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Age: 27

Hometown: New York, NY

Audition City: New Orleans

What's in your CD player right now? Robert Randolph and The Family Band - Unclassified.

What's your favorite type of music? Anything from New Orleans, especially The Meters.

When did you first start to sing?
I can't remember a time when I wasn't singing.

Do you have any formal singing training?
Yes, off and on through high school and college, and more recently I began studying "speech level singing," a technique created by vocal coach Seth Riggs.

What other talents do you have?
I studied theater in college, which included singing, acting, and dance training. I've taken piano and guitar lessons, and I play a mean kazoo.

If you don’t make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?
I'll keep writing and performing music with my band in New York.

What are your personal goals in life?
To make a living as a singer.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?
The Best of UB40 (Volumes I AND II!).

Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?
Fantasia Barrino.

Do you have any rituals or things you do each time before you perform?
No.

Favorite male pop artist?
Lenny Kravitz.

Favorite female pop artist?
Madonna.

Most embarrassing moment?
Losing a taco eating contest.

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?
I did an impromptu duet with Billy Joel of his song "Baby Grand" during my junior year at NYU. We got a standing ovation and he said that one day, someone would ask him if he'd heard of the new Judd Harris album.

If you couldn't sing, which talent would you most like to have?
I'd like to be funny.

What is your definition of an AMERICAN IDOL?
The winner of this here competition.

Who is your favorite judge and why?
Simon. I agree with him most of the time.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I do a pretty good Tina Turner impression.

How has this changed your life?
I've realized that I'm capable of being an even better performer than I thought.

Do you have any lucky charms?
Yes, a chicken bone and a miniature turtle.

Who are your heroes in life?
I've always looked up to my older brother.

What's been your toughest obstacle in life?
Myself. Overcoming self-defeating voices can be tough.

Do you think the audition process was fair?
Absolutely.

If you win, who will you thank first?
America!