Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is Gina Glocksen. She got ninth place in a tearful elimination on American Idol season 6. She participated in a spring break tour with Chikezie and two others during the time of American Idol season 8.
Glocksen was born on July 4, 1984. She hails from Tinley Park, Illinois, a southwest suburb in Chicago, Illinois. She attended Virgil I. Grissom Jr Middle School and Victor J. Andrew High School. Glocksen has been singing since the age of seven, and she had classical music training in high school, where she learned to play the piano and flute. She originally auditioned for American Idol season 5, but her journey ended in the third Hollywood Round. Before her stint on American Idol season 6, she worked as a dental assistant in Worth, Illinois, and performed with the cover band called Catfight.
On American Idol season 6, Glocksen got a second chance auditioning in Memphis, Tennessee, with the song "Black Velvet", written by Canadian musicians David Tyson and Christopher Ward, and originally recorded by Canadian recording artist Alannah Myles in 1988, and she once again made it to Hollywood. During the second Hollywood, she performed the song "Be My Baby" by the Ronettes, together with Perla Meneses, Jessica Gordon, and Marisa Rhodes. In the third Hollywood Round, she performed "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" by Bryan Adams.
Glocksen finally made it through to the top 24. On top 24 week, she performed "All By Myself" by Eric Carmen. On top 20 week, she performed by "Alone" by i-TEN. On top 16 week, she performed "Call Me When You're Sober' by Evanescence, then she made it through to the finals. On top 12 week, she performed "Love Child" by Diana Ross. On top 11 week, she performed "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones. On top 10 week, she performed "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders. On top 9 week, after performing "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin, her stint on American Idol ended in tears on April 4, 2007, landing in ninth place. She was in the bottom 3 with Phil Stacey and Haley Scarnato, who was eliminated one week after her. Like Chris Sligh and Stephanie Edwards, who were eliminated before her, she was never in the bottom 3 prior to her elimination.
Glocksen married science teacher/musician Joe Ruzicka on New Year's Eve 2008. Her season's winner Jordin Sparks was one of her bridesmaids. The couple resides in Naperville, Illinois.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
#79 Mikalah Gordon
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 79 American Idol finalist Mikalah Gordon. She got eleventh place on American Idol season 4. Her favorite male recording artist is Michael Jackson. Her favorite recording female artist is Alicia Keys.
Mikalah Analise Gordon was born to Rocky Gordon (who is Italian and Jewish) and Victora Cavaricci (who is Italian-American) on January 14, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was raised in a Catholic household and attended St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic School from third to eighth grade. During her childhood, Gordon regularly performed on stage with her father, a jazz musician who mentored his daughter, attempting to improve her versatility. Before her stint on American Idol, she was with the Helen Joy Young Entertainers, performed at the White House and worked at an oxygen bar.
Gordon auditioned for American Idol season 4 in her birth town Las Vegas, Nevada, with "Lullaby of Broadway" by Ella Fitzgerald and "Killing Me Softly with His Song", which was originally recorded by Lori Lieberman and later covered by Roberta Flack, then Luther Vandross, and then Lauryn Hill. During the Hollywood Rounds, she performed "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield.
During top 24 week, Gordon performed "Young Hearts Run Free" by Candi Staton. During top 20 week, she performed "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday. During top 16 week, she performed "Somewhere" by the cast of West Side Story. During top 12 week, she performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. She was in the bottom 3 with Jessica Sierra and Lindsey Cardinale who got eliminated that week. She was eliminated from American Idol on top 11 week, which was Billboard #1s week. This was also the week when the show mixed up the voting numbers for three of the Top 11 contestants Anwar Robinson, Jessica Sierra, and Gordon herself. Her last performance on American Idol season 4 was a rendition of "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne. That song also got Karen Rodriguez booted on American Idol season 10.
Mikalah Analise Gordon was born to Rocky Gordon (who is Italian and Jewish) and Victora Cavaricci (who is Italian-American) on January 14, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was raised in a Catholic household and attended St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic School from third to eighth grade. During her childhood, Gordon regularly performed on stage with her father, a jazz musician who mentored his daughter, attempting to improve her versatility. Before her stint on American Idol, she was with the Helen Joy Young Entertainers, performed at the White House and worked at an oxygen bar.
Gordon auditioned for American Idol season 4 in her birth town Las Vegas, Nevada, with "Lullaby of Broadway" by Ella Fitzgerald and "Killing Me Softly with His Song", which was originally recorded by Lori Lieberman and later covered by Roberta Flack, then Luther Vandross, and then Lauryn Hill. During the Hollywood Rounds, she performed "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield.
During top 24 week, Gordon performed "Young Hearts Run Free" by Candi Staton. During top 20 week, she performed "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday. During top 16 week, she performed "Somewhere" by the cast of West Side Story. During top 12 week, she performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. She was in the bottom 3 with Jessica Sierra and Lindsey Cardinale who got eliminated that week. She was eliminated from American Idol on top 11 week, which was Billboard #1s week. This was also the week when the show mixed up the voting numbers for three of the Top 11 contestants Anwar Robinson, Jessica Sierra, and Gordon herself. Her last performance on American Idol season 4 was a rendition of "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne. That song also got Karen Rodriguez booted on American Idol season 10.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
#80 Carly Smithson
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 80 American Idol finalist Carly Smithson. She got sixth place on American Idol season 6. She hails from Dublin, Ireland. She was born Carly Sarah Hennessy. Before her stint on American Idol, she released her debut album called Ultimate High for MCA Records, but she was dropped from the label in 2002. She is a member of the gothic metal band called We Are the Fallen. Her father lives in the United States while her mother lives in Ireland. She resided in San Diego, California, at the time of her stint on American Idol. Her music genre is pop rock. Her musical influences are Heart, Celine, Skynyrd, Ray Charles, Whitney, Rolling Stones, U2, Janis, Johnny Cash, and Annie Lennox.
Smithson was born to Marie Murray and Luke Hennessy on September 12, 1983, in Dublin, Ireland. After residing Dublin for six months, Smithson and her parents relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa. They lived there for three and a half years, and then they returned to Dublin. Smithson has an older half-brother named Nik, and a younger sister named Shannon. She began singing around the age of four and has also had some experience with acting. She was featured in advertisements for Denny's Sausage for four years, starting at the age of five. Two years later, in 1992, she joined the cast of Les Misérables and starred as Little Cosette in Ireland. At the age of 10, she released an independent CD titled Carly's Christmas Album which was released in Great Britain. At the age of 14, she witnessed her parents' divorce. A year later, she and her father Luke Hennessy relocated to the United States in order for her to pursue a career in the music industry. She dropped out of high school and moved out of her father's home.
Before the marriage to her husband Todd Smithson, Smithson (as Carly Hennessy) released an album for MCA Records called Ultimate High in 2001. Despite having MCA Records spent over US$2 million on the production and promotion of Smithson's debut album, it sold only 300 copies in its first three months. Smithson said that the album did not have a chance to attract an audience, due to the record company's merger with a parent company. Though some established artists like Sheryl Crow survived the merger, yet-to-be-released artists, including Smithson, fell victim to the merger. In the album, Smithson covered "Just Missed the Train" which was originally recorded by Danielle Brisebois for her 1994 debut album Arrive All over You and later covered by Kelly Clarkson on her 2003 debut album Thankful. After American Idol season 7, copies of Ultimate High appeared on shelves of Borders Bookstores and Virgin Records stores. The album and the music video for "I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind" are also available as a download on iTunes. Briefly after Smithson's elimination from American Idol, Top 10 of Amazon's Top Selling Digital Albums, as well as being featured on the MP3 homepage.
