CharityLynn
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2004
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AOL has 2 articles about past Idol contestants.
http://tmz.aol.com/article1?id=20060117180509990006
(Jan. 18) -- If 'American Idol' is a reality show, then the harsh reality is that most of the finalists struggle to pay their bills once their time in the sun is over. For Jim Verraros, his time "in the sun" proved to be ironic.
"Three months after I was on the 'American Idol' tour," says Verraros, "I was working in a tanning salon. I had to deal with people coming into the salon saying, "Weren't you that dude on 'American Idol'?" I got through those kinds of hard experiences with music."
When 'American Idol' debuted in 2002, Verraros was one of the most recognizable finalists on the show, thanks in large part to his memorable audition in which he talked about having deaf parents.
"When I watch 'American Idol' now," Verarros tells TMZ, "I have to smirk because these contestants have no idea what they're getting themselves into."
A native of the Chicago area, Verraros went from being on the cover of TV Guide in 2002 to now performing at bridal expos. It's not exactly a cruise ship, but it's pretty close.
Vanessa Olivarez's post-'Idol' career has also been tough. A contestant on the show's second season, Olivarez got her first cold hard slap of 'Idol' reality when she was excluded from the 'American Idol' tour.
Olivarez may be best remembered for her wildly colored hair (usually pink or bright red) and being criticized by 'Idol' judge Simon Cowell, who urged her to lose weight.
After being shut out of the 'American Idol' tour, Olivarez went on a Coca-Cola promotional tour, performing at shopping malls with other former 'Idol' contestants, including Verraros, Charles Grigsby, Ejay Day, RJ Helton and Kristin Holt. She did score some modest success by starring in the Toronto production of 'Hairspray' in 2004.
But sadly, by October 2005, Olivarez was back in her hometown of Atlanta performing to much smaller audiences at a puppet-theater show called 'Something Wicked.' Olivarez wasn't even recognizable in the show since she had to perform wearing a hooded mask.
But still she puts a positive spin on the experience: "It's so much harder to do puppetry than people think. I'm really glad I did it."
Olivarez is still pursuing a music career, working on solo material and her new band, Butterfly Stitch. But as for a record deal, she still doesn't have one.
Carmen Rasmusen, a finalist on 'Idol's' second season, was a favorite of judge Cowell. He championed her even when she was widely criticized for being one of the weakest singers in that season's group of finalists.
Salt Lake City native Rasmusen, who was 18 years old when she was an 'Idol' finalist in 2003, tells TMZ that she spent practically all of the money she made from 'Idol' on a college education which she has since abandoned.
"I went to Brigham Young University for a year," Rasmusen says, "and then I decided college wasn't for me because I wanted to pursue a career in entertainment. I lived off my 'Idol' money and I've had to live off of my savings." A big entertainment career has proven elusive. Rasmusen and Verraros both released indie records with very little sales success.
Rasmusen, who got married last month, says her husband, a marketing student who has a full-time job, is the sole breadwinner in their household. She has, however, found a way to trade in on her fame -- by appearing with other former reality stars on NBC's 'Fear Factor,' in episodes that will start airing in late March.
And #2
http://tmz.aol.com/article1?id=20060117181909990004
(Jan. 18) -- When it comes to scoring a record deal, the last two standing on 'American Idol' have it made. The winner is guaranteed a record deal with Sony BMG, while those who come in second end up with similar record deals on one of Sony BMG's labels.
But what about the finalists who didn't make it to the top two spots?
Tamyra Gray: An early favorite in the first season, Gray's chances of winning were shattered when she gave a rare substandard performance in one episode, which led to her elimination. Since 'Idol,' she's done TV ('Boston Public'), Broadway ('Bombay Dreams') and released her 2004 debut album, 'The Dreamer' (on 19/Universal Records), which was a modest hit.
Ryan Starr: She auditioned for 'American Idol' under her real name, Tiffany Montgomery, but by the time she made it to the semi-finals in season one, she had changed her name to Ryan Starr. Since the show, Starr has been into stark "reality" more than singing. She appeared on VH1's 'The Surreal Life' and Bravo's 'Battle of the Network Reality Stars.' As for that debut album that Starr has been talking about for years? It has yet to be released.
Kimberly Caldwell: She may be best remembered on 'Idol' as the feisty blonde who excelled at rock. She even had a brief romance with fellow season two contestant J.D. Adams while they were on the show. These days, Caldwell has made her mark on TV -- she's currently a correspondent for the TV Guide Channel.
Josh Gracin: Also known as "The Singing Marine," Gracin was enlisted in the Marines when he auditioned for 'Idol.' During the finals of 'Idol's' second season, it was touch and go as America wondered if Gracin would be shipped off to war. He never went overseas, but he did go far in his music career. Gracin released a self-titled album on Lyric Street Records in 2004, which was a hit on the country charts. He's currently on tour.
