tennessee. His father Gary Stacey is the paster of the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee. Both of his grandfathers Carlie Horn and E.T. Stacey were also Church of God pastors. Stacey was raised in Fairfield, Ohio, and began to sing in church. In 2006, he served as the music minister for First Coast Christian Center in Jacksonville, Florida. His father-in-law Mark McIntosh is the pastor of the Evangelistic Center Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He currently resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife Kendra and their two daughters, Chloe and McKayla.
Stacey graduated from Wichita Northwest High School in Wichita, Kansas, in 1997. He attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He holds a degree in vocal performance from Lee, where he was a member of one of its auditioned choirs, Lee Singers, and part of that choir's internally-selected traveling ensemble, Second Edition.
Stacey served in the United States Navy at the time of his stint on American Idol. He auditioned for American Idol season 6 in Memphis, Tennessee. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida, at the time of his stint on American Idol. He had to miss the birth of his daughter McKayla in order to audition for American Idol. He auditioned with the songs "My Girl" by The Temptations and "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye, and then he advanced to the Hollywood round.
During top 24 week, Stacey performed "I Could Not Ask for More" by Edwin McCain. During top 20 week, he performed "Missing You" by John Waite. During top 16 week, he performed "I Need You" by LeAnne Rimes. During top 12 week, he performed "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" by Dee Dee Warwick. He was in the bottom 3 with Sanjaya Malakar and Brandon Rogers, who got eliminated that week. During top 11 week, he performed "Tobacco Road" by The Nashville Teens. During top 10 week, he performed "Every Breath You Take" by the English rock band called The Police. He was in the bottom 3 with my number 99 American Idol finalist Haley Scarnato and the week's eliminee Chris Sligh. During top 9 week, he performed "Night and Day" by Fred Astaire. He was in the bottom 3 once again with Haley Scarnato and the week's eliminee Gina Glocksen. During top 8 week, he performed "Maria Maria" by Santana & The Product G&B. He was in the bottom 3 with Chris Richardson and a third time with Haley Scarnato, who got eliminated that week. During top 7 week, he performed "Where the Blacktop Ends" by Keith Urban. During Idol Gives Back week, he performed "The Change" by Garth Brooks. After performing "Blaze of Glory" by Bon Jovi, Stacey was eliminated from American Idol alongside Chris Richardson in the top 6 results show, as no one was eliminated in the week before that.
In late 2007, Stacey was signed to Lyric Street Records, which went belly-up in 2010. Under that label, his first single was "If You Didn't Love Me", which released to country radio on January 7, 2008 and peaked at #28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. It was written by Jason Sellers, Wendell Mobley, and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. His self-titled debut album was released in April 2008. Stacey also released a promotional single entitled "Old Glory" in July, and left Lyric Street Records soon thereafter. On January 28, 2009, Stacey was signed to Reunion Records, a Christian record label founded in 1982 by Dan Harrell and Mike Blanton, and based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and operating under the Provident Label Group. His album for the label, Into the Light, was released on August 25. It has sold 18,000 copies so far. His third album Faith was released on March 29, 2011, under the label Conquer Entertainment.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
#92 Katharine McPhee
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 92 American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee. She is the runner-up of American Idol season 5, losing the finale to Taylor Hicks. Her music genres are pop and R&B. She was ranked at number 14 by The Los Angeles Times on their top 120 American Idol power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Katharine Hope McPhee was born to Patricia Burch McPhee (known by the stage name Peisha Arten) and Daniel McPhee in Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 1984. She was 21, and later 22, years old during her stint on American Idol. She has been singing since the age of two. She grew up with an older sister named Adriana. She is of Irish, Scottish, and German descent. She graduated from Notre Dame High School, a co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1947 and located in Sherman Oaks, California, in 1992. During her time at Notre Dame High School, she performed in school plays and musicals. For three semesters, she attended Boston Conservatory, a performing arts conservatory founded in 1867 and located in the Femway-Kenmore region of Boston, Massachusetts, studying musical theater. She dropped out of college on the advice of her manager and returned to Los Angeles to audition for television pilots.
During her teenage years, McPhee struggled with eating disorders. She informed People magazine that at the age of 13, she began starving herself and exercising compulsively, and she became bulimic at the age of 17. McPhee gained weight in college due to her binging. After seven years of illness, she finally entered a three-month rehabilitation program after successfully passing her American Idol audition; her rehabilitation stint ended just before the American Idol live shows started in February 2006. During her stint on American Idol, she lost 30 pounds (14 kilograms) due to eating better as part of her treatment.
McPhee was persuaded by her now husband Nick Cokas and her parents Patricia and Daniel McPhee to audition for American Idol season 5. She auditioned in San Francisco, California, with the song "God Bless the Child", originally recorded by Billie Holiday.
After the first round of Hollywood week, she sang "I'll Never Love This Way Again" by Dionne Warwick which earned favorable comments from the judges. During the second round, she performed in a group, singing "I Can't Help Myself" by The Four Tops, forgetting the words, but the judges decided to advance the entire group. During the third round, she sang "My Funny Valentine" a capella and advanced to the top 40. She was mad when fellow group member Crystal Stark didn't make the top 24. When she was told that she would be advancing, she kissed all three judges on the lips.
During top 24 week, McPhee performed "Since I Fell for You" by Ella Johnson. During top 20 week, she performed "All in Love Is Fair" by Stevie Wonder. During top 16 week, she performed "Think" by Aretha Franklin. During top 12 week, she performed "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11 week, she performed "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Sy Oliver (with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra). During top 10 week, she performed "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera. She was in the bottom 2 with Ace Young and Lisa Tucker who got eliminated that week. During top 9 week, she performed "Bringing Out the Elvis" by Faith Hill. During top 8 week, she performed "Who Wants to Live Forever" by the British rock band called Queen. During top 7 week, she performed "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Gertrude Lawrence. During top 6 week, She performed "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. She was in that week's top 2 with Chris Daughtry. The inclusion of producer David Foster and Andrea Bocelli as guest mentors for Top 6 Week turned out to be a fortuitous introduction for her, as she has worked on various music projects with both men after her stint on American Idol. During top 5 week, McPhee performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins and "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall. During top 4 week, she performed "Hound Dog" / "All Shook Up" by Big Mama Thornton and "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. During top 3 week, she performed "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly by Clive Davis's choice, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland by Simon Cowell's choice, and "I Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues" by Duke Ellington by her own choice. During finale week, she did an encore of second top 5 performance, an encore of her second top 3 performance, and a would-be coronation song "My Destiny." She lost the finale to Taylor Hicks, thus finishing as the runner-up.
McPhee's stint on American Idol led to the use of the term "McPheever".
After her stint on American Idol, on June 6, 2006, Sony BMG and 19 Entertainment announced that McPhee had signed to American Idol series creator Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Ltd. and Sony BMG's RCA Records.
McPhee's self-titled debut album, Katharine McPhee, was released on January 30, 2007 and sold 116,000 copies its first week, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. The first single from the album was "Over It". , which was officially released on the same day as the album and peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second single, "Love Story" , was released on May 22, 2007, but it failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
McPhee recorded the song "Let Your Heart Sing" for the soundtrack CD of the Disney film Tinker Bell. The movie DVD and the soundtrack CD were released in October 2008.