After her time with MCA Records, Smithson's music career went on hiatus. She met her husband Todd Smithson, a tattoo artist, in San Diego, California. They resided in Marietta, Georgia, for a few years, where Smithson worked at an Irish bar called Fado. Coincidentally, Smithson saw fellow American Idol season 7 finalist Michael Johns performing weekly at Fado under his real name Michael Lee. In 2005, Smithson and her husband relocated to San Diego, where they currently reside. Smithson also works at Nothing Sacred, a tattoo shop in San Diego owned by her husband. Smithson has nine tattoos. During her time on American Idol, reports claimed that her unfinished sleeve tattoo on her right arm seemed to be a drawing of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, who was two days Smithson's junior and died on July 23, 2011. However, in her exit interview, Smithson clarified that it is a drawing of a geisha, based on a painting that she owns.
Smithson originally auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the judges unanimously advanced her to the Hollywood Round. However, she was disqualified because her paperwork for her work visa came too late.
Two years later, Smithson auditioned for American Idol season 7, but this time with the proper paperwork. The judges once again unanimously advanced her to the Hollywood Round, after singing "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan. Simon Cowell remembered her season 5 audition. In the Hollywood Round, she sang "Alone" by Heart for her audition and once again received a unanimous praise from the judges and then she sang "When I Need You", which originally recorded by Leo Sayer and later covered by Luther Vandross for his 1998 album I Know. Smithson was one of the first foreign contestants to make the show's Top 12 with the other one being Michael Johns who hails from Australia.
After it was announced that Smithson claimed a seat on American Idol season 7's top 24, articles appeared in the mainstream press questioning her selection because of her previous record deal. Randy Jackson also worked for MCA during the same time that Smithson was signed. Despite this, she still remained on the show. After her elimination, Smithson briefly acknowledged the situation in interviews. In her exit interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she stated that she felt that she was "kind of singled out" and she added that "The media kind of does what they do and I got a lot of weird and negative press very early on but, you know, I just kind of held my head high and it kind of got forgotten about as the show went on." She adds "You know, a lot of the people had professional careers that were involved and I actually hadn't really had lots of stage experience and a lot of the other people had and I think that's more of the experience that you really need on that show." Smithson's elimination came as a surprise to American Idol viewers as she was considered one of the frontrunners on the show. This prompted an unprecedented reaction, with bloggers questioning American Idol's credibility amidst reports from fans of busy signals throughout the voting period. One writer for Entertainment Weekly called the show "America's Embarrassing Lapses In Judgement", saying "Carly Smithson was sent packing, despite a rendition of "Jesus Christ Superstar" that Jesus himself would have been hard-pressed to top". There were renewed claims of "fixing" and calls for the show to publish precise voting totals, resulting in a press release credited to Fox and show producers: "The network and producers will not disclose voting tallies for the competition, as the release of such information would only serve to create additional rumor and speculation", conflicting with executive producer Ken Warwick's claim that they were open to scrutiny, quoted "No one is saying you can't look at them."
During top 24 week, Smithson performed "The Shadow of Your Smile" by Tony Bennett. During top 20 week, she performed "Crazy on You" by Heart. During top 16 week, she performed "I Drove All Night" by Cyndi Lauper. During top 12 week, she performed "Come Together" by The Beatles, which was later covered by the late Michael Jackson. During top 11 week, she performed "Blackbird" by The Beatles, and she was in the bottom 3, but she was saved from elimination before Kristy Lee Cook, and it was Amanda Overmyer who was eliminated that week. During top 10 week, Smithson performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. During top 9 week, she performed "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton. During top 8 week, she performed "The Show Must Go On" by Queen. She was in the bottom 3 with Michael Johns and Syesha Mercado. When announcing the results, Ryan Seacrest simultaneously announced that Smithson and Mercado were safe, and that Johns would be eliminated. During top 7 week, she performed "Without You" which was originally recorded by the British rock group Badfinger and later covered by Mariah Carey on her third album Music Box. After her performance of "Superstar" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar on top 6 week, Smithson was eliminated from American Idol on April 23, 2008, landing in sixth place. The day before she was eliminated Cowell stated, "I thought that was the best performance of the night so far.", prompting Smithson to pull out a T-shirt saying "Simon Loves Me (this week)". After it was announced that she was eliminated, Cowell said: "I apologize for giving you a compliment last night—kiss of death, but let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high."
After her stint on American Idol, Smithson appeared on talk shows, including Live with Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, the Today show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 along with the rest of season 7's top 10. On the tour, she performed "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence, "Crazy on You" by Heart, and "I Drove All Night" by Cyndi Lauper. Smithson appeared on American Idol season 8 as a mentor to contestants taking part in Boot Camp Training during "Hollywood Week". This footage ended on the cutting room floor. Later, during the February 18, 2009 live semifinals results show, Smithson and fellow American Idol season 7 contestant Michael Johns performed "The Letter", a song they had also performed for the American Idol in season 7. She also appeared in the season 8 Grand Finale, where she served as a correspondent covering the events of the celebration in San Diego, California, the hometown of American Idol iseason 8 runner-up Adam Lambert.
Two of Smithson's own original songs, called "Lie With Me" and "Let Me Fall", have been recorded and are also in a Los Angeles Times Interview video of Carly recording songs for her album. In the interview, Smithson reveals that pop rock is her music genre, but does not want to go too hard rock or too pop. Smithson was putting the finishing touches on her post-Idol album when it was announced on June 18, 2009, that she would be joining forces with Evanescence co-founder Ben Moody forming a new band called We Are the Fallen, presumably named after Evanescence's debut album Fallen. The solo album Smithson had been recording was reportedly scrapped. On October 28, 2009, it was announced that We Are the Fallen, including Smithson, was signed to Universal Republic Records. The band has finished recording their debut album and it was released on May 11, 2010.
Smithson was born to Marie Murray and Luke Hennessy on September 12, 1983, in Dublin, Ireland. After residing Dublin for six months, Smithson and her parents relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa. They lived there for three and a half years, and then they returned to Dublin. Smithson has an older half-brother named Nik, and a younger sister named Shannon. She began singing around the age of four and has also had some experience with acting. She was featured in advertisements for Denny's Sausage for four years, starting at the age of five. Two years later, in 1992, she joined the cast of Les Misérables and starred as Little Cosette in Ireland. At the age of 10, she released an independent CD titled Carly's Christmas Album which was released in Great Britain. At the age of 14, she witnessed her parents' divorce. A year later, she and her father Luke Hennessy relocated to the United States in order for her to pursue a career in the music industry. She dropped out of high school and moved out of her father's home.
