"American Idol" contestants from Alabama have included, from left, Bo Bice, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Cameron McGhar. (FOX photos, ABC photo, right)
Can Alabama produce another winner on “American Idol’? Our state has a rich history on the reality series, with a scorecard that features two champs, two runners-up, several Top 10 contestants and more.
The TV singing competition has been around since 2002, and Season 20, which aired earlier this year, featured four -- count ‘em, four -- contenders from Alabama. Now “Idol” is holding virtual live auditions for next season, targeting all 50 states as part of an “Idol Across America” campaign that runs through mid-September.
Singers can audition for the show in other ways, as well: by posting a video on social media -- Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or Twitter -- or by uploading a video to the online audition portal. (More info here.)
“Idol” won’t be back on the air until spring 2023, but ABC has announced that Katy Perry, Luke Brian and Lionel Richie will be at the judges’ table. Host Ryan Seacrest is set to return, as well.
As we wait for Season 21, let’s take a look at 30 singers from Alabama who’ve made their marks on the show.
The list starts with Ruben Studdard, an R&B phenom who helped to put his home state on the reality TV map in Season 2. And for now, it ends with Tyler Allen, Tristen Gressett, Cadence Baker and Kezia “Lady K” Istonia, all of whom followed in Studdard’s footsteps during Season 20.
"American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, right, receives congratulations from Clay Aiken during the show's grand finale on May 21, 2003, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Burbank, Calif.Getty Images
When we saw him on TV: 2003, in Season 2.
Alabama connection: Studdard, a Birmingham resident, was known for shouting “205!” on camera, touting the area code for his hometown.
Standing on the show: Studdard won the “Idol” crown, besting Clay Aiken in the finals.
Good to know: Studdard earned the nickname “Velvet Teddy Bear” for his smooth vocal stylings and hefty physique. His coronation anthem, Westlife’s “Flying Without Wings,” was a winner, too. It reached the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 2003.
Diana DeGarmo, a Birmingham native, competed on "American Idol" in 2004 and took second place, losing to Fantasia Barrino.(Fox)
When we saw her on TV: 2004, in Season 3.
Alabama connection: DeGarmo, a Birmingham native, acknowledged her Alabama roots but claimed Snellville, Ga., as her hometown at the time. She pulled viewer votes from both cities, upping her profile in the competition.
Standing on the show: DeGarmo made the finals, but was bested by a vocal powerhouse, Fantasia Barrino.
Good to know: DeGarmo earned fans with her big voice and perky personality, covering songs that ranged from “Turn the Beat Around” to “Because You Loved Me.” She’d previously been a finalist on NBC’s “America’s Most Talented Kid.”
Leroy Wells, identified as a 22-year-old from Grand Bay, Alabama, overwhelmed and baffled the "American Idol" judges with his wacky audition in 2005. (FOX photo)
When we saw him on TV: 2005, in Season 4.
Alabama connection: Wells, a Grand Bay resident, baffled the judges (including guest judge Gene Simmons) during his audition. Wells engaged in wild stomp dancing, removed his metal teeth caps and answered questions in garbled “krunk-speak.” According to various news reports, he watched his TV audition from a Mobile jail. Wells continued to have legal troubles in later years, as well.
Standing on the show: Wells didn’t make it past the initial audition, but he made a splash with “Idol” fans who compared him to William Hung.
Good to know: In an “Idol” recap for AL.com, Lawrence Specker said: “When judges pushed (Wells) to actually sing something, he launched into James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good,’ complete with foot-stomping, hand-clapping percussion and vocal approximations of the tune’s horn riffs. ‘Dog, you ain’t right for this, man, but listen, we love you,’ said judge Randy Jackson, who seemed to enjoy the interlude immensely. ‘You are so entertaining and energetic and fun,’ judge Paula Abdul consoled, ‘but you know this isn’t the right competition.’ ‘It’s just ridiculous. I didn’t understand a word you said,’ said a stunned Simon Cowell, who’d been flabbergasted from the moment Wells bounced onstage talking about sandblasting paint for a living at a Bayou La Batre shipyard.”
Bo Bice, an Alabama native, competed on "American Idol" in 2005 and became a fan favorite. He earned runner-up status, finishing second to Carrie Underwood. (FOX photo)
When we saw him on TV: 2005, in Season 4.
Alabama connection: Bice, a Huntsville native, lived in Helena during his “Idol” run.