In 2006, McPhee founded a charity called McPhee Outreach. The purpose of the charity is to team up with other foundations or organizations and help in any way possible. The foundation teamed up with The Lollipop Theater Network to provide music outreach (called "Rhythm of Hope") to sick children in Southern California hospitals.McPhee Outreach teamed up with Global Compassion Services to build a preschool in the poor West African nation of Burkina Faso to help combat that nation's high illiteracy rate. McPhee appeared on the Jan 19, 2010 episode of the NBC reality show The Biggest Loser, specifically its ninth season, in the show's Pound for Pound Challenge segment (an initiative to challenge viewers to get healthy while helping to fight hunger in their own communities). McPhee was shown volunteering at a Los Angeles food bank and meeting with children at a Boys and Girls Club and talking about the importance of helping to fight hunger in America. She was also shown singing part of her song Lifetime from her album Unbroken.
Katharine Hope McPhee was born to Patricia Burch McPhee (known by the stage name Peisha Arten) and Daniel McPhee in Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 1984. She was 21, and later 22, years old during her stint on American Idol. She has been singing since the age of two. She grew up with an older sister named Adriana. She is of Irish, Scottish, and German descent. She graduated from Notre Dame High School, a co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1947 and located in Sherman Oaks, California, in 1992. During her time at Notre Dame High School, she performed in school plays and musicals. For three semesters, she attended Boston Conservatory, a performing arts conservatory founded in 1867 and located in the Femway-Kenmore region of Boston, Massachusetts, studying musical theater. She dropped out of college on the advice of her manager and returned to Los Angeles to audition for television pilots.
During her teenage years, McPhee struggled with eating disorders. She informed People magazine that at the age of 13, she began starving herself and exercising compulsively, and she became bulimic at the age of 17. McPhee gained weight in college due to her binging. After seven years of illness, she finally entered a three-month rehabilitation program after successfully passing her American Idol audition; her rehabilitation stint ended just before the American Idol live shows started in February 2006. During her stint on American Idol, she lost 30 pounds (14 kilograms) due to eating better as part of her treatment.
McPhee was persuaded by her now husband Nick Cokas and her parents Patricia and Daniel McPhee to audition for American Idol season 5. She auditioned in San Francisco, California, with the song "God Bless the Child", originally recorded by Billie Holiday.
After the first round of Hollywood week, she sang "I'll Never Love This Way Again" by Dionne Warwick which earned favorable comments from the judges. During the second round, she performed in a group, singing "I Can't Help Myself" by The Four Tops, forgetting the words, but the judges decided to advance the entire group. During the third round, she sang "My Funny Valentine" a capella and advanced to the top 40. She was mad when fellow group member Crystal Stark didn't make the top 24. When she was told that she would be advancing, she kissed all three judges on the lips.
During top 24 week, McPhee performed "Since I Fell for You" by Ella Johnson. During top 20 week, she performed "All in Love Is Fair" by Stevie Wonder. During top 16 week, she performed "Think" by Aretha Franklin. During top 12 week, she performed "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" by Stevie Wonder. During top 11 week, she performed "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Sy Oliver (with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra). During top 10 week, she performed "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera. She was in the bottom 2 with Ace Young and Lisa Tucker who got eliminated that week. During top 9 week, she performed "Bringing Out the Elvis" by Faith Hill. During top 8 week, she performed "Who Wants to Live Forever" by the British rock band called Queen. During top 7 week, she performed "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Gertrude Lawrence. During top 6 week, She performed "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. She was in that week's top 2 with Chris Daughtry. The inclusion of producer David Foster and Andrea Bocelli as guest mentors for Top 6 Week turned out to be a fortuitous introduction for her, as she has worked on various music projects with both men after her stint on American Idol. During top 5 week, McPhee performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins and "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall. During top 4 week, she performed "Hound Dog" / "All Shook Up" by Big Mama Thornton and "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. During top 3 week, she performed "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly by Clive Davis's choice, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland by Simon Cowell's choice, and "I Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues" by Duke Ellington by her own choice. During finale week, she did an encore of second top 5 performance, an encore of her second top 3 performance, and a would-be coronation song "My Destiny." She lost the finale to Taylor Hicks, thus finishing as the runner-up.
McPhee's stint on American Idol led to the use of the term "McPheever".
After her stint on American Idol, on June 6, 2006, Sony BMG and 19 Entertainment announced that McPhee had signed to American Idol series creator Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Ltd. and Sony BMG's RCA Records.
McPhee's self-titled debut album, Katharine McPhee, was released on January 30, 2007 and sold 116,000 copies its first week, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. The first single from the album was "Over It". , which was officially released on the same day as the album and peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second single, "Love Story" , was released on May 22, 2007, but it failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
McPhee recorded the song "Let Your Heart Sing" for the soundtrack CD of the Disney film Tinker Bell. The movie DVD and the soundtrack CD were released in October 2008.
In 2006, McPhee founded a charity called McPhee Outreach. The purpose of the charity is to team up with other foundations or organizations and help in any way possible. The foundation teamed up with The Lollipop Theater Network to provide music outreach (called "Rhythm of Hope") to sick children in Southern California hospitals.McPhee Outreach teamed up with Global Compassion Services to build a preschool in the poor West African nation of Burkina Faso to help combat that nation's high illiteracy rate. McPhee appeared on the Jan 19, 2010 episode of the NBC reality show The Biggest Loser, specifically its ninth season, in the show's Pound for Pound Challenge segment (an initiative to challenge viewers to get healthy while helping to fight hunger in their own communities). McPhee was shown volunteering at a Los Angeles food bank and meeting with children at a Boys and Girls Club and talking about the importance of helping to fight hunger in America. She was also shown singing part of her song Lifetime from her album Unbroken.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
#93 Ace Young
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Ace Young. He got 7th place on American Idol season 5. The Los Angeles Times ranked him at number 35 on their top 120 power rankings chart of May 31, 2010. He is of German and Irish descent. His music genres are pop, R&B, blue-eyed soul, and rock-and-roll.
Brett Asa "Ace" Young was born to Jay Young and Kay Whitney on November 15, 1980. He hails from Denver, Colorado. He is the youngest of five boys, with his older brothers being Josh, Duff, Marc, and Ryan. He was named after his maternal great-grandfather Asa and after baseball player George Brett. His family called him Ace since his childhood and did not know his legal name until the age of six. He has been singing since the age of nine. He took voice lessons and performed at local shopping and recreational venues during his adolescence. He performed at various venues in Colorado and other western states, most notably at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. During his school age, he participated in athletics, choir, and International Baccalaureate classes.
After graduating from Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, in 1999, Young opened for R&B acts Brian McKnight (one of my favorite R&B soloists) and my favorite band New Edition. He performed The Star Spangled Banner at the Denver Nuggets games. His first published song, "Reason I Live" was featured in the 2000 New Line Cinema film The Little Vampire, which stars Jonathan Lipnicki, Richard E. Grant, Jim Carter, and Alice Krige, and directed by Uli Edel.
Young relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 2003, where he initially worked as a salesman and in home renovation. During this time, he guest-starred in an episode of the American sitcom Half & Half, which aired on UPN from September 23, 2002, to May 15, 2006, playing a character named Ace Blackwell.
