As season seven draws to a close on May 21, Billboard.com's Fred Bronson got the skinny from each of the show'stop 10 finalists for a bit of history, reflection on their AI experience and each contestant's hopes and dreams for the future.
Check out words from David Cook, David Archuleta, Sayesha Mercado, Brooke White, Chikezie, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Jason Castro, Ramiele Malubay and Kristy Lee Cook below.
DAVID ARCHULETAJust seventeen, David Archuleta is the youngest contestant still in the running to win season seven of "American Idol." In this exclusive Billboard interview, the Utah native opens up about the vocal paralysis that almost kept him from singing, singing for season one "Idol" contestants, mulling careers in medicine and how he'd still like to go to college. Read More
SYESHA MERCADOSyesha Mercado, who has sung everything from the Beatles' "Yesterday" to Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe," is the last woman standing among the season seven "American Idol" final four. In this exclusive interview, the 21-year old from Sarasota, Florida opens up about the lessons she's learned while doing the show, her musical family and her plans for the future. Read More
JASON CASTRODreadlocked 20-year-old Jason Castro's rendition of everything from Neil Diamond's "Forever in Blue Jeans" to a popular version of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" has helped earn him a place in the final four of the seventh season of "American Idol. In this exclusive Billboard interview, the Texan talks about how working with the show's big-name mentors has been weird but cool, how he started off as a drummer, and how he "can't even wrap his mind around" his growing fanbase. Read More
DAVID COOKDavid Cook only decided to audition alongside his younger brother at the last minute, but now the 25-year-old is among the last four singers in the season seven competition. Having sung everything from Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" to Free's "All Right Now," the Missouri native sat down for an exclusive Billboard interview, revealing how he chooses his songs, how former contestant Michael Johns' departure was a wake up call, and how "Idol" fans' interest in him has been "awe inspiring" and how the whole experience has been "vindicating."Read More
MICHAEL JOHNSAt 29, Michael Johns made it into the final rounds of "American Idol" at the last possible year he could, due to age constraints. The Aussie sat down with Billboard to discuss his label luck, tennis and being one of the few married finalists on AI. Read More
CARLY SMITHSONCarly Smithson wasn't much like a lot of "American Idol" finalists: she had a rock edge, a load of tattoos and even had a record label deal before she joined the show. Read up on her international past, her plans for the Broadway stage and her former alliance with MCA. Read More
BROOKE WHITEFrom smiles to tears and everything in between, Brooke White was one of the most emotionally charismatic finalists on "American Idol" this season. Billboard chatted with the Arizona native about her musical background and her dreams post-AI. Read More
RAMIELE MALUBAYAt only 4'11", Ramiele Malubay packs a mean punch with her big voice. Born in the Middle East, almost becoming Mulan and bracing for the tour, the spunky 24 reveals more about her experience on AI. Read More
KRISTY LEE COOKKristy Lee Cook may be from Oregon, but she gave her AI appearance a hearty Texas try. The 24-year-old talks to Billboard on her experiences in the Lone Star State, being formerly signed to a major and her interest in martial arts. Read More
CHIKEZIEAt 22, California native Chikezie proved to be one of the most mature contestants in this seventh season. With his faith in check, and a love of the Beatles and bluegrass, this young singer discusses his aspirations that go well beyond his age. Read More
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