Kimberley Locke: After all the Clay versus Ruben hoopla in the second season, it was easy to forget Locke, who came in third. She released her debut album, 'One Love,' on Curb Records in 2004. It produced the hit '8th World Wonder,' which peaked at No. 49 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. Locke has since signed on as a spokesmodel for plus-sized women's retailer Lane Bryant, and is planning to release a second album this spring.
Camile Velasco: The husky-voiced singer from Hawaii had a deal with Motown/Universal, which released her first single, 'Hangin' On,' last year. Velasco is currently looking for a new record deal and is writing songs for her debut album. Last year, she landed a starring role in an Akron, Ohio, production of 'Footloose,' but, according to the show's producers, she abruptly quit after only a few days of rehearsals to promote her single. She tells TMZ that she doesn't have an agent or manager and is currently booking her own gigs.
John Stevens: The baby-faced, red-haired crooner from the third season released his debut album, 'Red,' on Maverick Records last year. Unfortunately, Stevens' attempt to become the next Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr. failed miserably. The album didn't even make it on Billboard's main album chart, although it was a modest hit on Billboard's jazz chart.
Jasmine Trias: The other Hawaiian finalist from season three, Trias was known for always performing with a flower in her hair. But her self-titled album released independently last year, couldn't make a dent on Billboard's mainstream charts. Based on the bomb sales for her album, Trias may need to say goodbye to dreams of being a pop star and aloha to other career choices.
Constantine Maroulis: The other rocker finalist from 'Idol's' fourth season (next to second-placer Bo Bice), Maroulis has been juggling his solo projects and work with Pray for the Soul of Betty, the band he fronted before auditioning for 'Idol.' Pray for the Soul of Betty, which had been self-releasing its albums, scored a deal with indie label Koch Records last year, and released a self-titled album which became the first of the band's records to make it on the Billboard album chart (it peaked at No. 129). Maroulis is also working on a solo album. Last year, he contributed his version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' to the Queen tribute album 'Killer Queen.' He's also signed a development deal with Kelsey Grammer's production company to star in a still-untitled TV family drama.
Mario Vazquez: Vazquez made headlines last year when he became the first 'Idol' Top 12 finalist to quit the show. He got a ton of publicity out of it, and apparently it worked. After doing a private audition for music mogul Clive Davis, Vazquez was signed to Davis' J Records. Vazquez's debut album will be released this year, and chances are good that he'll have a more successful career than most of the other finalists from season four.
I myself liked Vanessa and Carmen and am sad to hear they are where they are. But such is life. lol I love hearing where are they now stories so i thought I'd share them wioth you all.
http://tmz.aol.com/article1?id=20060117180509990006
(Jan. 18) -- If 'American Idol' is a reality show, then the harsh reality is that most of the finalists struggle to pay their bills once their time in the sun is over. For Jim Verraros, his time "in the sun" proved to be ironic.
"Three months after I was on the 'American Idol' tour," says Verraros, "I was working in a tanning salon. I had to deal with people coming into the salon saying, "Weren't you that dude on 'American Idol'?" I got through those kinds of hard experiences with music."
When 'American Idol' debuted in 2002, Verraros was one of the most recognizable finalists on the show, thanks in large part to his memorable audition in which he talked about having deaf parents.
"When I watch 'American Idol' now," Verarros tells TMZ, "I have to smirk because these contestants have no idea what they're getting themselves into."
A native of the Chicago area, Verraros went from being on the cover of TV Guide in 2002 to now performing at bridal expos. It's not exactly a cruise ship, but it's pretty close.
Vanessa Olivarez's post-'Idol' career has also been tough. A contestant on the show's second season, Olivarez got her first cold hard slap of 'Idol' reality when she was excluded from the 'American Idol' tour.
Olivarez may be best remembered for her wildly colored hair (usually pink or bright red) and being criticized by 'Idol' judge Simon Cowell, who urged her to lose weight.
After being shut out of the 'American Idol' tour, Olivarez went on a Coca-Cola promotional tour, performing at shopping malls with other former 'Idol' contestants, including Verraros, Charles Grigsby, Ejay Day, RJ Helton and Kristin Holt. She did score some modest success by starring in the Toronto production of 'Hairspray' in 2004.
But sadly, by October 2005, Olivarez was back in her hometown of Atlanta performing to much smaller audiences at a puppet-theater show called 'Something Wicked.' Olivarez wasn't even recognizable in the show since she had to perform wearing a hooded mask.
But still she puts a positive spin on the experience: "It's so much harder to do puppetry than people think. I'm really glad I did it."
Olivarez is still pursuing a music career, working on solo material and her new band, Butterfly Stitch. But as for a record deal, she still doesn't have one.
Carmen Rasmusen, a finalist on 'Idol's' second season, was a favorite of judge Cowell. He championed her even when she was widely criticized for being one of the weakest singers in that season's group of finalists.
Salt Lake City native Rasmusen, who was 18 years old when she was an 'Idol' finalist in 2003, tells TMZ that she spent practically all of the money she made from 'Idol' on a college education which she has since abandoned.