Donning a tuque beanie, Young auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Denver, Colorado, singing "Swear It Again" by Westlife, and he was unanimous put through to the Hollywood round. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul approved of his entry, with Jackson noting that Young was one of the best singers he had seen audition. Simon Cowell disagreed with Jackson and Abdul but also approved of Young, with a slight "Yes." He was introduced as Brett Young, with the name 'Ace' marked in quotations. Later, he told them he preferred to be called Ace, and the quotes were removed from his credits. During top 24 week, Young performed "Father Figure" by George Michael. During top 20 week, he performed "If You're Not the One" by Natasha Bedingfield. During top 16 week, he performed "Butterflies" by Michael Jackson. During top 12 week, he performed "Do I Do" by Stevie Wonder, but he was placed in the bottom 3 with Lisa Tucker and my number 101 American Idol finalist Melissa McGhee who got eliminated that week. During top 11 week, he performed "In the Still of the Night" by the doo-wop band The Five Satins, which was formed in 1954. During top 10 week, he performed "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" by the rock band called Train, which was formed in 1994. He was placed in the bottom 3 with Katharine McPhee and Lisa Tucker, who was eliminated that week. During top 9 week, he performed "Tonight I Wanna Cry" by Keith Urban. He received fairly positive feedback from the judges . Jackson said it was living proof that Young was single, and Abdul said the song was perfect for his range and that he sang an adequate rendition of a contemporary country music hit. Cowell thought Young had made a good song choice. Kenny Rogers also gave him very positive reviews, and later Young said he got the best advice from Rogers, During top 8 week, he performed "We Will Rock You" by the British rock band called Queen, which was formed in London in 1971. He was in the bottom 3 with Elliott Yamin (my season 5 favorite) and Bucky Covington who got eliminated that week. During top 7 week, he performed "That's All" by Nat King Cole. For this performance, Young had his hair tied back and was dressed up in a McQueen designer suit. Jackson commented that Young stumbled in the middle, but did well overall. Abdul commented that she liked the "new Ace" and called it "a magical night." Cowell said "it wasn't bad," but while he said the middle was a bit nasally, he called the performance "charming." The following night Young was placed in the bottom 3 with Chris Daughtry and Daughtry Bennett and was eliminated, finishing in 7th place.
After his stint on American Idol, Young performed as a guest on Total Request Live. He has also appeared at the grand opening of The Camden House of Beverly Hills (an event showcasing rising stars under the age of thirty), was invited to attend the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association dinner, sang the U.S. national anthem at a summer Colorado Crush game and hosted a solo concert at the Pepsi Center. Young continues to perform at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. He was named one of People magazine's "Hottest Bachelors" on June 16, 2006.
On October 20, 2006, he released his first single "Scattered," with help from friend Elvio Fernandes, a musician in Rochester, NY., as a digital download on iTunes Store. He helped write the chorus to Daughtry's debut single "It's Not Over", from the album Daughtry.
Young appeared and sang on the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade alongside fellow American Idol season 5 finalists Paris Bennett, Kevin Covais, and Mandisa.
On December 6, 2007, the 50th Annual Grammy Award nominations were announced and Young was nominated for Best Rock Song, alongside Gregg Wattenburg, Mark Wilkerson, and fellow American Idol season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry, for his songwriting credit in Daughtry's self-titled debut album lead single "It's Not Over." He lost the award to Bruce Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere."
In January 2008, Young was named a Celebrity Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), where he spent time assisting the charity with events and raising awareness for neuromuscular diseases. On April 15, 2008, Young released his second single, "Addicted", as a digital download on iTunes and Amazon. On May 12, 2008 he appeared on FOX's hit scripted crime drama show Bones, which premiered on FOX on September 15, 2005, and created by Hart Hanson, alongside American Idol season 6 finalist Brandon Rogers. He played the part of a karaoke singer who ends up murdered and sang Nickelback's "Far Away".
Young appeared on TNA Impact on Thursday May 29, and debuted a new version of his "Addicted" music video, and also came out ringside with So Cal Val to support Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt in their match.
Young most recently starred as Berger in the West End Broadway revival of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. He succeeded Tony Award nominee Will Swenson beginning March 9, 2010 and remained with the production till its closure on June 27, 2010.
On April 18, 2011, Young was featured on a song titled "Picture Me" on British rapper Chipmunk's sophomore album "Transition", which was released in Great Britain on April 15, 2011. Young's vocals are present during the chorus and bridge of the track.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 92 American Idol finalist. She is of Irish, Scottish, and German descent. Her father is a TV producer. Her mother, known by the stage name of Peisha Arten, is a vocal coach and accomplished cabaret singer. Before her stint on American Idol, she struggled with eating disorders. During her stint on American Idol, she lost 30 pounds due to a better diet as part of her treatment. She is married to man 19 years her senior. She sang "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly on top 3 week. She auditioned in San Francisco, California, with the song "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday. She was involved in the 2010 remake of the 1985 charity song "We Are the World" alongside 75 other aritsts, including fellow American Idol finalists Jennifer Hudson from season 3 and Jordin Sparks from season 6, and American Idol judge Randy Jackson. She was ranked at number 14 by The Los Angeles Times power rankings chart of May 31, 2010.
Brett Asa "Ace" Young was born to Jay Young and Kay Whitney on November 15, 1980. He hails from Denver, Colorado. He is the youngest of five boys, with his older brothers being Josh, Duff, Marc, and Ryan. He was named after his maternal great-grandfather Asa and after baseball player George Brett. His family called him Ace since his childhood and did not know his legal name until the age of six. He has been singing since the age of nine. He took voice lessons and performed at local shopping and recreational venues during his adolescence. He performed at various venues in Colorado and other western states, most notably at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. During his school age, he participated in athletics, choir, and International Baccalaureate classes.
After graduating from Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, in 1999, Young opened for R&B acts Brian McKnight (one of my favorite R&B soloists) and my favorite band New Edition. He performed The Star Spangled Banner at the Denver Nuggets games. His first published song, "Reason I Live" was featured in the 2000 New Line Cinema film The Little Vampire, which stars Jonathan Lipnicki, Richard E. Grant, Jim Carter, and Alice Krige, and directed by Uli Edel.
Young relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 2003, where he initially worked as a salesman and in home renovation. During this time, he guest-starred in an episode of the American sitcom Half & Half, which aired on UPN from September 23, 2002, to May 15, 2006, playing a character named Ace Blackwell.
Donning a tuque beanie, Young auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Denver, Colorado, singing "Swear It Again" by Westlife, and he was unanimous put through to the Hollywood round. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul approved of his entry, with Jackson noting that Young was one of the best singers he had seen audition. Simon Cowell disagreed with Jackson and Abdul but also approved of Young, with a slight "Yes." He was introduced as Brett Young, with the name 'Ace' marked in quotations. Later, he told them he preferred to be called Ace, and the quotes were removed from his credits. During top 24 week, Young performed "Father Figure" by George Michael. During top 20 week, he performed "If You're Not the One" by Natasha Bedingfield. During top 16 week, he performed "Butterflies" by Michael Jackson. During top 12 week, he performed "Do I Do" by Stevie Wonder, but he was placed in the bottom 3 with Lisa Tucker and my number 101 American Idol finalist Melissa McGhee who got eliminated that week. During top 11 week, he performed "In the Still of the Night" by the doo-wop band The Five Satins, which was formed in 1954. During top 10 week, he performed "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" by the rock band called Train, which was formed in 1994. He was placed in the bottom 3 with Katharine McPhee and Lisa Tucker, who was eliminated that week. During top 9 week, he performed "Tonight I Wanna Cry" by Keith Urban. He received fairly positive feedback from the judges . Jackson said it was living proof that Young was single, and Abdul said the song was perfect for his range and that he sang an adequate rendition of a contemporary country music hit. Cowell thought Young had made a good song choice. Kenny Rogers also gave him very positive reviews, and later Young said he got the best advice from Rogers, During top 8 week, he performed "We Will Rock You" by the British rock band called Queen, which was formed in London in 1971. He was in the bottom 3 with Elliott Yamin (my season 5 favorite) and Bucky Covington who got eliminated that week. During top 7 week, he performed "That's All" by Nat King Cole. For this performance, Young had his hair tied back and was dressed up in a McQueen designer suit. Jackson commented that Young stumbled in the middle, but did well overall. Abdul commented that she liked the "new Ace" and called it "a magical night." Cowell said "it wasn't bad," but while he said the middle was a bit nasally, he called the performance "charming." The following night Young was placed in the bottom 3 with Chris Daughtry and Daughtry Bennett and was eliminated, finishing in 7th place.
