Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > February > 14 > Entry
2/14: The mini-bios of the top 24
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fox sent out a press release with brief bios of each of the 24 semifinalists. Note that the show still isn’t referencing past record contracts that the likes of Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Lee Johns and Carly Hennessy Smithson have had. And they again make it sound like Michael lived in Buckhead, GA, a small town more than 50 miles east of Atlanta when in fact he lived in the Buckhead adjoining Midtown which isn’t a separate city.
I’m going to procure phone interviews with both Alex and Michael soon. Here’s the video of the top 24 photo shoot.. There are individual interviews with each of the top 24 on the site as well, an effort obviously for folks to get to know them better up front. Lots of photos, too.
Meet  AMERICAN IDOL Top Semifinalists:
Male singers scheduled to perform Tuesday, Feb. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:
David Archuleta (17) - Born in Miami, FL, but grew up in Murray, UT. Â Archuleta began singing at age 7. Currently a junior at Murray High School, he has performed with an a cappella choir group and plays the piano.
Colton Berry (18) - Currently lives in Staunton, VA. Berry is a senior at Wilson Memorial High School. He began singing in church when he was 5 years old. Active in community theatre, he also mentors children in a music class at a local elementary school.
Robbie Carrico (26) - Currently lives in Melbourne, FL. Carrico began singing at age 16. He has been a member of two groups, Boyz IV Girlz and Missing Picket. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, he was working as a painter with his father. In his spare time, Carrico enjoys racing cars.  Jason Castro (20) - Currently lives in Rockwall, TX, but was born in Dallas and raised in Rowlett, TX. Castro grew up playing drums and played in a band called Keeping Lions. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, Castro was majoring in Construction Science at Texas A&M University.  David Cook (25) - Currently lives in Tulsa, OK, but grew up in Blue Springs, MO. Cook was born in Houston and graduated from Central Missouri State University in 2006. He has been singing since he was in the 2nd grade and also plays the guitar. Cook was a member of two bands, Axium and MWK.
Chikezie Eze (22) - Currently lives in Inglewood, CA. Eze began singing when he was 13 years old. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, he was a T.S.A. (Transportation Security Administration) screener and a cashier. He also studied singing at Santa Monica College.
Garrett Haley (17) - Currently lives in Elida, OH, but spent his early years in Alamosa, CO. Haley is a junior at Elida High School. He began singing in elementary school and has performed in local talent shows and high school musicals.
David Hernandez (24) - Born and raised in Glendale, AZ. Hernandez began singing at age 6. He has performed at Urban Network Events, “Arizona Idol” and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. He has been a member of the bands Tribét and Straight Up.
Michael Johns (29) - Currently lives in Los Angeles, but was born in Perth, Australia. Johns moved to the U.S. in 1998 to attend Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, GA, then moved to Buckhead, GA outside of Atlanta to pursue singing. Johns began singing at the age of 5 and also plays the guitar. He was a member of a band called The Rising.
Luke Menard (29) - Born and raised in Crawfordsville, IN. Menard began singing when he was a freshman in high school. He earned a B.A. in Communications from Millikin University in Decatur, IL, and worked for a finance company in Chicago. After realizing that was not the job for him, Menard began touring with an a cappella group called Chapter 6.
Danny Noriega (18) - Currently lives in Azusa, CA. Noriega has been singing his entire life. Prior to auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, Noriega had recently graduated from high school. In his spare time he likes to dance and make people laugh. He also loves animals.
Jason Yeager (28) - Currently resides in Branson, MO, although his hometown is Grand Prairie, TX. Yeager began singing when he was 2 years old. He was a member of a boy band called True This. He also plays guitar, piano and drums.
Female singers scheduled to perform Wednesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:
Joanne Borgella (25) - Currently lives in Hoboken, NJ, although born and raised in NY. Borgella has been singing since she was 3 years old. Before auditioning for IDOL, she was a plus size model. In her spare time she makes jewelry and designs clothes.  Kristy Lee Cook (24) - Currently lives in Selma, OR, but was born in Seattle, WA. Cook has sung for crowds since she was 13 years old. Prior to auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, Cook raised and trained horses. She plays the piano and was a member of the band Sixshooter.
Amy Davis (25) - Currently lives in Cedar Lake, IN, but was raised in Lowell, IN. Davis is a graduate student at Purdue University where she previously earned a B.S. in Horticulture. She began singing for her family at age 5 and has since performed with numerous groups, including the Amy Davis Trio and Echoes of Pompeii, a Pink Floyd tribute band.Â
Asia’h Epperson (19) - Born and raised in Joplin, MO. Epperson has been singing since she was 3 years old. Before IDOL, she was a waitress at two restaurants in Joplin. In her spare time, Epperson enjoys dancing and acting and also has a passion for makeup and fashion.