Standing on the show: Bice made the finals, coming in second to country singer Carrie Underwood.
Good to know: The long-haired singer-songwriter impressed judges with his quiet confidence and soulful vocals. He became a fan favorite, impressing viewers who wanted to see more of a rock sensibility on the show. Finest moment: Bice’s dramatic cover of “In a Dream” by Badlands.
"American Idol" finalist Taylor Hicks, from Birmingham, Ala., reacts after performing the song "Do I Make You Proud" at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, Tuesday, May 23, 2006. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
When we saw him on TV: 2006, in Season 5.
Alabama connection: Hicks is a Hoover native with strong ties to the Birmingham area.
Standing on the show: Hicks won the contest amid a blizzard of confetti, besting Katharine McPhee. He stood out during a season that was packed with talent, including Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Ace Young, Mandisa, Bucky Covington and Paris Bennett. Hicks’ coronation ballad was “Do I Make You Proud.”
Good to know: Hicks’ popularity on “Idol” helped to boost the show to its highest ratings ever. He became a sensation with his prematurely gray hair, charismatic personality and shouts of “Soul Patrol!”
When we saw him on TV: 2010, in Season 9.
Alabama connection: Honeycutt has roots in Rainsville.
Standing on the show: Honeycutt was eliminated during Hollywood week.
Good to know: Honeycutt’s audition with the judges wasn’t featured on the show, but he received some screen time in Hollywood when his group, The Phoenix, covered Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Song.”
Jesse Hamilton, from Anniston, Alabama, didn't fare well when he auditioned for "American Idol" in Season 9. (FOX photo)
When we saw him on TV: 2010, in Season 9.
Alabama connection: Hamilton is from Anniston.
Standing on the show: Hamilton was nixed by all of the celebrity judges during his audition, including guest judge Mary J. Blige. “Jesse, I mean, look, the whole thing was terrible,” Simon Cowell said. “You’re a nice guy, but this is absolutely not for you.”
Good to know: Hamilton, timid and off-key, attempted to cover Garth Brooks’ “The River” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” He was greeted with confusion, laughter and snark from the judges, who pegged this as a gag audition. “Idol” producers also lampooned Hamilton with a “cheap dramatization” of his life story and near-death experiences. “I thought that was kind of bad,” Hamilton told the Anniston Star. “They didn’t only make me look bad, they made my whole family look bad, and the whole state look bad.”
Paul McDonald, an Opelika native, competed on "American Idol" in 2011 and made the top eight. (FOX photo)
When we saw him on TV: 2011, in Season 10.
Alabama connection: McDonald, an Opelika native, is a graduate of Huntsville High School.
Standing on the show: McDonald finished his “Idol” run in eighth place.
Good to know: McDonald used his raspy voice and stage experience to impress judges and viewers, but he didn’t really fit the “Idol” mold in 2011. McDonald, a veteran of the Southeast nightclub scene, made the leap to national TV after fronting bands such as Hightide Blues and the Grand Magnolias.
Wade Brown of Harvest, Alabama, competed on "American Idol" in 2011 and earned a golden ticket to Hollywood. (AL.com file photo/The Huntsville Times)HVT
When we saw him on TV: 2011, in Season 10.
Alabama connection: Brown, from Harvest, was a senior at Sparkman High School during his “Idol” run.
Standing on the show: Brown was cut from the competition during Hollywood week. He didn’t receive a great deal of screen time, but later told reporters he made the top 50.
Good to know: His “Idol” experience didn’t sour Brown on reality TV. He earned a spot on “The Voice” in 2012, impressing CeeLo Green with a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” Brown, then a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, moved on to the battle rounds as part of Green’s team. He was cut after a duet performance of “True Colors.”
Lauren Turner, a Louisiana singer with strong ties to Mobile, competed on "American Idol" in 2011 and made the top 24. (FOX photo)
When we saw her on TV: 2011, in Season 10.
Alabama connection: Turner, a former Mobile resident, has family and strong roots in South Alabama.
Standing on the show: Turner sang her way to the top 24, but was cut when the contestant pool was narrowed to 10. Her performances included a dynamic cover of Etta James’ “Seven Day Fool.”
Good to know: She impressed the judges, including Randy Jackson, who said he was “blown away by the big voice, the whole thing.” Turner had lots of support from relatives in Mobile. Apparently, she had auditioned for the show in 2004, but never made it past the Hollywood round.
When we saw him on TV: 2013, in Season 12.