After his stint on American Idol, Young performed as a guest on Total Request Live. He has also appeared at the grand opening of The Camden House of Beverly Hills (an event showcasing rising stars under the age of thirty), was invited to attend the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association dinner, sang the U.S. national anthem at a summer Colorado Crush game and hosted a solo concert at the Pepsi Center. Young continues to perform at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. He was named one of People magazine's "Hottest Bachelors" on June 16, 2006.
On October 20, 2006, he released his first single "Scattered," with help from friend Elvio Fernandes, a musician in Rochester, NY., as a digital download on iTunes Store. He helped write the chorus to Daughtry's debut single "It's Not Over", from the album Daughtry.
Young appeared and sang on the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade alongside fellow American Idol season 5 finalists Paris Bennett, Kevin Covais, and Mandisa.
On December 6, 2007, the 50th Annual Grammy Award nominations were announced and Young was nominated for Best Rock Song, alongside Gregg Wattenburg, Mark Wilkerson, and fellow American Idol season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry, for his songwriting credit in Daughtry's self-titled debut album lead single "It's Not Over." He lost the award to Bruce Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere."
In January 2008, Young was named a Celebrity Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), where he spent time assisting the charity with events and raising awareness for neuromuscular diseases. On April 15, 2008, Young released his second single, "Addicted", as a digital download on iTunes and Amazon. On May 12, 2008 he appeared on FOX's hit scripted crime drama show Bones, which premiered on FOX on September 15, 2005, and created by Hart Hanson, alongside American Idol season 6 finalist Brandon Rogers. He played the part of a karaoke singer who ends up murdered and sang Nickelback's "Far Away".
Young appeared on TNA Impact on Thursday May 29, and debuted a new version of his "Addicted" music video, and also came out ringside with So Cal Val to support Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt in their match.
Young most recently starred as Berger in the West End Broadway revival of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. He succeeded Tony Award nominee Will Swenson beginning March 9, 2010 and remained with the production till its closure on June 27, 2010.
On April 18, 2011, Young was featured on a song titled "Picture Me" on British rapper Chipmunk's sophomore album "Transition", which was released in Great Britain on April 15, 2011. Young's vocals are present during the chorus and bridge of the track.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 92 American Idol finalist. She is of Irish, Scottish, and German descent. Her father is a TV producer. Her mother, known by the stage name of Peisha Arten, is a vocal coach and accomplished cabaret singer. Before her stint on American Idol, she struggled with eating disorders. During her stint on American Idol, she lost 30 pounds due to a better diet as part of her treatment. She is married to man 19 years her senior. She sang "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly on top 3 week. She auditioned in San Francisco, California, with the song "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday. She was involved in the 2010 remake of the 1985 charity song "We Are the World" alongside 75 other aritsts, including fellow American Idol finalists Jennifer Hudson from season 3 and Jordin Sparks from season 6, and American Idol judge Randy Jackson. She was ranked at number 14 by The Los Angeles Times power rankings chart of May 31, 2010.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
#94 Josh Gracin
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 94 favorite American Idol finalist Josh Gracin. He got 4th place on American Idol season 2. I believe he is vocally inferior to the finalist eliminated before him. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2000 to 2004. His military rank was Lance Corporal. He was a member of the 1st Maintenance Battallion. He first received public attention when he competed on American Idol season 2. His music genre is country. His favorite song is "Not Just Me" by Rascal Flatts. He is ranked at number 41 on the Los Angeles Times American Idol power rankings chart of May 31, 2010.
Joshua Mario "Josh" Gracin was born to Mario and Brenda Gracin on October 18, 1980. He was raised in Westland, Michigan. He grew up in a predominately female family. He grew up listening to Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and old school rock and pop on his favorite local radio station. When he was 11 years old, the station changed switched to country music, and he began to listen into artists like Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie, George Strait, and Randy Travis who immediately caught his interest. “There’s not another genre that better reflects situations in my life,” he said. His vocal debut was in an Easter musical presented by his local church. . His first public appearance was at an eighth grade talent competition where he sang Brooks' 1993 hit "Standing Outside the Fire" and easily won over an audience full of more traditional dance music-loving cohorts.
Later in various school productions and talent shows, Gracin auditioned for and won a national pop orchestra and vocal competition, known as the Fairlane Youth Pops Orchestra, as the only male and just a sophomore in high school. During his time at John Glenn High School (part of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district), which opened in 1964 and named after astronaut John Glenn, he performed at state festivals, fairs and pageants throughout the State of Michigan. At the age of 16, he performed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry house in a national talent and recorded a demo CD in Nashville, Tennessee. After his time at John Glenn High School in Westland, Michigan, he attended Western Michigan University before he joined the United States Marine Corps. After basic training, he came home and married, and eventually became a supply clerk at Camp Pendleton outside of San Diego, California.
Gracin auditioned for American Idol season 2 in Los Angeles, California with the song "All or Nothing" by O-Town. During his stint on the show, he was residing in Oceanside, California, where he was stationed while serving in the United States Marine Corps. He was voted into the finals alongside Corey Clark after performing "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. On top 12 week, he performed "Baby I Need Your Loving" by The Four Tops. On top 11 week, he performed "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith (the band featuring American Idol judge Steven Tyler), featured on the 1998 film Armageddon. On top 10 week, he performed "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up) by Garth Brooks, who influenced him into country music. On top 9 week, he performed "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang. On top 8 week, he performed "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. On top 7 week, he performed "That's When I'll Stop Loving You" by *NSYNC. He was in the bottom 3 week with Carmen Rasmusen who got eliminated that week, and Trenyce who was eliminated the following week. On top 5 week, he performed "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" by Don Cherry and "Bad Blood" by Neil Sedaka. After performed the two Bee Gees songs, "Jive Talkin'" and "To Love Somebody", he was eliminated from the show, leaving behind Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, and Kimberley Locke. Due to his prior commitment to the United States Marine Corps, he was unable to participate in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003. He was instead sent on a one-year recruitng tour, making appearances at special events around the United States to promote the United States Marine Corps.
After his stint on the show, Gracin completed his service in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged and signed to Lyric Street Records, which is now defunct. He and his wife Ann Marie (wed in 2001) relocated to Tennessee to pursue is music career. They have a son named Landon Joshua Gracin, who was born on August 4, 2005, and three daughters named Briana Marie Gracin, who was born on March 30, 2002; Gabriella Ann Gracin, who was born on November 15, 2006; and Isabella Sophia Gracin, who was born on November 12, 2008. For all the fame he got, Gracin remains a down-to-earth man. He does not see himself as a celebrity. He is timid and not too self-confident. He feels like a normal man who is very approchable. If he gets a little carried away, he has Ann Marie to keep him humble and bring him back down to earth. He is no longer some youth with a dream. He is a father and a husband and this has turned into an accomplishment and an experience that is going to help him raise his children and show them what is possible.