Before the marriage to her husband Todd Smithson, Smithson (as Carly Hennessy) released an album for MCA Records called Ultimate High in 2001. Despite having MCA Records spent over US$2 million on the production and promotion of Smithson's debut album, it sold only 300 copies in its first three months. Smithson said that the album did not have a chance to attract an audience, due to the record company's merger with a parent company. Though some established artists like Sheryl Crow survived the merger, yet-to-be-released artists, including Smithson, fell victim to the merger. In the album, Smithson covered "Just Missed the Train" which was originally recorded by Danielle Brisebois for her 1994 debut album Arrive All over You and later covered by Kelly Clarkson on her 2003 debut album Thankful. After American Idol season 7, copies of Ultimate High appeared on shelves of Borders Bookstores and Virgin Records stores. The album and the music video for "I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind" are also available as a download on iTunes. Briefly after Smithson's elimination from American Idol, Top 10 of Amazon's Top Selling Digital Albums, as well as being featured on the MP3 homepage.
After her time with MCA Records, Smithson's music career went on hiatus. She met her husband Todd Smithson, a tattoo artist, in San Diego, California. They resided in Marietta, Georgia, for a few years, where Smithson worked at an Irish bar called Fado. Coincidentally, Smithson saw fellow American Idol season 7 finalist Michael Johns performing weekly at Fado under his real name Michael Lee. In 2005, Smithson and her husband relocated to San Diego, where they currently reside. Smithson also works at Nothing Sacred, a tattoo shop in San Diego owned by her husband. Smithson has nine tattoos. During her time on American Idol, reports claimed that her unfinished sleeve tattoo on her right arm seemed to be a drawing of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, who was two days Smithson's junior and died on July 23, 2011. However, in her exit interview, Smithson clarified that it is a drawing of a geisha, based on a painting that she owns.
Smithson originally auditioned for American Idol season 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the judges unanimously advanced her to the Hollywood Round. However, she was disqualified because her paperwork for her work visa came too late.
Two years later, Smithson auditioned for American Idol season 7, but this time with the proper paperwork. The judges once again unanimously advanced her to the Hollywood Round, after singing "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan. Simon Cowell remembered her season 5 audition. In the Hollywood Round, she sang "Alone" by Heart for her audition and once again received a unanimous praise from the judges and then she sang "When I Need You", which originally recorded by Leo Sayer and later covered by Luther Vandross for his 1998 album I Know. Smithson was one of the first foreign contestants to make the show's Top 12 with the other one being Michael Johns who hails from Australia.
After it was announced that Smithson claimed a seat on American Idol season 7's top 24, articles appeared in the mainstream press questioning her selection because of her previous record deal. Randy Jackson also worked for MCA during the same time that Smithson was signed. Despite this, she still remained on the show. After her elimination, Smithson briefly acknowledged the situation in interviews. In her exit interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she stated that she felt that she was "kind of singled out" and she added that "The media kind of does what they do and I got a lot of weird and negative press very early on but, you know, I just kind of held my head high and it kind of got forgotten about as the show went on." She adds "You know, a lot of the people had professional careers that were involved and I actually hadn't really had lots of stage experience and a lot of the other people had and I think that's more of the experience that you really need on that show." Smithson's elimination came as a surprise to American Idol viewers as she was considered one of the frontrunners on the show. This prompted an unprecedented reaction, with bloggers questioning American Idol's credibility amidst reports from fans of busy signals throughout the voting period. One writer for Entertainment Weekly called the show "America's Embarrassing Lapses In Judgement", saying "Carly Smithson was sent packing, despite a rendition of "Jesus Christ Superstar" that Jesus himself would have been hard-pressed to top". There were renewed claims of "fixing" and calls for the show to publish precise voting totals, resulting in a press release credited to Fox and show producers: "The network and producers will not disclose voting tallies for the competition, as the release of such information would only serve to create additional rumor and speculation", conflicting with executive producer Ken Warwick's claim that they were open to scrutiny, quoted "No one is saying you can't look at them."
During top 24 week, Smithson performed "The Shadow of Your Smile" by Tony Bennett. During top 20 week, she performed "Crazy on You" by Heart. During top 16 week, she performed "I Drove All Night" by Cyndi Lauper. During top 12 week, she performed "Come Together" by The Beatles, which was later covered by the late Michael Jackson. During top 11 week, she performed "Blackbird" by The Beatles, and she was in the bottom 3, but she was saved from elimination before Kristy Lee Cook, and it was Amanda Overmyer who was eliminated that week. During top 10 week, Smithson performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. During top 9 week, she performed "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton. During top 8 week, she performed "The Show Must Go On" by Queen. She was in the bottom 3 with Michael Johns and Syesha Mercado. When announcing the results, Ryan Seacrest simultaneously announced that Smithson and Mercado were safe, and that Johns would be eliminated. During top 7 week, she performed "Without You" which was originally recorded by the British rock group Badfinger and later covered by Mariah Carey on her third album Music Box. After her performance of "Superstar" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar on top 6 week, Smithson was eliminated from American Idol on April 23, 2008, landing in sixth place. The day before she was eliminated Cowell stated, "I thought that was the best performance of the night so far.", prompting Smithson to pull out a T-shirt saying "Simon Loves Me (this week)". After it was announced that she was eliminated, Cowell said: "I apologize for giving you a compliment last night—kiss of death, but let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high."
After her stint on American Idol, Smithson appeared on talk shows, including Live with Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, the Today show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 along with the rest of season 7's top 10. On the tour, she performed "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence, "Crazy on You" by Heart, and "I Drove All Night" by Cyndi Lauper. Smithson appeared on American Idol season 8 as a mentor to contestants taking part in Boot Camp Training during "Hollywood Week". This footage ended on the cutting room floor. Later, during the February 18, 2009 live semifinals results show, Smithson and fellow American Idol season 7 contestant Michael Johns performed "The Letter", a song they had also performed for the American Idol in season 7. She also appeared in the season 8 Grand Finale, where she served as a correspondent covering the events of the celebration in San Diego, California, the hometown of American Idol iseason 8 runner-up Adam Lambert.
Two of Smithson's own original songs, called "Lie With Me" and "Let Me Fall", have been recorded and are also in a Los Angeles Times Interview video of Carly recording songs for her album. In the interview, Smithson reveals that pop rock is her music genre, but does not want to go too hard rock or too pop. Smithson was putting the finishing touches on her post-Idol album when it was announced on June 18, 2009, that she would be joining forces with Evanescence co-founder Ben Moody forming a new band called We Are the Fallen, presumably named after Evanescence's debut album Fallen. The solo album Smithson had been recording was reportedly scrapped. On October 28, 2009, it was announced that We Are the Fallen, including Smithson, was signed to Universal Republic Records. The band has finished recording their debut album and it was released on May 11, 2010.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
#81 Jason Castro
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 81 American Idol finalist Jason Castro. He got fourth place on American Idol season 7. He performed at the wedding of Jason Mesnick from the reality television show called The Bachelor. He was 20 years old at the time of American Idol season 7. After his stint on American Idol, he was signed to Atlantic Records and his self-titled debut album was released on April 13, 2010. He also sang in three languages on American Idol: English, French, and Spanish. I think Chikezie Eze should have made the top 9 instead of him.