"I went to Brigham Young University for a year," Rasmusen says, "and then I decided college wasn't for me because I wanted to pursue a career in entertainment. I lived off my 'Idol' money and I've had to live off of my savings." A big entertainment career has proven elusive. Rasmusen and Verraros both released indie records with very little sales success.
Rasmusen, who got married last month, says her husband, a marketing student who has a full-time job, is the sole breadwinner in their household. She has, however, found a way to trade in on her fame -- by appearing with other former reality stars on NBC's 'Fear Factor,' in episodes that will start airing in late March.
And #2
http://tmz.aol.com/article1?id=20060117181909990004
(Jan. 18) -- When it comes to scoring a record deal, the last two standing on 'American Idol' have it made. The winner is guaranteed a record deal with Sony BMG, while those who come in second end up with similar record deals on one of Sony BMG's labels.
But what about the finalists who didn't make it to the top two spots?
Tamyra Gray: An early favorite in the first season, Gray's chances of winning were shattered when she gave a rare substandard performance in one episode, which led to her elimination. Since 'Idol,' she's done TV ('Boston Public'), Broadway ('Bombay Dreams') and released her 2004 debut album, 'The Dreamer' (on 19/Universal Records), which was a modest hit.
Ryan Starr: She auditioned for 'American Idol' under her real name, Tiffany Montgomery, but by the time she made it to the semi-finals in season one, she had changed her name to Ryan Starr. Since the show, Starr has been into stark "reality" more than singing. She appeared on VH1's 'The Surreal Life' and Bravo's 'Battle of the Network Reality Stars.' As for that debut album that Starr has been talking about for years? It has yet to be released.
Kimberly Caldwell: She may be best remembered on 'Idol' as the feisty blonde who excelled at rock. She even had a brief romance with fellow season two contestant J.D. Adams while they were on the show. These days, Caldwell has made her mark on TV -- she's currently a correspondent for the TV Guide Channel.
Josh Gracin: Also known as "The Singing Marine," Gracin was enlisted in the Marines when he auditioned for 'Idol.' During the finals of 'Idol's' second season, it was touch and go as America wondered if Gracin would be shipped off to war. He never went overseas, but he did go far in his music career. Gracin released a self-titled album on Lyric Street Records in 2004, which was a hit on the country charts. He's currently on tour.
Kimberley Locke: After all the Clay versus Ruben hoopla in the second season, it was easy to forget Locke, who came in third. She released her debut album, 'One Love,' on Curb Records in 2004. It produced the hit '8th World Wonder,' which peaked at No. 49 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. Locke has since signed on as a spokesmodel for plus-sized women's retailer Lane Bryant, and is planning to release a second album this spring.
Camile Velasco: The husky-voiced singer from Hawaii had a deal with Motown/Universal, which released her first single, 'Hangin' On,' last year. Velasco is currently looking for a new record deal and is writing songs for her debut album. Last year, she landed a starring role in an Akron, Ohio, production of 'Footloose,' but, according to the show's producers, she abruptly quit after only a few days of rehearsals to promote her single. She tells TMZ that she doesn't have an agent or manager and is currently booking her own gigs.
John Stevens: The baby-faced, red-haired crooner from the third season released his debut album, 'Red,' on Maverick Records last year. Unfortunately, Stevens' attempt to become the next Michael Buble or Harry Connick Jr. failed miserably. The album didn't even make it on Billboard's main album chart, although it was a modest hit on Billboard's jazz chart.
Jasmine Trias: The other Hawaiian finalist from season three, Trias was known for always performing with a flower in her hair. But her self-titled album released independently last year, couldn't make a dent on Billboard's mainstream charts. Based on the bomb sales for her album, Trias may need to say goodbye to dreams of being a pop star and aloha to other career choices.
Constantine Maroulis: The other rocker finalist from 'Idol's' fourth season (next to second-placer Bo Bice), Maroulis has been juggling his solo projects and work with Pray for the Soul of Betty, the band he fronted before auditioning for 'Idol.' Pray for the Soul of Betty, which had been self-releasing its albums, scored a deal with indie label Koch Records last year, and released a self-titled album which became the first of the band's records to make it on the Billboard album chart (it peaked at No. 129). Maroulis is also working on a solo album. Last year, he contributed his version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' to the Queen tribute album 'Killer Queen.' He's also signed a development deal with Kelsey Grammer's production company to star in a still-untitled TV family drama.
Mario Vazquez: Vazquez made headlines last year when he became the first 'Idol' Top 12 finalist to quit the show. He got a ton of publicity out of it, and apparently it worked. After doing a private audition for music mogul Clive Davis, Vazquez was signed to Davis' J Records. Vazquez's debut album will be released this year, and chances are good that he'll have a more successful career than most of the other finalists from season four.
I myself liked Vanessa and Carmen and am sad to hear they are where they are. But such is life. lol I love hearing where are they now stories so i thought I'd share them wioth you all.