Gracin's self-titled debut album was published on June 15, 2004, and was RIAA certified gold. The album's first three singles ("I Want to Live", "Nothin' to Lose", and "Stay with Me" [Brass Bed]), all reached Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, ith "Nothin' to Lose", the middle of those three, peaking at number one.
His sophomore album, We Weren't Crazy, was published on April 1, 2008. It was originally slated to be titled All About Y'all and later I Keep Coming Back. It was officially titled after its third single "We Weren't Crazy", which entered the country music charts in October 2007. For the chart week dated August 2, 2008 (40 weeks after it debuted on the charts), the song peaked at number 10. A fourth single, "Unbelievable (Ann Marie)", was released to country radio on August 25, 2008. Gracin wrote that song about his wife Ann Marie. His fifth and last single was "Telluride", which was originally recorded by Tim McGraw on his 2001 album Set This Circus Down. After that, Gracin lost his deal with Lyric Street Records.
Under the record label Average Joe's Entertainment, his third album Redemption is scheduled to be published on November 1, 2011. His first single under that label is "Cover Girl", released in August 2010. The album's second single, "Long Way to Go", is his first single to chart on the adult contemporary chart.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 93 American Idol finalist. He is of Irish and German descent. He was raised in Denver, Colorado. After his high school graduation, he opened for Brian McKnight and New Edition and performed the U.S. national anthem at the Denver Nuggets games. His first published song, "Reason I Live" was featured in the 2000 film The Little Vampire. He auditioned for American Idol in Denver wearing a tuque beanie and performed "Swear It Again" by Westlife. He was ranked at number 35 on the Los Angeles Times power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Joshua Mario "Josh" Gracin was born to Mario and Brenda Gracin on October 18, 1980. He was raised in Westland, Michigan. He grew up in a predominately female family. He grew up listening to Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and old school rock and pop on his favorite local radio station. When he was 11 years old, the station changed switched to country music, and he began to listen into artists like Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie, George Strait, and Randy Travis who immediately caught his interest. “There’s not another genre that better reflects situations in my life,” he said. His vocal debut was in an Easter musical presented by his local church. . His first public appearance was at an eighth grade talent competition where he sang Brooks' 1993 hit "Standing Outside the Fire" and easily won over an audience full of more traditional dance music-loving cohorts.
Later in various school productions and talent shows, Gracin auditioned for and won a national pop orchestra and vocal competition, known as the Fairlane Youth Pops Orchestra, as the only male and just a sophomore in high school. During his time at John Glenn High School (part of the Wayne-Westland Community Schools district), which opened in 1964 and named after astronaut John Glenn, he performed at state festivals, fairs and pageants throughout the State of Michigan. At the age of 16, he performed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry house in a national talent and recorded a demo CD in Nashville, Tennessee. After his time at John Glenn High School in Westland, Michigan, he attended Western Michigan University before he joined the United States Marine Corps. After basic training, he came home and married, and eventually became a supply clerk at Camp Pendleton outside of San Diego, California.
Gracin auditioned for American Idol season 2 in Los Angeles, California with the song "All or Nothing" by O-Town. During his stint on the show, he was residing in Oceanside, California, where he was stationed while serving in the United States Marine Corps. He was voted into the finals alongside Corey Clark after performing "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. On top 12 week, he performed "Baby I Need Your Loving" by The Four Tops. On top 11 week, he performed "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith (the band featuring American Idol judge Steven Tyler), featured on the 1998 film Armageddon. On top 10 week, he performed "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up) by Garth Brooks, who influenced him into country music. On top 9 week, he performed "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang. On top 8 week, he performed "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. On top 7 week, he performed "That's When I'll Stop Loving You" by *NSYNC. He was in the bottom 3 week with Carmen Rasmusen who got eliminated that week, and Trenyce who was eliminated the following week. On top 5 week, he performed "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" by Don Cherry and "Bad Blood" by Neil Sedaka. After performed the two Bee Gees songs, "Jive Talkin'" and "To Love Somebody", he was eliminated from the show, leaving behind Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, and Kimberley Locke. Due to his prior commitment to the United States Marine Corps, he was unable to participate in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003. He was instead sent on a one-year recruitng tour, making appearances at special events around the United States to promote the United States Marine Corps.
After his stint on the show, Gracin completed his service in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged and signed to Lyric Street Records, which is now defunct. He and his wife Ann Marie (wed in 2001) relocated to Tennessee to pursue is music career. They have a son named Landon Joshua Gracin, who was born on August 4, 2005, and three daughters named Briana Marie Gracin, who was born on March 30, 2002; Gabriella Ann Gracin, who was born on November 15, 2006; and Isabella Sophia Gracin, who was born on November 12, 2008. For all the fame he got, Gracin remains a down-to-earth man. He does not see himself as a celebrity. He is timid and not too self-confident. He feels like a normal man who is very approchable. If he gets a little carried away, he has Ann Marie to keep him humble and bring him back down to earth. He is no longer some youth with a dream. He is a father and a husband and this has turned into an accomplishment and an experience that is going to help him raise his children and show them what is possible.
Gracin's self-titled debut album was published on June 15, 2004, and was RIAA certified gold. The album's first three singles ("I Want to Live", "Nothin' to Lose", and "Stay with Me" [Brass Bed]), all reached Top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, ith "Nothin' to Lose", the middle of those three, peaking at number one.
His sophomore album, We Weren't Crazy, was published on April 1, 2008. It was originally slated to be titled All About Y'all and later I Keep Coming Back. It was officially titled after its third single "We Weren't Crazy", which entered the country music charts in October 2007. For the chart week dated August 2, 2008 (40 weeks after it debuted on the charts), the song peaked at number 10. A fourth single, "Unbelievable (Ann Marie)", was released to country radio on August 25, 2008. Gracin wrote that song about his wife Ann Marie. His fifth and last single was "Telluride", which was originally recorded by Tim McGraw on his 2001 album Set This Circus Down. After that, Gracin lost his deal with Lyric Street Records.
Under the record label Average Joe's Entertainment, his third album Redemption is scheduled to be published on November 1, 2011. His first single under that label is "Cover Girl", released in August 2010. The album's second single, "Long Way to Go", is his first single to chart on the adult contemporary chart.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 93 American Idol finalist. He is of Irish and German descent. He was raised in Denver, Colorado. After his high school graduation, he opened for Brian McKnight and New Edition and performed the U.S. national anthem at the Denver Nuggets games. His first published song, "Reason I Live" was featured in the 2000 film The Little Vampire. He auditioned for American Idol in Denver wearing a tuque beanie and performed "Swear It Again" by Westlife. He was ranked at number 35 on the Los Angeles Times power rankings list of May 31, 2010.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
#95 Bo Bice
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 95 American Idol finalist Bo Bice. He is the runner-up of American Idol season 4. He lost the finale to Carrie Underwood. He recorded three studio albums, including one on RCA Records. In 2005, he was placed at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a rendition of "Inside Your Heaven", which was normally performed by Carrie Underwood. On May 31, 2010, The Los Angeles Times ranked him at number 17 on the American Idol power rankings list, which has 120 entries. I do not like him as much as the rest of his season's top 12. I believe that Vonzell Solomon should have made the finale in his place.
Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice, Jr. was born to Nancy and Harold Elwin Bice, Sr., in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 1, 1975. He came from a musical family. His mother was a Christian singer, as were his grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunts. His father and his third cousin, Tanner Gell, are guitarists. His third cousin Tristen Gell is a singer.
