American Idol 8 Contestant’s Profiles

Allison Iraheta

Allison Iraheta is one of the youngest American Idol bets. This 16-year old girl has been singing since the age of 5, and now, her years of training are finally paying off. Allison auditioned for American Idol in San Francisco. She sang a popular choice for Idol aspirants – “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. She impressed the judges, leaving San Francisco with a big smile and a golden ticket to Hollywood.

This high school student is no newbie to reality shows. In 2006 she joined an idol-like telemundo reality show called Quinaceañera. She has also been in a few commercials, and has been singing for many years. She has been awarded the “Celebrate Life with Hope” award from Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Allison also sang at the benefit with pop icon, Babyface. Her background gives her a definite edge in this competition.

Truly, Allison is on the road to fame. The Los Angeles native even has got her own fan site even before she joined American Idol! Allison claims that she has always been an American Idol fan, and has been watching since the beginning of the show. Now it is her time to be in it.

As idol progresses, she continues to gather fans who root for her idol success. Her rendition of the popular song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was impressive. She sang the song her own style and moved the audience in awe. Allison Iraheta earned a spot in the top 36. She was in the second group that vied to get into the Top 12 finalists of American Idol Season 8. (more…)

Alexis Grace

One glance at Alexis Grace and there is certainly no doubt that this young, talented, and vibrant girl would charm her way into your heart. A resident of Memphis, Alexis tried her luck and auditioned for American Idol in Louisville, Kentucky. She belted out Aretha Franklin’s “Dr. Feelgood” showing off her soulful vocals and wowing the four judges.

“Pretty good voice. Different from what I thought would come out of you,” Randy remarked. Alexis Grace’s voice is truly surprising for a petite girl. She impressed the judges with her strong voice, though lacking in stage presence. The Hollywood hopeful left the audition room with a golden ticket and a shining new hope to become the next American Idol.

Alexis may seem young and innocent, but this 20-year old girl has been through her share of life -changing experiences. She gave birth when she was 19 years old, and is presently engaged to be married to the father of her daughter. A musician at heart, Alexis has been singing since she was 7 years old. She was a part of the University of Memphis Concert Choir, establishing her roots as a singer.

During her audition, Kara and Paula gave her an advice that proved to be good in the end, “Don’t wear pink, just dirty yourself.” And so she did.

Alexis took to heart each word said by the judges. She got rid of her girl-next-door looks. She breezed through Hollywood week, making it to the top 36. Alexis successfully revitalized herself. She “dirtied” up her look, and was able to establish her stage presence when she performed “Never loved a Man” by Aretha Franklin. She was able to do what American Idol contestants aimed to do – she took a classic song and was able to make it her own. (more…)