Jason René Castro was born to René and Betsy Castro on March 25, 1987. He was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Rowlett, Texas. His parents were originally from Colombia. He is the first person in his family to be born in the United States, followed by younger siblings Michael and Jackeline (Jackie), both of whom are singer-songwriters as well. His brother Michael auditioned for American Idol seasons 8 and 9, but was cut in the third Hollywood Round in season 8 and in the first Hollywood Round in season 9. Jason Castro's native language is Spanish. Though he normal speaks English, he has considered recording a Spanish album.Their father, René, is an architectural swimming pool designer and singer-songwriter.
Castro attended Rowlett High School where he was a left winger on his school's soccer team and an honor student. He received a 1340 out of 1600 on his SAT. At the time of his stint on American Idol, he was a junior studying Construction Science at Texas A&M University in College Station on a full academic scholorship.
Castro auditioned for American Idol season 7 in Dallas, Texas, with the song "Crazy" by Ray LaMontagne. Due to legal restrictions on his song choices, he received no air time until the live shows. During top 24 week, he performed "Daydream" by The Lovin' Spoonful. During top 20 week, he performed "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" by Andy Gibb. During top 16 week, he performed "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. His rendition of the song led to a surge of popularity for the Jeff Buckley cover from the iTunes Store, propelling it to the number-one spot on the iTunes singles chart. Buckley's version of the song sold 178,000 digital downloads in the week following Castro's performance, to debut at number one on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart. According to the March 22, 2008 issue of Billboard, this was the highest boost in digital sales a song had ever received after being performed by a contestant on American Idol. It was the first time Buckley's version of the song charted on a Billboard chart, as well as the first U.S. number-one song on any chart for Buckley, who died May 29, 1997 at age 30. Jason Castro’s rendition of the song propelled Jeff Buckley’s version to be certified gold and platinum as a single on April 22, 2008. Castro's rendition of the song remained on the number-one spot on the iTunes chart, but it was removed because the American Idol producers did not want any contestant to be favored.
During top 12 week, Castro performed "If I Fell" by The Beatles. During top 11 week, he performed "Michelle" by The Beatles. During top 10 week, he performed "Fragile" by Sting. During top 9 week, he performed "Travelin' Thru" by Dolly Parton. During top 8 week, he played an instrument while performing "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland after learning to play it in less than a week. Castro has also bumped the sales of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" to #6 on the iTunes Top 20. Castro is the only American Idol finalist ever to bump another artist’s single to the iTunes Top 10 or to the Billboard chart. During top 7 week, he performed "I Don't Wanna Cry" by Mariah Carey. During top 6 week, he performed "Memory" by Elaine Paige. During top 5 week, he performed "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "September Morn" both by Neil Diamond. During top 4 week, he performed "I Shot the Sheriff" by Bob Marley and "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan. After those performed, he was eliminated from American Idol on May 7, 2008, ending up in fourth place. He was in the bottom once prior to his elimination, and that was on top 10, where he was in bottom 3 with Syesha Mercado and Chikezie Eze who got eliminated that week.
After his stint on American Idol, Castro appeared on the NBC program Live with Regis and Kelly, the NBC program The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Fuse program The Sauce, the NBC program The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the NBC program Access Hollywood, the NBC program Today, Best Day Ever, the CNN program Larry King Live, the syndicated program The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet as well as dozens of FOX television affiliates and numerous radio stations across the country. Castro has been the subject of articles in newspapers and magazines including People magazine, Star Magazine, US, OK! magazine, USA Today newspaper, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Billboard.
Castro returned to the Idol stage for the season finale, and was the only top 12 finalist who performed a solo. He sang an encore of "Hallelujah."
Upon returning to his hometown of Rockwall, TX, Thursday, May 29, 2008 was declared "Jason Castro Day". Castro was honored with a parade and a ceremony/concert. He was presented with a key to the city by the mayor of Rockwall and a US flag that flew over the nation's capital by Texas congressman Ralph Hall, who assumed office on January 3, 1981. Castro also performed 4 songs for the crowd, including an original song that he had written. The parade and concert was estimated to have attracted close to 15,000 fans and was the largest event in the city's history.
Castro participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 where he performed "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, and "Daydream" by The Lovin' Spoonful. He recorded "Hallelujah" in Toronto, Canada, for the Mexican-Colombian indie film, Amar a Morir, which premiered in the spring of 2009. On November 3, Castro shot a homemade video of himself performing the song "Sweet Medicine", an original song he had written and put the video up on his YouTube account. However, it is unknown if this song will be released on his upcoming album. He recently took part with the "I Am Second" campaign and openly discussed his Christian faith.
Castro signed a management deal with Hard8Mgt, a firm that manages other musicians such as Jakob Dylan, Dashboard Confessional, Augustana, and others.
Castro released his self-titled debut album on April 12, 2010, on Atlantic Records. He worked with songwriter, producer and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who judged American Idol seasons 8 and 9, and producer John Fields. On the album he also worked with DioGuardi, Guy Chambers, Martin Terefe, Dave Lichens (a member of The Heavy Steadies), Jason Reeves, Sacha Skarbek, and Espionage. Fellow Atlantic Records recording artist Serena Ryder appears with Castro on a duet titled "You Can Always Come Home", which Castro debuted at the Texas State Fair in a live performance, his sister Jackie singing in Ryder's place.
Castro performed "Over the Rainbow" and his second single "That's What I'm Here For" at the wedding ceremony of The Bachelor stars Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney on February 27, 2010 for ABC's broadcast The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding. He performed in an episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, which aired in July 2010. The Texas based singer-songwriter confirmed his Christian faith in his new release called "Who I Am". Five of the tracks are favorites from Jason's debut record, while the others are original songs exploring life, love, and God. The first single, “You Are”, is one song that Jason calls his "first love song to God." Castro also appeared in a testimonial video on "I Am Second" , in which he shares his story of his faith in Jesus Christ.
A large audition was held during the fall of 2009 in Hollywood, California for Castro's band. The band played their first live show together on September 25, 2009 when they headlined the opening night of the Texas State Fair. His band members are as follows: Stephen Kanicka, Jordan Critz, Ben Davis, and Jason Dering.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 80 American Idol finalist. Like Castro, she is also a season 7 finalist. She hails from Dublin, Ireland. Before her stint on American Idol, she released her debut album under MCA Records, but she was dropped from the label in 2002. Her parents divorced when she was 14. She moved to the United States with her father in order to pursue a music career. She is a high school dropout.
Jason René Castro was born to René and Betsy Castro on March 25, 1987. He was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Rowlett, Texas. His parents were originally from Colombia. He is the first person in his family to be born in the United States, followed by younger siblings Michael and Jackeline (Jackie), both of whom are singer-songwriters as well. His brother Michael auditioned for American Idol seasons 8 and 9, but was cut in the third Hollywood Round in season 8 and in the first Hollywood Round in season 9. Jason Castro's native language is Spanish. Though he normal speaks English, he has considered recording a Spanish album.Their father, René, is an architectural swimming pool designer and singer-songwriter.
Castro attended Rowlett High School where he was a left winger on his school's soccer team and an honor student. He received a 1340 out of 1600 on his SAT. At the time of his stint on American Idol, he was a junior studying Construction Science at Texas A&M University in College Station on a full academic scholorship.