As a newborn, he was nicknamed "Bogart" by his grandmother "Granny Madge", because she thought he had "Humphery Bogart" eyes. His parents continued to call him Bogart, but he abbreviated it to "Bo" during his time in kindergarten, because he thought "Bogart" was rather unpleasant.
Bice's parents divorced during his childhood, and his mother married another man years later. He was raised by his mother Nancy and his stepfather Earle Downes (a Coca-Cola manager), stepsisters Jenny and Sharan Downes, and halfbrother John Cohran. Bice has two other half-siblings, Candace and Matthew, on his biological father's side. The Downes family relocated around the South on a regular basis. They resided in the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, including the metropolitan area of Atlanta. When Bice was 14, they relocated to Great Britain as part of his stepfather's assignment with Coca-Cola in London, England. Bice spent his teenage years residing in Gerrards Cross.
Bice attended London Central High School, a Department of Defense school that educates mainly children whose parents served in the U.S. military or worked at the U.S. Embassy. During his time in high school, he was found holding his guitar everywhere across the campus, played football, attended promenades, and had several significant others. It was around this time when he worked with some British alternative rock artists. He formed his first band, Spinning Jenny, during his time in London, England.
Bice would have been a member of the London Central High School class of 1994, but he dropped out during his senior year to relocate to the United States, where he earned his GED and attended Calhoun Community College for one year. When he withdrew from Calhoun Community College and spent a semester at the University of Alabama in Florence, Alabama, he went professional and performed in shows across the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe. He is a nightclub circuit veteran and an experience songwriter, releasing his first CD in 1995 as a member of the band called Purge. His other bands before his stint on American Idol include Blue Sued Nickel and SugerMoney. He was the opening act for Blackfoot and Warrant as well as performing live and recording with Johnny Neal, formerly of The Allman Brothers Band. Bice had recorded other albums prior to his stint on American Idol, which included "Ex Gratia" (1999) with his band Purge, and "Recipe for Flavor" (2000) with SugarMoney.
Bice has a pre-Idol rap sheet. Four years before his stint on American Idol, he had his first encounter with the law, where he was arrested for buying cocaine at a strip club. Two years later, he was arrested for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and public intoxication. He avoided incarceration by entering a drug rehabilitation program.
For the fourth season of American Idol, the producers raised their upper age limit from 24 to 28. In August 2004, Bice’s mother and several other family members encouraged him to go try out, since he was within the eligible age limit (he would turn 29 in November 2004). He asked his mother to come along, and she took him up on that dare. He auditioned with the songs "In a Dream" by Badlands, and "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band. He is one of the oldest American Idol finalists ever, alongside season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis and season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. Bice and Maroulis were among the first contestants to compete using the rock-and-roll genre.
Bice is a Southern rocker in musical approach and appearance, but he did not fit the traditional American Idol mold. His early performance of "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band drew positive feedback from the judges and established him as one of the favorites in the competition.
During top 3 performance show, Bice took the risk of performing a cappella with the obscure song "In a Dream" by Badlands. That risk paid off, with guest judge Clive Davis speaking of looking forward to making a CD with Bice.
In June 2005, according to the Rolling Stones magazine, Bice's last thought during the American Idol finale was, "Please, God, don't let me win this thing." In comments during a subsequent appearance on The Today Show he backed off this stance somewhat stating that he thanked all those who had voted for him. He then played solo acoustic guitar and harmonica to one of his own compositions, in addition to singing his American Idol songs with a band.
In Alabama, May 24 was declared "Bo Bice Day" by Governor Bob Riley, the 52nd Governor of Alabama, who was in office from January 20, 2003, to January 17, 2001, and who was gubernatorially preceded by Don Siegelman and recently succeeded by Robert Bentley. In fact, Bice's pride in being an Alabama native resulted in the adoption of "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd as his "theme" during his tenure on American Idol. Two members of the group Lynyrd Skynyrd surprised Bice during his trip home from Idol and performed "Sweet Home Alabama" with him in his home town of Helena, Alabama.
Bice started last year with an acoustic tour to introduce some newly-written songs that he was recording for his third album. Bice's Sugar Money record label cooperated with Time-Life for the album which was called 3, which was officially released on Saguaro Road Records on May 18, 2010. The album features a duet with American Idol season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle.
On October 12, 2010, Bice guest starred on the syndicated version of the game show Don't Forget the Lyrics!, hosted by Mark McGrath, and won the $50,000 grand prize on behalf of his charity, MusiCares. He was the first celebrity contestant to win the grand prize by correctly singing the lyrics to all the songs in his round.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown, which ends on the day of the premiere of American Idol season 11, is my number 94 American Idol finalist. He grew up in a predominately female family. Because of his prior commitment to the Marine Corps, he was unable to participate in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003. Instead, he was sent on a year tour as a recruiting tool, making appearances at special events around the United States to promote the United States Marine Corps. After completing his fourth year of service, he was honorably discharged in September 2004.
Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice, Jr. was born to Nancy and Harold Elwin Bice, Sr., in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 1, 1975. He came from a musical family. His mother was a Christian singer, as were his grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunts. His father and his third cousin, Tanner Gell, are guitarists. His third cousin Tristen Gell is a singer.
As a newborn, he was nicknamed "Bogart" by his grandmother "Granny Madge", because she thought he had "Humphery Bogart" eyes. His parents continued to call him Bogart, but he abbreviated it to "Bo" during his time in kindergarten, because he thought "Bogart" was rather unpleasant.
Bice's parents divorced during his childhood, and his mother married another man years later. He was raised by his mother Nancy and his stepfather Earle Downes (a Coca-Cola manager), stepsisters Jenny and Sharan Downes, and halfbrother John Cohran. Bice has two other half-siblings, Candace and Matthew, on his biological father's side. The Downes family relocated around the South on a regular basis. They resided in the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, including the metropolitan area of Atlanta. When Bice was 14, they relocated to Great Britain as part of his stepfather's assignment with Coca-Cola in London, England. Bice spent his teenage years residing in Gerrards Cross.
Bice attended London Central High School, a Department of Defense school that educates mainly children whose parents served in the U.S. military or worked at the U.S. Embassy. During his time in high school, he was found holding his guitar everywhere across the campus, played football, attended promenades, and had several significant others. It was around this time when he worked with some British alternative rock artists. He formed his first band, Spinning Jenny, during his time in London, England.
Bice would have been a member of the London Central High School class of 1994, but he dropped out during his senior year to relocate to the United States, where he earned his GED and attended Calhoun Community College for one year. When he withdrew from Calhoun Community College and spent a semester at the University of Alabama in Florence, Alabama, he went professional and performed in shows across the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe. He is a nightclub circuit veteran and an experience songwriter, releasing his first CD in 1995 as a member of the band called Purge. His other bands before his stint on American Idol include Blue Sued Nickel and SugerMoney. He was the opening act for Blackfoot and Warrant as well as performing live and recording with Johnny Neal, formerly of The Allman Brothers Band. Bice had recorded other albums prior to his stint on American Idol, which included "Ex Gratia" (1999) with his band Purge, and "Recipe for Flavor" (2000) with SugarMoney.
Bice has a pre-Idol rap sheet. Four years before his stint on American Idol, he had his first encounter with the law, where he was arrested for buying cocaine at a strip club. Two years later, he was arrested for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and public intoxication. He avoided incarceration by entering a drug rehabilitation program.
For the fourth season of American Idol, the producers raised their upper age limit from 24 to 28. In August 2004, Bice’s mother and several other family members encouraged him to go try out, since he was within the eligible age limit (he would turn 29 in November 2004). He asked his mother to come along, and she took him up on that dare. He auditioned with the songs "In a Dream" by Badlands, and "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band. He is one of the oldest American Idol finalists ever, alongside season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis and season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. Bice and Maroulis were among the first contestants to compete using the rock-and-roll genre.