Alabama connection: Harris is a Montgomery native.
Standing on the show: Harris made the top 40, but was eliminated during a “sudden death” round in Las Vegas, when the list of male hopefuls was cut in half.
Good to know: Harris earned the nickname “Butter” from judge Randy Jackson, who admired Harris’ smooth vocals during an audition in San Antonio. Judge Nicki Minaj also praised Harris’ cover of “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams. “Every single solitary musical choice you made tonight was perfection,” Minaj said. " I really think you are the first boy tonight that made me go ‘yes, this vocal is 100 percent tonight.’”
When we saw him on TV: 2014, in Season 13.
Alabama connection: Nichols is from Tuscaloosa.
Standing on the show: Nichols auditioned on the “Idol” bus when it stopped in his hometown, and later auditioned for the show’s judges in Salt Lake City. He earned a golden ticket, but was cut during Hollywood week
Good to know: Nichols was among four Alabama contestants featured during an episode on auditions in Salt Lake City. The others were C.J. Harris, Dexter Roberts and Casey Thrasher. Jessica Meuse, another contestant from Alabama, was featured during the Atlanta auditions that year.
Jessica Meuse of Slapout, Alabama, competed on "American Idol" in 2014 and made the top four. (Fox photo)
When we saw her on TV: 2014, in Season 13.
Alabama connection: Meuse is from Slapout, north of Montgomery in Elmore County.
Standing on the show: Meuse finished in fourth place. The rock singer-songwriter distinguished herself by performing two original songs on “Idol” during her run: “Blue-Eyed Lie” and “Done.” Meuse had an up-and-down experience with the judges; they gave a united thumb’s up to her originals, but seemed lukewarm on several covers. Her skills shone through, however.
Good to know: In an interview with AL.com, Meuse talked about the inspirations for her songs, which have focused on troubled feelings, broken relationships, righteous indignation and other powerful subjects. “Songwriting to me, it really did start with anger,” she said. “Most people write about lovey-dovey stuff, and I only have two lovey-dovey songs out of maybe 60.”
C.J. Harris of Jasper, Alabama, competed on "American Idol" in 2014 and made the top six. (FOX photo)
When we saw him on TV: 2014, in Season 13.
Alabama connection: Harris is from Jasper.
Standing on the show: Harris finished in sixth place, behind Jess Meuse but a notch above Dexter Roberts.
Good to know: The country-soul singer earned fans with his real-deal authenticity and good-guy appeal. For that, all three judges gave him an enthusiastic thumb’s up. His run on the show was rocky, however, as Harris, a self-taught singer, struggled with his pitch. (A few years after his “Idol” run, Harris had a brush with the law. In 2016, he was arrested during a drug roundup in Walker County and charged with three counts of distribution of a controlled substance.)
Dexter Roberts, foreground, performed with Aloe Blacc, right, during the Season 13 finale of "American Idol" in Los Angeles. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Getty Images
When we saw him on TV: 2014, in Season 13.
Alabama connection: Roberts is from Fayette.
Standing on the show: Roberts took the seventh-place spot, behind C.J. Harris and Jess Meuse. Alabama had three contestants in the top 10 on Season 13, setting a record for the state.
Good to know: Roberts mined the “bro country” songbook during his run on the show, covering anthemic songs with party-hearty appeal. He raised a ruckus in his home state with a rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama,” tossing in a “Roll Tide!” for good measure. Although he earned kudos, the judges chastised him for the inability to “make a song your own.” Roberts reappeared on reality TV in 2019, taking third place on “The Voice.” He competed as a member of Blake Shelton’s team, covering tunes such as “Hurricane,” “Like a Cowboy,” “Believe” and “Something Like That.”
Casey Thrasher competed on "American Idol" in 2014 and 2015. During both seasons, he was was cut during Hollywood week. In 2015, Trasher made the top 48. (FOX photo)
When we saw him on TV: 2014, in Season 13; 2015, in Season 14.
Alabama connection: Thrasher is from Tuscaloosa.
Standing on the show: Thrasher made his first appearance on the reality series in 2014 competing alongside three other Alabama contestants -- Jess Meuse, Dexter Roberts and C.J. Harris -- during Season 13. He did pretty well, too, singing his way into the final 31. In 2015, Thrasher made it to the top 48. But he was rarely, if ever, shown on camera during Season 14.