Castro auditioned for American Idol season 7 in Dallas, Texas, with the song "Crazy" by Ray LaMontagne. Due to legal restrictions on his song choices, he received no air time until the live shows. During top 24 week, he performed "Daydream" by The Lovin' Spoonful. During top 20 week, he performed "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" by Andy Gibb. During top 16 week, he performed "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. His rendition of the song led to a surge of popularity for the Jeff Buckley cover from the iTunes Store, propelling it to the number-one spot on the iTunes singles chart. Buckley's version of the song sold 178,000 digital downloads in the week following Castro's performance, to debut at number one on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart. According to the March 22, 2008 issue of Billboard, this was the highest boost in digital sales a song had ever received after being performed by a contestant on American Idol. It was the first time Buckley's version of the song charted on a Billboard chart, as well as the first U.S. number-one song on any chart for Buckley, who died May 29, 1997 at age 30. Jason Castro’s rendition of the song propelled Jeff Buckley’s version to be certified gold and platinum as a single on April 22, 2008. Castro's rendition of the song remained on the number-one spot on the iTunes chart, but it was removed because the American Idol producers did not want any contestant to be favored.
During top 12 week, Castro performed "If I Fell" by The Beatles. During top 11 week, he performed "Michelle" by The Beatles. During top 10 week, he performed "Fragile" by Sting. During top 9 week, he performed "Travelin' Thru" by Dolly Parton. During top 8 week, he played an instrument while performing "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland after learning to play it in less than a week. Castro has also bumped the sales of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" to #6 on the iTunes Top 20. Castro is the only American Idol finalist ever to bump another artist’s single to the iTunes Top 10 or to the Billboard chart. During top 7 week, he performed "I Don't Wanna Cry" by Mariah Carey. During top 6 week, he performed "Memory" by Elaine Paige. During top 5 week, he performed "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "September Morn" both by Neil Diamond. During top 4 week, he performed "I Shot the Sheriff" by Bob Marley and "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan. After those performed, he was eliminated from American Idol on May 7, 2008, ending up in fourth place. He was in the bottom once prior to his elimination, and that was on top 10, where he was in bottom 3 with Syesha Mercado and Chikezie Eze who got eliminated that week.
After his stint on American Idol, Castro appeared on the NBC program Live with Regis and Kelly, the NBC program The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Fuse program The Sauce, the NBC program The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the NBC program Access Hollywood, the NBC program Today, Best Day Ever, the CNN program Larry King Live, the syndicated program The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet as well as dozens of FOX television affiliates and numerous radio stations across the country. Castro has been the subject of articles in newspapers and magazines including People magazine, Star Magazine, US, OK! magazine, USA Today newspaper, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Billboard.
Castro returned to the Idol stage for the season finale, and was the only top 12 finalist who performed a solo. He sang an encore of "Hallelujah."
Upon returning to his hometown of Rockwall, TX, Thursday, May 29, 2008 was declared "Jason Castro Day". Castro was honored with a parade and a ceremony/concert. He was presented with a key to the city by the mayor of Rockwall and a US flag that flew over the nation's capital by Texas congressman Ralph Hall, who assumed office on January 3, 1981. Castro also performed 4 songs for the crowd, including an original song that he had written. The parade and concert was estimated to have attracted close to 15,000 fans and was the largest event in the city's history.
Castro participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 where he performed "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, and "Daydream" by The Lovin' Spoonful. He recorded "Hallelujah" in Toronto, Canada, for the Mexican-Colombian indie film, Amar a Morir, which premiered in the spring of 2009. On November 3, Castro shot a homemade video of himself performing the song "Sweet Medicine", an original song he had written and put the video up on his YouTube account. However, it is unknown if this song will be released on his upcoming album. He recently took part with the "I Am Second" campaign and openly discussed his Christian faith.
Castro signed a management deal with Hard8Mgt, a firm that manages other musicians such as Jakob Dylan, Dashboard Confessional, Augustana, and others.
Castro released his self-titled debut album on April 12, 2010, on Atlantic Records. He worked with songwriter, producer and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who judged American Idol seasons 8 and 9, and producer John Fields. On the album he also worked with DioGuardi, Guy Chambers, Martin Terefe, Dave Lichens (a member of The Heavy Steadies), Jason Reeves, Sacha Skarbek, and Espionage. Fellow Atlantic Records recording artist Serena Ryder appears with Castro on a duet titled "You Can Always Come Home", which Castro debuted at the Texas State Fair in a live performance, his sister Jackie singing in Ryder's place.
Castro performed "Over the Rainbow" and his second single "That's What I'm Here For" at the wedding ceremony of The Bachelor stars Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney on February 27, 2010 for ABC's broadcast The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding. He performed in an episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, which aired in July 2010. The Texas based singer-songwriter confirmed his Christian faith in his new release called "Who I Am". Five of the tracks are favorites from Jason's debut record, while the others are original songs exploring life, love, and God. The first single, “You Are”, is one song that Jason calls his "first love song to God." Castro also appeared in a testimonial video on "I Am Second" , in which he shares his story of his faith in Jesus Christ.
A large audition was held during the fall of 2009 in Hollywood, California for Castro's band. The band played their first live show together on September 25, 2009 when they headlined the opening night of the Texas State Fair. His band members are as follows: Stephen Kanicka, Jordan Critz, Ben Davis, and Jason Dering.
Next up on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 80 American Idol finalist. Like Castro, she is also a season 7 finalist. She hails from Dublin, Ireland. Before her stint on American Idol, she released her debut album under MCA Records, but she was dropped from the label in 2002. Her parents divorced when she was 14. She moved to the United States with her father in order to pursue a music career. She is a high school dropout.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
#82 Amanda Overmyer
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 82 American Idol finalist Amanda Overmyer. She got eleventh place on American Idol season 7. Her music genre is hard rock. She is vocally compared to Janis Joplin. She is signed to Chile Records. She has been associated with the bands Steeleto and Ruinaces. She was ranked at number 93 by The Los Angeles Times on their American Idol power rankings list on May 31, 2010. Her musical influences are Bob Seger, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Guns 'n' Roses.
Amanda Lindsay Overmyer was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the capital of Arkansas, on October 26, 1984; her father was serving in the United States Air Force and was stationed there. Overmyer and her family eventually relocated back to Indiana, where she was raised in Camden, Indiana, and attended Delphi Community High School, which serves about 520 students and has the colors black and gold and the mascot Oracle, in Delphi, Indiana. She received a nursing degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Before her stint on American Idol, she worked as a health-care specialist dealing predominantly in respiratory issues.
Some of Overmyer's favorite past gigs were the ones sponsored by ABATE of Indiana. Through this association and its biker members, Overmyer enjoyed another passion, which is Harley Davidson motorcycles. Her immediate family all enjoy motorcycles as well. Overmyer is married to Casey Taylor, her longtime boyfriend from Mulberry, Indiana.
Overmyer always dreamt of a music career, as she competed in 4-H sponsored talent contests at an early age and later in WAZY Idol in Lafayette, Indiana. . In her late teens, Overmyer joined a local band. Since then she has been the lead singer of several bands, including Steeleto and Ruinaces.