Bice is a Southern rocker in musical approach and appearance, but he did not fit the traditional American Idol mold. His early performance of "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band drew positive feedback from the judges and established him as one of the favorites in the competition.
During top 3 performance show, Bice took the risk of performing a cappella with the obscure song "In a Dream" by Badlands. That risk paid off, with guest judge Clive Davis speaking of looking forward to making a CD with Bice.
In June 2005, according to the Rolling Stones magazine, Bice's last thought during the American Idol finale was, "Please, God, don't let me win this thing." In comments during a subsequent appearance on The Today Show he backed off this stance somewhat stating that he thanked all those who had voted for him. He then played solo acoustic guitar and harmonica to one of his own compositions, in addition to singing his American Idol songs with a band.
In Alabama, May 24 was declared "Bo Bice Day" by Governor Bob Riley, the 52nd Governor of Alabama, who was in office from January 20, 2003, to January 17, 2001, and who was gubernatorially preceded by Don Siegelman and recently succeeded by Robert Bentley. In fact, Bice's pride in being an Alabama native resulted in the adoption of "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd as his "theme" during his tenure on American Idol. Two members of the group Lynyrd Skynyrd surprised Bice during his trip home from Idol and performed "Sweet Home Alabama" with him in his home town of Helena, Alabama.
Bice started last year with an acoustic tour to introduce some newly-written songs that he was recording for his third album. Bice's Sugar Money record label cooperated with Time-Life for the album which was called 3, which was officially released on Saguaro Road Records on May 18, 2010. The album features a duet with American Idol season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle.
On October 12, 2010, Bice guest starred on the syndicated version of the game show Don't Forget the Lyrics!, hosted by Mark McGrath, and won the $50,000 grand prize on behalf of his charity, MusiCares. He was the first celebrity contestant to win the grand prize by correctly singing the lyrics to all the songs in his round.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown, which ends on the day of the premiere of American Idol season 11, is my number 94 American Idol finalist. He grew up in a predominately female family. Because of his prior commitment to the Marine Corps, he was unable to participate in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2003. Instead, he was sent on a year tour as a recruiting tool, making appearances at special events around the United States to promote the United States Marine Corps. After completing his fourth year of service, he was honorably discharged in September 2004.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
#96 Diana DeGarmo
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Diano DeGarmo. She lost the finale to Fantasia Barrino on American Idol season 3 with a 2% margin. I have not known much about her. Her music genres are pop and country. She was an early favorite of American Idol season 3. On May 31, 2010, the Los Angeles Times ranked her at number 24 on the ultimate American Idol power rankings list.
Diana Nicole DeGarmo was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 16, 1987. She was raised mainly in Snellville, Georgia. She attended Crews Middle School. She was a junior at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia, at the time of her stint on American Idol. She began to sing publicly during her childhood, including the 1997 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards and in broadway productions of Annie and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Atlanta, Georgia. When she was in the third grade, she was a Coca-Cola kid during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1997, she sang at Opryland USA, the amusement which opened on May 27, 1972, but closed on December 31, 1997, and was replaced with a shopping mall, during the Christmas holiday season. Opryland's former site was flooded during the last days of American Idol season 9. In 2002, before the inception of American Idol, DeGarmo was named Miss Teen Georgia and was a finalist on the NBC talent competition show called America's Most Talented Kid. At the age of ten, she was a member of Cartoon Network's Cartoon Gang and appeared on various segments for the network, discussing cartoons. She also appeared in various telefilms during her childhood. DeGarmo is a niece of Eddie DeGarmo of DeGarmo & Key, a Christian rock band that started professional in 1978.
DeGarmo auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. She finished in second place after a tight race against winner Fantasia Barrino, and also in her semifinal group was Jennifer Hudson, who advanced via Wild Card. She was known for her ability to perform songs easily at such an early age. She started off as the first contestant to take the stage in the semifinals, performing "I've Got the Music in Me" by Kiki Dee, and she was the second to be voted into the semifinals, after eventual winner Fantasia Barrino. However, DeGarmo landed in the bottom 3 during top 11, top 9, and top 8 weeks, although she was the first of the bottom 3 on all three occasions to be cleared for another week in the competition. Ironically, she never landed in the bottom 2, despite being the third lowest vote getter three times. On top 12 week, she performed "Think" by Aretha Franklin. On top 11 week, she performed "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride and landed in the bottom 3 with the second lowest vote-getter Camile Velasco and the eliminated finalist Matthew Rogers, whom I ranked at number 109. On top 10 week, she performed "Do You Love Me" by The Contours. On top 9 week, she performed "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John, which would later be performed by Naima Adedapo on American Idol season 10. That week, she was in the bottom 3 with the second lowest vote getter Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco who got eliminated that night. On top 8 week, she performed "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion from the 1997 film Titanic. Once again she landed in the bottom 3, this time with the second lowest vote getter John Stevens and the eliminated finalist Jon Peter Lewis.
After top 8 week, DeGarmo never landed in the bottom 3 again, and she went from zero to hero. On top 7 week, she performed "One Voice" by Barry Manilow. On top 6 week, she performed "Turn the Beat the Around" by Vicky Sue Robinson. On top 5 week, she performed "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Gertrude Lawrence and "Get Happy" by Ruth Etting. On top 4 week, she performed "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton and "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" by Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand. On top 3, she elected to perform "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell. Then the judges had her perform "Because You Love Me" by Celine Dion. Then Clive Davis had her perform "Don't Cry Out Loud" by The Moments. On top 2 week, DeGarmo performed the winner's singer "I Believe". The she did an encore of her second top 4 week performance and an encore of her last top 3 performance. By a 2% margin, she lost the finale to Fantasia Barrino.
Soon after her stint on American Idol, DeGarmo was signed to RCA Records/19 Records, and she released the single "Dreams", on June 29, 2004. The song was co-written by Chris Braide, who also co-wrote "This Is the Night" for the previous season's American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken. It includes two other songs: her version of "I Believe", written by American Idol season 1 finalist Tamyra Gray, and a cover of "Don't Cry Out Loud", originally recorded by Melissa Manchester. She participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004 alongside the rest of her season's top 10, which included a show held in Singapore in October 2004.
DeGarmo's debut album, titled Blue Skies, was released on December 7, 2004, to opening week sales of 47,000. The album debuted at #52 on the Billboard chart. The album had sold 168,000 copies as of October 2008. Her single "Emotional"--again co-written by Chris Braide, Desmond Child and Andreas Carlsson—peaked at #54 on the Mediabase Pop Chart. In 2005, she toured independently to promote her debut album and was featured on the soundtrack for the Disney film Ice Princess, recording "Reaching for Heaven", written by Desmond Child. RCA dropped her from her recording contract in June 2005.
DeGarmo began recording a pop/R&B album in 2007, however she backed out of the project after it took a detour she did not want to take. After appearing on the first season of CMT's (Country Music Television) Gone Country in late 2007, she elected to return to her country roots and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Mikalah Gordon from American Idol season 4 appeared on the second season of that show and Justin Guarini from American Idol season 1 appeared on the third season of the show. She signed to John Rich's production company and recorded a country demo with him in 2008. In early 2009, DeGarmo released an acoustic EP entitled "Unplugged in Nashville". The EP contains 4 songs co-written by DeGarmo and is currently available at her live shows and at online retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, etc. One of the songs, "Thank You", can be streamed from DeGarmo's MySpace page. The EP serves as a taste of what is to come from DeGarmo on her second full length album. DeGarmo continues to co-write and perform new songs at live shows in and around the Nashville area. In October 2010, DeGarmo released two new songs titled "Things That Drive a Girl Crazy" and "All Over Again".