Good to know: Thrasher was prominently featured on a preview trailer for Season 13, holding up his baby daughter and professing his desire to take care of his kids. His life hadn’t been easy, but his backstory was a strong selling point. Thrasher, the father of two young children, was living with the youngsters in a small room at his aunt’s house. He said he was determined to provide for his family and follow his dreams at the same time.
Erica Washington of Mobile made the top 48 on "American Idol" in 2015. (FOX photo)
When we saw her on TV: 2015, in Season 14.
Alabama connection: Washington is from Mobile.
Standing on the show: Washington made the top 48 during Hollywood week, but was cut during a round that resulted in the top 24.
Good to know: Washington, a gospel singer, was featured during an episode on auditions in New Orleans, pleasing the celebrity judges with her cover of Beyonce’s “Halo.” “You’re very talented. My favorite part is this thick sound you have,” said Harry Connick Jr. “That’s just a gift.” She earned a golden ticket, but received very little screen time during the Hollywood round. Washington kept folks informed on her progress via social media.
When we saw him on TV: 2015, in Season 14.
Alabama connection: Miles, a country singer, is from Phenix City.
Standing on the show: Miles was eliminated during Hollywood week, after a group performance. He had earned kudos during an initial solo round in Hollywood, for his cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
Good to know: Miles was one of the most memorable contestants during Season 14 auditions. He wowed the judges with his calm, heartfelt cover of “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. (“That guy was cool,” Harry Connick Jr. said.) Miles, blind from birth, said his composure partly was due to his inability to see the audience. However, his experience and talent ruled the day.
When we saw him on TV: 2015, in Season 14.
Alabama connection: Annello is from Springville.
Standing on the show: Annello, a high-energy performer with a theater background, earned a golden ticket with his audition, but was eliminated during Hollywood week after a solo performance of Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” (“Andrew’s bubble has burst,” announced host Ryan Seacrest.)
Good to know: Annello was one of several Alabama contestants who received golden tickets to Hollywood during Season 14. The list also included Garrett Miles, Erica Washington, Casey Thrasher, Alex Wilhelm and Laurel Taylor. Not all of them were featured on the show, but they did take the first step to “Idol” fame.
Shelbie Z. of Jasper competed on "American Idol" in 2016 and made the top 24. (FOX photo)
When we saw her on TV: 2016, in Season 15.
Alabama connection: Shelbie Z. -- full name Shelbie Zora James Panter -- is from Sumiton. She lived in Jasper during her “Idol” run.
Standing on the show: Shelbie Z. made the top 24, but was eliminated during a cut for the top 14. On her final episode, she performed a duet with “Idol” veteran Constantine Maroulis. Country rocker and classic rocker joined for a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a signature song for Maroulis during his “Idol” run in 2005.
Good to know: After earning fans on “The Voice” in 2013 as a member of Blake Shelton’s team, Shelbie Z. decided to try her luck and test her skills on “Idol.” “When I’m on stage and in front of a crowd, that passion just comes out,” she said in an interview with AL.com. “I’m confident. There’s a fine line between arrogance and confidence, but I’m extremely confident in my craft.” Shelbie Z. also prompted a bit of controversy during her time on “Idol,” due to a 2103 video for her original song, “Walker County Way.” The Confederate flag was prominently featured in the video and the song lyrics included this refrain: “We fly rebel flags of pride and we’re proud to say, it’s the Walker County way.”
(Note: “American Idol” aired on the FOX network from 2002 to 2016. After 15 seasons, it went off the air for a year in 2017. ABC picked up the show in 2018 and remains the home network.)
Dominique Posey of Birmingham competed on "American Idol" in 2018 and made the top 24. (ABC photo/Mark Levine)
When we saw him on TV: 2018, in Season 16.
Alabama connection: Posey is a Birmingham resident.
Standing on the show: Posey made the top 24 but was eliminated in a cut for the top 14.
Good to know: Posey displayed a compelling falsetto and the ability to handle everything from country to R&B. He prepared two songs to wow the judges during his audition: “Still the One” by Shania Twain and “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway. During his “Idol” run, he covered “Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus and Chaka Khan, and teamed with Aloe Blacc for a rendition of Blacc’s “Wake Me Up.”
When we saw him on TV: 2018, in Season 16.
Alabama connection: Elder, a singer-songwriter, was an Arab resident during his “Idol” run.
Standing on the show: Elder earned a golden ticket and survived the first few rounds of Hollywood week. He was eliminated in Hollywood during one of the final cuts there.