Although Overmyer already had a successful career as a nurse, she also was curious to see if she could become a professional musician, and audtioning for American Idol gave her the best chance to test the waters without risk.
Overmyer auditioned for American Idol season 7 in Atlanta, Georgia, with the songs "Turtle Blues" by Big Brother and the Holding Company and "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The American Idol judges (Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul) have often compared her sound to Janis Joplin. During the first Hollywood Round, she performed "Light My Fire" by The Doors. During the second Hollywood Round, she performed "Piece of My Heart" by Erma Franklin. She was backed by Vote for the Worst, more so for her personality. During top 24 week, she performed "Baby, Please Don't Go" by Big Joe Williams. During top 20 week, she performed "Carry On Wayward Son" by the American rock band called Kansas. During top 16 week, she performed "I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. During top 12 week, she performed "You Can't Do That" by The Beatles. After performing "Back in the U.S.S.R." by The Beatles during top 11 week, Overmyer was eliminated from American Idol, putting her in eleventh place, thus missing out on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 along with David Hernandez. Carly Smithson mentioned in her exit interviews that Overmyer was her best friend on the show. As of 2011, Overmyer is the only contestant from Indiana to be an American Idol finalist.
After her stint on American Idol, Overmyer appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. She has also been performing professionally ever since her stint on American Idol.
On May 24, 2008 Overmyer headlined the Women of Rock show at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. She debuted four original songs, "Play On", "Fail to Compromise", "Fight Like A Son", and "Love Me Like You Want."
Overmyer performed at the Harley Davidson Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 27, 28, and 29, 2008. She also performed at a homecoming gig in Lafayette, Indiana, on September 19, where she debuted new music from her album. On December 10, 2008, Overmyer released her debut album "Solidify". "Play On" was the debut single from the album and is dedicated to her husband. The album is available for digital download on her website, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Tradebit, Napster and Rhapsody. The album was produced by Los Angeles-based producer Rocco Guarino.
The album is also now in most stores in the United States; some states may not have the album yet, but are expected to. To date her biggest show was in her hometown of Lafayette, Indiana, during the time of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009, where nearly 14,000 fans of hers came out and watched her perform with her band. In 2009, her band went through a lineup change, and Overmyer auditioned a session guitarist from Purdue University. She is currently working on her sophomore album with her band.
Amanda Lindsay Overmyer was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the capital of Arkansas, on October 26, 1984; her father was serving in the United States Air Force and was stationed there. Overmyer and her family eventually relocated back to Indiana, where she was raised in Camden, Indiana, and attended Delphi Community High School, which serves about 520 students and has the colors black and gold and the mascot Oracle, in Delphi, Indiana. She received a nursing degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Before her stint on American Idol, she worked as a health-care specialist dealing predominantly in respiratory issues.
Some of Overmyer's favorite past gigs were the ones sponsored by ABATE of Indiana. Through this association and its biker members, Overmyer enjoyed another passion, which is Harley Davidson motorcycles. Her immediate family all enjoy motorcycles as well. Overmyer is married to Casey Taylor, her longtime boyfriend from Mulberry, Indiana.
Overmyer always dreamt of a music career, as she competed in 4-H sponsored talent contests at an early age and later in WAZY Idol in Lafayette, Indiana. . In her late teens, Overmyer joined a local band. Since then she has been the lead singer of several bands, including Steeleto and Ruinaces.
Although Overmyer already had a successful career as a nurse, she also was curious to see if she could become a professional musician, and audtioning for American Idol gave her the best chance to test the waters without risk.
Overmyer auditioned for American Idol season 7 in Atlanta, Georgia, with the songs "Turtle Blues" by Big Brother and the Holding Company and "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The American Idol judges (Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul) have often compared her sound to Janis Joplin. During the first Hollywood Round, she performed "Light My Fire" by The Doors. During the second Hollywood Round, she performed "Piece of My Heart" by Erma Franklin. She was backed by Vote for the Worst, more so for her personality. During top 24 week, she performed "Baby, Please Don't Go" by Big Joe Williams. During top 20 week, she performed "Carry On Wayward Son" by the American rock band called Kansas. During top 16 week, she performed "I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. During top 12 week, she performed "You Can't Do That" by The Beatles. After performing "Back in the U.S.S.R." by The Beatles during top 11 week, Overmyer was eliminated from American Idol, putting her in eleventh place, thus missing out on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 along with David Hernandez. Carly Smithson mentioned in her exit interviews that Overmyer was her best friend on the show. As of 2011, Overmyer is the only contestant from Indiana to be an American Idol finalist.
After her stint on American Idol, Overmyer appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. She has also been performing professionally ever since her stint on American Idol.
On May 24, 2008 Overmyer headlined the Women of Rock show at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. She debuted four original songs, "Play On", "Fail to Compromise", "Fight Like A Son", and "Love Me Like You Want."
Overmyer performed at the Harley Davidson Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 27, 28, and 29, 2008. She also performed at a homecoming gig in Lafayette, Indiana, on September 19, where she debuted new music from her album. On December 10, 2008, Overmyer released her debut album "Solidify". "Play On" was the debut single from the album and is dedicated to her husband. The album is available for digital download on her website, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Tradebit, Napster and Rhapsody. The album was produced by Los Angeles-based producer Rocco Guarino.
The album is also now in most stores in the United States; some states may not have the album yet, but are expected to. To date her biggest show was in her hometown of Lafayette, Indiana, during the time of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009, where nearly 14,000 fans of hers came out and watched her perform with her band. In 2009, her band went through a lineup change, and Overmyer auditioned a session guitarist from Purdue University. She is currently working on her sophomore album with her band.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
#83 Ramiele Malubay
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is another Filipino, my number 83 American Idol finalist Ramiele Malubay. She is my least favorite finalist of American Idol season 7; she got ninth place. She was the subject of a minor controversy when a number of personal
pictures came to light featuring Malubay and several female friends
touching each other's breasts. She was ranked at number 95 by The Los Angeles Times on May 31, 2010. Her musical influences are Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Lani Misalucha, and Regine Velasquez, citing the last one as her favorite artist.
Ramiele Macrohon Malubay was born to Roger Malubay and Alicia Macrohon on September 6, 1987, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, of Filipino heritage. She is of Ilocano descent. Upon the outbreak of the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Malubay's parents sent her to Manila, Philippines, the city where the final iteration of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011 was held. The family later relocated to the United States and currently reside in Miramar, Florida. She graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School, which was founded in 1996 and located near Broward County's C.B. Smith Park and the Walter C. Young Middle School and Resource Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She studied nursing at Broward College (formerly known as Broward Community College), a state college founded in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year college system and located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a member of the Florida College System.
Malubay started Polynesian Dancing when she was in the first grade and started singing at the age of twelve. At an early age Malubay started singing for various Filipino-American function across the state of Florida, as well as opening for Filipino acts such as Kuh Ledesma (known by her mother as Maria Socorro Ledesma) and Martin Nievera during American tours.