DeGarmo is a proud supporter of US troops and participated in a USO tour in December 2005-January 2006. She entertained troops in Southwest Asia on a tour hosted by General Peter Pace. Her song "Thank You" is inspired by this trip. She also supports and performs in fundraisers for a number of charitable organizations both nationally and locally, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. In late 2007 and during the time of American Idol season 7, she participated as a Southern celebrity in television advertisements for the Zaxby's restaurant chain. She also appeared as a guest voice on the "Fairy Idol" episode of The Fairly OddParents as Cosmo after Cosmo watches "How to Sing Like Diana DeGarmo".
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 95 American Idol finalist. He was born in the town where Paul McDonald was raised. His parents divorced when he was very young, and his mother remarried years later. He was raised by his mother and stepfather. On May 31, 2010, the Los Angeles Times ranked him at number 17 on the ultimate American Idol power rankings list. He was the first celebrity to win the grand prize on the syndicated version of Don't Forget the Lyrics!. He donated the winnings to his charity, MusicCares. His third studio album is simply called "3".
Diana Nicole DeGarmo was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 16, 1987. She was raised mainly in Snellville, Georgia. She attended Crews Middle School. She was a junior at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia, at the time of her stint on American Idol. She began to sing publicly during her childhood, including the 1997 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards and in broadway productions of Annie and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Atlanta, Georgia. When she was in the third grade, she was a Coca-Cola kid during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1997, she sang at Opryland USA, the amusement which opened on May 27, 1972, but closed on December 31, 1997, and was replaced with a shopping mall, during the Christmas holiday season. Opryland's former site was flooded during the last days of American Idol season 9. In 2002, before the inception of American Idol, DeGarmo was named Miss Teen Georgia and was a finalist on the NBC talent competition show called America's Most Talented Kid. At the age of ten, she was a member of Cartoon Network's Cartoon Gang and appeared on various segments for the network, discussing cartoons. She also appeared in various telefilms during her childhood. DeGarmo is a niece of Eddie DeGarmo of DeGarmo & Key, a Christian rock band that started professional in 1978.
DeGarmo auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. She finished in second place after a tight race against winner Fantasia Barrino, and also in her semifinal group was Jennifer Hudson, who advanced via Wild Card. She was known for her ability to perform songs easily at such an early age. She started off as the first contestant to take the stage in the semifinals, performing "I've Got the Music in Me" by Kiki Dee, and she was the second to be voted into the semifinals, after eventual winner Fantasia Barrino. However, DeGarmo landed in the bottom 3 during top 11, top 9, and top 8 weeks, although she was the first of the bottom 3 on all three occasions to be cleared for another week in the competition. Ironically, she never landed in the bottom 2, despite being the third lowest vote getter three times. On top 12 week, she performed "Think" by Aretha Franklin. On top 11 week, she performed "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride and landed in the bottom 3 with the second lowest vote-getter Camile Velasco and the eliminated finalist Matthew Rogers, whom I ranked at number 109. On top 10 week, she performed "Do You Love Me" by The Contours. On top 9 week, she performed "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John, which would later be performed by Naima Adedapo on American Idol season 10. That week, she was in the bottom 3 with the second lowest vote getter Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco who got eliminated that night. On top 8 week, she performed "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion from the 1997 film Titanic. Once again she landed in the bottom 3, this time with the second lowest vote getter John Stevens and the eliminated finalist Jon Peter Lewis.
After top 8 week, DeGarmo never landed in the bottom 3 again, and she went from zero to hero. On top 7 week, she performed "One Voice" by Barry Manilow. On top 6 week, she performed "Turn the Beat the Around" by Vicky Sue Robinson. On top 5 week, she performed "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Gertrude Lawrence and "Get Happy" by Ruth Etting. On top 4 week, she performed "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton and "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" by Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand. On top 3, she elected to perform "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell. Then the judges had her perform "Because You Love Me" by Celine Dion. Then Clive Davis had her perform "Don't Cry Out Loud" by The Moments. On top 2 week, DeGarmo performed the winner's singer "I Believe". The she did an encore of her second top 4 week performance and an encore of her last top 3 performance. By a 2% margin, she lost the finale to Fantasia Barrino.
Soon after her stint on American Idol, DeGarmo was signed to RCA Records/19 Records, and she released the single "Dreams", on June 29, 2004. The song was co-written by Chris Braide, who also co-wrote "This Is the Night" for the previous season's American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken. It includes two other songs: her version of "I Believe", written by American Idol season 1 finalist Tamyra Gray, and a cover of "Don't Cry Out Loud", originally recorded by Melissa Manchester. She participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004 alongside the rest of her season's top 10, which included a show held in Singapore in October 2004.
DeGarmo's debut album, titled Blue Skies, was released on December 7, 2004, to opening week sales of 47,000. The album debuted at #52 on the Billboard chart. The album had sold 168,000 copies as of October 2008. Her single "Emotional"--again co-written by Chris Braide, Desmond Child and Andreas Carlsson—peaked at #54 on the Mediabase Pop Chart. In 2005, she toured independently to promote her debut album and was featured on the soundtrack for the Disney film Ice Princess, recording "Reaching for Heaven", written by Desmond Child. RCA dropped her from her recording contract in June 2005.
DeGarmo began recording a pop/R&B album in 2007, however she backed out of the project after it took a detour she did not want to take. After appearing on the first season of CMT's (Country Music Television) Gone Country in late 2007, she elected to return to her country roots and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. Mikalah Gordon from American Idol season 4 appeared on the second season of that show and Justin Guarini from American Idol season 1 appeared on the third season of the show. She signed to John Rich's production company and recorded a country demo with him in 2008. In early 2009, DeGarmo released an acoustic EP entitled "Unplugged in Nashville". The EP contains 4 songs co-written by DeGarmo and is currently available at her live shows and at online retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, etc. One of the songs, "Thank You", can be streamed from DeGarmo's MySpace page. The EP serves as a taste of what is to come from DeGarmo on her second full length album. DeGarmo continues to co-write and perform new songs at live shows in and around the Nashville area. In October 2010, DeGarmo released two new songs titled "Things That Drive a Girl Crazy" and "All Over Again".
DeGarmo is a proud supporter of US troops and participated in a USO tour in December 2005-January 2006. She entertained troops in Southwest Asia on a tour hosted by General Peter Pace. Her song "Thank You" is inspired by this trip. She also supports and performs in fundraisers for a number of charitable organizations both nationally and locally, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. In late 2007 and during the time of American Idol season 7, she participated as a Southern celebrity in television advertisements for the Zaxby's restaurant chain. She also appeared as a guest voice on the "Fairy Idol" episode of The Fairly OddParents as Cosmo after Cosmo watches "How to Sing Like Diana DeGarmo".
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 95 American Idol finalist. He was born in the town where Paul McDonald was raised. His parents divorced when he was very young, and his mother remarried years later. He was raised by his mother and stepfather. On May 31, 2010, the Los Angeles Times ranked him at number 17 on the ultimate American Idol power rankings list. He was the first celebrity to win the grand prize on the syndicated version of Don't Forget the Lyrics!. He donated the winnings to his charity, MusicCares. His third studio album is simply called "3".
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