Good to know: Elder impressed the celebrity judges -- and tugged at the heartstrings -- with his performance of an original song, “Gone.” He talked about the inspiration for the song, saying his biological mother reportedly traded him for a car during his infancy. Elder was later adopted, and “Gone” is a tribute to his adoptive mom, Patricia Elder. She died in 2016 after a battle with breast cancer. “Man, that was amazing,” judge Lionel Richie said. “You wear your heart on your sleeve, which makes for great songwriting.”
Walker Burroughs, a Birmingham native, performed "Climb Ev'ry Mounain" as a member of the top 14 singers on Season 17 of "American Idol" in 2019.ABC/Eric McCandless
When we saw him on TV: 2019, in Season 17.
Alabama connection: Burroughs, a singer and keyboard player, is from Vestavia Hills, in the Birmingham metro area. During his “Idol” run, he was a student at Belmont University in Nashville, majoring in music education.
Standing on the show: Burroughs made the elite eight, but was eliminated during a cut for the top six.
Good to know: During his audition with the celebrity judges, Burroughs covered Ben Rector’s “Love Like This,” seated at the piano. “That is so natural and cool and effortless and dope,” judge Katy Perry said. “I think you’re top 10 material.” She remained a Burroughs fan throughout his time on “Idol,” offering a pop culture reference that stuck. “Harry Potter can sing!” Perry said.
Douglas Kiker, who lives in the Mobile area, competed on "American Idol" in 2020 and received support from Alabama native Lionel Richie. (ABC/Eliza Morse)ABC
When we saw him on TV: 2020, in Season 18.
Alabama connection: Kiker is a Greensboro native who moved to the Mobile area and settled in Grand Bay.
Standing on the show: Kiker earned a golden ticket to Hollywood -- and found fame with his viral audition -- but was eliminated during the Hollywood round. Kiker returned for a spot on the season finale.
Good to know: During his audition, Kiker told the judges he worked on a garbage truck and and had no singing experience. Kiker said was there to better his life and show his daughter he was somebody. His humble demeanor and raw vocal power won over all three judges, who offered encouragement and sent him to Hollywood. Kiker’s lack of polish was an issue, however, and he struggled to maintain his momentum after leaving the show. He was arrested in 2021 on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, then rebounded a year later, appearing in an independent film, “Garbage Man.”
Cameron McGhar, left, an aspiring singer from Clanton, Alabama, auditioned for "American Idol" during Season 19. Here, McGhar shares a smile with series host Ryan Seacrest.(ABC/John Fleenor)
When we saw her on TV: 2021, in Season 19.
Alabama connection: McGhar is from Clanton. During her time on “Idol,” she was a student at Chilton County High School.
Standing on the show: McGhar earned a golden ticket, but was eliminated during the first round of Hollywood week. “There’s things I was nervous about going into it,” McGhar said in an interview with AL.com. “But I’m strong-willed and I knew what I signed up for. There are long nights and not getting as much sleep, but you do the hard work and put in the effort.”
Good to know: During her audition for the celebrity judges, McGhar sang “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town and followed that with a vignette from Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).” Throughout McGhar’s audition, “Roll Tide!” was a running theme, partly because she hails from Alabama, and partly because Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were sparring about football in a good-natured way.
Kari Erickson, a teen from Alabama, competed on the March 22, 2021 episode of "American Idol."(ABC/Eric McCandless)
When we saw her on TV: 2021, in Season 19.
Alabama connection: During her “Idol” run, Erickson was a junior at Hartselle High School.
Standing on the show: Erickson earned a golden ticket, but was eliminated during the duets round of Hollywood week. She was featured on the show in one episode, singing Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar” with a fellow contestant.
Good to know: Erickson describes herself as a “professional dancer/singer/actress/model” on her Facebook page. She was named Miss Quad Cities Outstanding Teen in 2020 and Miss River Cities Outstanding Teen in 2019.
Alabama's Kezia "Lady K" Istonia performed on Disney Night of "American Idol" on May 1, 2022. She covered "How Far I'll Go" from the movie "Moana." (ABC/Raymond Liu)
When we saw her on TV: 2022, in Season 20.
Alabama connection: Lady K, originally from Montgomery, was a Tuskegee resident during her time on “Idol.” That gave her a special link to one of the “Idol” judges. Lionel Richie was born and raised in Tuskegee, and the veteran star has an enduring affection for his hometown.