Malubay successfully auditioned for American Idol season 7 in August 2007 when she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. During the first Hollywood Round, she performed "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" by Aretha Franklin. During the second Hollywood Round, she performed "I've Got the Music in Me" by The Kiki Dee Band. She got a very positive reception after her performance of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" during top 24 week. Judge Randy Jackson called her performance "classy, almost like a pro," while Simon Cowell proclaimed that she "outsang every single person" that night. Cowell also named her "one of the top three singers in the competition" after her performance of "Don't Leave Me This Way" and also noted that she was "probably the most consistently good singer" during the Hollywood rounds. During top 20 week, Malubay performed "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Harold Melvin. During top 16 week, she performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins. During top 12 week, she performed "In My Life" by The Beatles. During top 11 week, she performed "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles. During top 10 week, she performed "Alone" by i-TEN. After performing "Do I Ever Cross My Mind" by Dolly Parton during top 9 week, she was eliminated from American Idol. After an emotional farewell, she did an encore of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" following her elimination. Malubay had never been in the bottom 3 prior to her elimination. During her time on American Idol, she was roommates with Syesha Mercado and Brooke White. It was frequently shown that a friendship formed between Malubay and American Idol semifinalists Danny Noriega and Kady Malloy, and third place finalist Syesha Mercado. Malubay also mentioned during her pre-performance video interview for Top 11 week that she had formed close bonds with fifth place finalist Brooke White and winner David Cook.
Malubay participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008, where she performed "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5, "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne, and "If I Never See Your Face Again" by Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna. She performed "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 with Chikezie Eze, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, Carly Smithson, and Brooke White. She expressed that she is willing to go to the Philippines to pursue her music career, following the footsteps of American Idol season 3 finalist Jasmine Trias. If she fails as a recording artist, Malubay intends to return to school and pursue acting.
Her appearances after her elimination from American Idol include Live with Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today show, The Sauce, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, Access Hollywood, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She expressed that she is willing to work with The Walt Disney Company during her appearance on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. On 2008, she was nominated as a Favorite TV Personality by the JC Penney Asian Excellence Awards. She performed in a concert in the Philippines with Ogie Alcasid and Pinoy Idol finalists Gretchen Espina, Jayann Bautista, Ram Chaves, and Robby Navarro in December 2007.
On November 14, 2009, Ramiele performed the "Star Spangled Banner" before the main boxing event between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Ángel Cotto at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. She was billed simply as "Ramiele".
Ramiele Macrohon Malubay was born to Roger Malubay and Alicia Macrohon on September 6, 1987, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, of Filipino heritage. She is of Ilocano descent. Upon the outbreak of the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Malubay's parents sent her to Manila, Philippines, the city where the final iteration of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011 was held. The family later relocated to the United States and currently reside in Miramar, Florida. She graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School, which was founded in 1996 and located near Broward County's C.B. Smith Park and the Walter C. Young Middle School and Resource Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She studied nursing at Broward College (formerly known as Broward Community College), a state college founded in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year college system and located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a member of the Florida College System.
Malubay started Polynesian Dancing when she was in the first grade and started singing at the age of twelve. At an early age Malubay started singing for various Filipino-American function across the state of Florida, as well as opening for Filipino acts such as Kuh Ledesma (known by her mother as Maria Socorro Ledesma) and Martin Nievera during American tours.
Malubay successfully auditioned for American Idol season 7 in August 2007 when she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. During the first Hollywood Round, she performed "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" by Aretha Franklin. During the second Hollywood Round, she performed "I've Got the Music in Me" by The Kiki Dee Band. She got a very positive reception after her performance of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" during top 24 week. Judge Randy Jackson called her performance "classy, almost like a pro," while Simon Cowell proclaimed that she "outsang every single person" that night. Cowell also named her "one of the top three singers in the competition" after her performance of "Don't Leave Me This Way" and also noted that she was "probably the most consistently good singer" during the Hollywood rounds. During top 20 week, Malubay performed "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Harold Melvin. During top 16 week, she performed "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" by Phil Collins. During top 12 week, she performed "In My Life" by The Beatles. During top 11 week, she performed "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles. During top 10 week, she performed "Alone" by i-TEN. After performing "Do I Ever Cross My Mind" by Dolly Parton during top 9 week, she was eliminated from American Idol. After an emotional farewell, she did an encore of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" following her elimination. Malubay had never been in the bottom 3 prior to her elimination. During her time on American Idol, she was roommates with Syesha Mercado and Brooke White. It was frequently shown that a friendship formed between Malubay and American Idol semifinalists Danny Noriega and Kady Malloy, and third place finalist Syesha Mercado. Malubay also mentioned during her pre-performance video interview for Top 11 week that she had formed close bonds with fifth place finalist Brooke White and winner David Cook.
Malubay participated in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008, where she performed "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5, "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne, and "If I Never See Your Face Again" by Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna. She performed "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 with Chikezie Eze, Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, Carly Smithson, and Brooke White. She expressed that she is willing to go to the Philippines to pursue her music career, following the footsteps of American Idol season 3 finalist Jasmine Trias. If she fails as a recording artist, Malubay intends to return to school and pursue acting.
Her appearances after her elimination from American Idol include Live with Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today show, The Sauce, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, Access Hollywood, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She expressed that she is willing to work with The Walt Disney Company during her appearance on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. On 2008, she was nominated as a Favorite TV Personality by the JC Penney Asian Excellence Awards. She performed in a concert in the Philippines with Ogie Alcasid and Pinoy Idol finalists Gretchen Espina, Jayann Bautista, Ram Chaves, and Robby Navarro in December 2007.
On November 14, 2009, Ramiele performed the "Star Spangled Banner" before the main boxing event between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Ángel Cotto at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. She was billed simply as "Ramiele".
Monday, November 14, 2011
#84 Camile Velasco
Next on my American Idol finalist countdown is my number 84 American Idol finalist Camile Velasco. She got ninth place on American Idol season 3. She is a quarter Irish, quarter Spanish, and half Filipino. Her music genres are acoustic pop, R&B, and reggae.
Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco was born on September 1, 1985, in Makati City, Philippines, and raised Haiku, Maui, located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. Before her stint on American Idol, she was a struggling songwriter and composer who worked at her parents' International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Restaurant in Kahului, Hawaii. She has since released a single with Universal/Motown Records, headlined events in California, Hawaii, and elsewhere in the world. She is currently signed to Up Above Records to complete her debut album.
Velasco auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, along with Jasmine Trias. The judges unanimously put her through to the Hollywood Round after praising her for her rendition of the chorus and bridge of "Ready or Not" by The Fugees, which contains a sample from a Delfonics song. Simon Cowell commented that she was "actually very good", assuring that Velasco that she did not need to be nervous. Randy Jackson added that he has loved the sound of Velasco's voice and that he "love the kinda dark quality of it." Finally, Paula Abdul stated that Velasco has "a real interesting tone" and that "You’re a beautiful, beautiful girl.” She encouraged Velasco not to be afraid to “let go” and to “know and own the fact that you’re really good.”
In the Hollywood round, Velasco sang several songs solo and performed "You Can't Hurry Love" in a group. She made it through to the top 32, in the second group of semifinalists. After her stirring performance of "One Last Cry" by Brian McKnight, Cowell stated that Velasco was "probably the best out of the group tonight." Before she left the stage, Randy Jackson requested that she infuse more of her hip-hop style into her next performance, and Velasco jovially replied, "I'll do it, baby."