Standing on the show: Lady K left the show as a member of the top 10. She delivered a “stunning vocal” on Disney Night, judge Katy Perry said. But the cover of “How Far I’ll Go,” a song from the soundtrack of “Moana,” wasn’t enough to keep her in the competition. Although pegged as an R&B singer, Lady K said she wanted to be versatile, handling pop, country and more.
Good to know: During Lady K’s initial audition with the judges, she revealed a personal tragedy, talking about tough times her family had experienced. Her mother struggled to support five children and they ended up living in a shelter, Lady K said. She also mourned her brother’s death. “I knew that we all had it hard, but at some point, it was all just too much for my brother,” Lady K said. “My brother died by suicide and that was one of the hardest things that my family ever had to go through. It was hard to decide if paying rent was going to come first, because we needed somewhere to live, or paying for a funeral because we don’t have our brother anymore.”
Alabama's Tristen Gressett sang "You Can't Always Get What You Want" as a Top 14 contestant on Season 20 of "American Idol." The song was chosen for him by judge Lionel Richie. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
When we saw him on TV: 2022, in Season 20.
Alabama connection: Gressett, a high-octane singer and guitarist, is from Pell City. Gressett told AL.com he planned to move to Los Angeles in August 2022.
Standing on the show: Gressett made the Top 11, leaving just before a cutoff that would have allowed him to return for the season finale. “I feel amazing about the whole experience,” Gressett said in an interview with AL.com. “The only thing is, I wish I could go back and do it all over again.”
Good to know: Gressett’s initial audition with the judges was flamboyant and over the top, causing all three to raise their eyebrows. They recognized his talent, however, and gave him a shot in Hollywood. Gressett listened to their advice and soon found his groove, covering songs by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Katy Perry, in particular, gave Gressett her seal of approval, calling his performances “freaky-deaky,” “authentic” and “real.”
Alabama's Cadence Baker made the top 20 on Season 20 of "American Idol." "All the contestants, we got so close," Baker told AL.com. "When I had to leave the show, I was leaving a part of my family. That's what broke me the most." (ABC/Eric McCandless)
When we saw her on TV: 2022, in Season 20.
Alabama connection: Baker is from Florence, in the Shoals. She’s the granddaughter of songwriter Gary Baker – a Grammy winner for “I Swear” and a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame – and the daughter of Shane Baker, former lead singer for the Christian rock band Cadence. She’s a 2021 graduate of Florence High School.
Standing on the show: Baker made the top 20, but was eliminated during a cut for the top 14.
Good to know: Baker’s initial audition with the judges was released in advance, giving her an early boost (and tremendous buzz) on the show. The teen’s jazzy cover of a Whitney Houston hit, “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” thrilled the “Idol” judges, who responded with raptures and kudos. Baker’s dad accompanied her on guitar for the audition, prompting extra praise.
Tyler Allen of Mobile is shown during an audition for "American Idol." He will be featured in the season premiere of the show's 20th season on Feb. 27, 2022. (ABC/Eric McCandless)ABC
When we saw him on TV: 2022, in Season 20.
Alabama connection: Allen is from Mobile. He’s a Davidson High School graduate who attended Bishop State Community College before entering the University of Mobile. After his “Idol” run, Allen moved to Memphis and became assistant pastor at Integrity Family Life Center.
Standing on the show: Allen earned a golden ticket, but was cut during the Hollywood round, when the list of 59 singers was pared to 24. Allen wasn’t featured on TV during Hollywood week, but kept folks informed of his progress on social media.
Good to know: Allen’s audition with the judges was featured prominently in the Season 20 premiere. He dedicated “I Believe in You and Me,” a Four Tops song turned into a hit by Whitney Houston, to his nephew Noah Brown, who died at age 1 in a car crash. “My nephew was my heart, my joy. I dedicated my entire audition to him,” Allen said in an interview with AL.com.
Over the years, “American Idol” has seen Alabama contestants such as Kristi Quinnie of Fairfield, Bethany Tanner of Prattville, Emily DeLoach of Birmingham, Natalie Moon of Helena, Eddie Soltys of Birmingham, Brandon Cox of Wetumpka, Alex Wilhelm of Daphne, Laurel Taylor of Tallassee, Steffi Ledbetter of Auburn, Brittany Smith of Madison and Samuel Swanson of Pine Level. All received golden tickets to Hollywood, but they received little screen time and never became visible contenders on the show.
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