At the results show, Velasco emerged as the top vote-getter in her group, just as Cowell had predicted, and she shed actual tears as she performed a reprise of "One Last Cry." Velasco quickly became the pride of Hawaii, and small-town Maui in particular, causing the islands to vote exponentially more than in previous years. Her return home before the finals was deeply emotional, as she was showered with support and physically covered with colorful leis.
On American Idol, Velasco’s trademark was a red, yellow and green Rastafarian wristband, which she continually wore on her left wrist as a good luck charm and as an homage to the reggae movement (and specifically her musical influences Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill). According to her, the three colors represented peace, happiness, and unity, respectively. Velasco also wore the 3rd Eye Vision logotype of the Hieroglyphics, a San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop crew, on several occasions, reflecting her love of the music and culture. In the media, Velasco became known for wearing self-designed apparel, and for being consistently unafraid to express her unique interests, conscious outlook, and sensitive ideology.
Vocally, Velasco was quickly classified as being hip-hop—a culture and style she certainly identified with (but was not limited to). In the competition, she was even likened to her musical influence Lauryn Hill, one of the most influential women in hip-hop—a comparison that nearly brought Velasco to tears. On top 12 week, she performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. On top 11 week, she performed "Desperado" by Eagles. On top 10 week, she performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, which would later be performed by Scotty McCreery on top 11 week of season 10. On top 9 week, she performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." She sang those songs in her own personal musical style, without consciously applying a particular genre to her performances.
However, on April 7, 2004, Velasco was eliminated from American Idol finishing in ninth place. She was in the bottom three with third-placer Jasmine Trias and runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Velasco and Trias were asked to perform one more time before Ryan Seacrest revealed the night's verdict.
Mostly due to increasingly harsh criticism from the judges, Velasco seemed to anticipate her departure. As a result, she became the first contestant to alter the lyrics of her song impromptu, substituting “the blues” with “I love you,” as she pointed to her fans in the audience and her fellow contestants, and replacing “back to the howling old owl in the woods” with “back to the island of Maui, at home.” Velasco kept her composure as her name was announced, but began to cry during her dedication video. As the show ended, the remaining finalists were quick to encircle her in a tight embrace.
Despite her departure from the show, Velasco’s fanbase continued to support her, hence becoming a cult favorite. She was inundated by gifts and letters, even months after her elimination. Since her stint on American Idol, Velasco has gained a reputation for engaging her fans, and patiently meeting with crowds of people, to the occasional dismay of the employees and management at certain venues. Velasco’s motto, however, is “love life” and she has consistently taken an appreciative, laid-back approach to each public event.
lthough she received criticism from the judges during the show’s finals, Velasco’s track on the American Idol Season 3 CD "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", was praised by music reviewers in New York and LA, and identified as the best track on the album by several major publications. It seemed to highlight her potential as a recording artist.
Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco was born on September 1, 1985, in Makati City, Philippines, and raised Haiku, Maui, located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. Before her stint on American Idol, she was a struggling songwriter and composer who worked at her parents' International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Restaurant in Kahului, Hawaii. She has since released a single with Universal/Motown Records, headlined events in California, Hawaii, and elsewhere in the world. She is currently signed to Up Above Records to complete her debut album.
Velasco auditioned for American Idol season 3 in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, along with Jasmine Trias. The judges unanimously put her through to the Hollywood Round after praising her for her rendition of the chorus and bridge of "Ready or Not" by The Fugees, which contains a sample from a Delfonics song. Simon Cowell commented that she was "actually very good", assuring that Velasco that she did not need to be nervous. Randy Jackson added that he has loved the sound of Velasco's voice and that he "love the kinda dark quality of it." Finally, Paula Abdul stated that Velasco has "a real interesting tone" and that "You’re a beautiful, beautiful girl.” She encouraged Velasco not to be afraid to “let go” and to “know and own the fact that you’re really good.”
In the Hollywood round, Velasco sang several songs solo and performed "You Can't Hurry Love" in a group. She made it through to the top 32, in the second group of semifinalists. After her stirring performance of "One Last Cry" by Brian McKnight, Cowell stated that Velasco was "probably the best out of the group tonight." Before she left the stage, Randy Jackson requested that she infuse more of her hip-hop style into her next performance, and Velasco jovially replied, "I'll do it, baby."
At the results show, Velasco emerged as the top vote-getter in her group, just as Cowell had predicted, and she shed actual tears as she performed a reprise of "One Last Cry." Velasco quickly became the pride of Hawaii, and small-town Maui in particular, causing the islands to vote exponentially more than in previous years. Her return home before the finals was deeply emotional, as she was showered with support and physically covered with colorful leis.
On American Idol, Velasco’s trademark was a red, yellow and green Rastafarian wristband, which she continually wore on her left wrist as a good luck charm and as an homage to the reggae movement (and specifically her musical influences Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill). According to her, the three colors represented peace, happiness, and unity, respectively. Velasco also wore the 3rd Eye Vision logotype of the Hieroglyphics, a San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop crew, on several occasions, reflecting her love of the music and culture. In the media, Velasco became known for wearing self-designed apparel, and for being consistently unafraid to express her unique interests, conscious outlook, and sensitive ideology.
Vocally, Velasco was quickly classified as being hip-hop—a culture and style she certainly identified with (but was not limited to). In the competition, she was even likened to her musical influence Lauryn Hill, one of the most influential women in hip-hop—a comparison that nearly brought Velasco to tears. On top 12 week, she performed "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. On top 11 week, she performed "Desperado" by Eagles. On top 10 week, she performed "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, which would later be performed by Scotty McCreery on top 11 week of season 10. On top 9 week, she performed "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." She sang those songs in her own personal musical style, without consciously applying a particular genre to her performances.
However, on April 7, 2004, Velasco was eliminated from American Idol finishing in ninth place. She was in the bottom three with third-placer Jasmine Trias and runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Velasco and Trias were asked to perform one more time before Ryan Seacrest revealed the night's verdict.
Mostly due to increasingly harsh criticism from the judges, Velasco seemed to anticipate her departure. As a result, she became the first contestant to alter the lyrics of her song impromptu, substituting “the blues” with “I love you,” as she pointed to her fans in the audience and her fellow contestants, and replacing “back to the howling old owl in the woods” with “back to the island of Maui, at home.” Velasco kept her composure as her name was announced, but began to cry during her dedication video. As the show ended, the remaining finalists were quick to encircle her in a tight embrace.
Despite her departure from the show, Velasco’s fanbase continued to support her, hence becoming a cult favorite. She was inundated by gifts and letters, even months after her elimination. Since her stint on American Idol, Velasco has gained a reputation for engaging her fans, and patiently meeting with crowds of people, to the occasional dismay of the employees and management at certain venues. Velasco’s motto, however, is “love life” and she has consistently taken an appreciative, laid-back approach to each public event.
lthough she received criticism from the judges during the show’s finals, Velasco’s track on the American Idol Season 3 CD "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", was praised by music reviewers in New York and LA, and identified as the best track on the album by several major publications. It seemed to highlight her potential as a recording artist.
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