Alexandréa Lushington (17) - Currently lives in Douglasville, GA. Lushington began singing in her grandfather’s church when she was just 2 years old. She is currently a junior at Douglas County High School, where she sings in the school choir and is a member of the drama club. Lushington also plays the piano.
Kady Malloy (18) - Born and raised in Houston, TX. Malloy started singing as soon as she could talk. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, she was singing in local restaurants and attending community college. Malloy has a knack for vocal impressions and also plays the tambourine.
Ramiele Malubay (20) - Currently lives in Miramar, FL. Malubay was born in Saudi Arabia and spent her early years in the Philippines. She has been singing since she was 12 years old. Before IDOL, she was attending school and was a hostess at a local sushi restaurant. She also plays the piano and guitar.
Syesha Mercado (21) - Currently lives in Miami, although she grew up in Sarasota, FL.  Mercado was a member of The Drum Studio All-Stars band and has a strong background in theatre and dancing. She began singing when she was 3 years old.
Amanda Overmyer (23) - Raised and currently lives in Mulberry, IN. Overmyer is a health-care specialist and is earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. She was lead singer for the band Steeleto. In her spare time, Overmyer loves riding her motorcycle.
Carly Smithson (24) - Currently lives in San Diego, CA, but was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. Smithson made her singing debut in “Les Misérables” at the Olympic Theatre in Dublin. Smithson moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue her singing career. Before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL, she was working in a bar and running a tattoo shop with her husband.
Alaina Whitaker (16) - Born and raised in Tulsa, OK. Whitaker began singing at age 4. Currently a junior at Metro Christian Academy, she has performed at festivals throughout Oklahoma and at school functions.
Brooke White (24) - Currently lives in Van Nuys, CA, but grew up in Mesa, AZ.  Before auditioning for IDOL, White was a nanny. She has performed as a solo artist with a backup band. White began singing at age 15 and also plays the piano and guitar.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Deirdre
February 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the bios, Rodney
Luke Menard was with Chapter 6? I’ve heard of them…they’re really good!
By Deirdre
February 14, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Google Chapter 6, mushblogians! Luke Menard is on their website and there’s a bio plus music.
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
My list of the ladies according to hotness.
KF let me know how we match up.
By Deirdre
February 14, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
My list of the men according to hotness(although I really don’t know WHAT that has to do with anything):-)
1 Michael Johns
2 Michael Johns(oh wait…i said that already)
4.Luke Menard
5.David Hernandez
6 David Archuleta is adorable but way to young for me to be calling him ‘hot’!
By JTesla
February 14, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
I know you didn’t ask WE, but here is my input, I’d put Asiah and Ramiele at the top. Kady Malloy, Kristy Lee Cook, and Alaina Whitaker would drop down quite a bit; I guess you can see how I view blonds. Otherwise, I agree with you on Amanda Overmyer, Carly Smithson and most of the rest.
OH and you forgot Danny Norriega, he’s one pretty girl.
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
JTesla,
I would have Asiah higher if she would lose the nose ring. It just ruins it for me. But even with it she beats out Amanda and Carly
By flats
February 14, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
new thread’s like fresh bread!!!!
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
flats, how do you feel about all these foreigners getting into a cup car? They have been putting NASCAR down for years now they want to be part of it.
By flats
February 14, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
EAGLE….I hate it!!!go back to the wine and cheese of the indy series!!!!
By flats
February 14, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
EAGLE…Go to nascar .com…raceview is free for the duels!!!
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Got it flats
By kellyfan
February 14, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Well, WE, we agree on the top 3, just in different order. ;) Here is mine:
Blondes (even “airplane” ones) are a total weakness, ain’t gonna lie! ;)
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
KF I use to “date” a girl that looked alot like Amy Davis except her teeth weren’t as nice. But you couldn’t tell in the dark.
By AmyG
February 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Deirdre, I agree with you… Michael is hte one to watch. I really do hope this is a good year for the show but especially competition-wise.
By the way, Dr. Laura, not only am I pregnant with a child wanting to go back to work after I have her, but my 3 year old is still going to school every day even though I am not working right now. I wonder what that means? Could it mean that she likes to be with her friends, knows how to socialize with people of all types, learns how to get along with people of all ages, races, and both sexes? Or does it mean that the only reason I had a child (now two) is for the tax write off?
By kellyfan
February 14, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
WE! LOL…..
By Deirdre
February 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Amy ROCKS!!!! :-)
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Amy I know nothing hits a nerve like someone saying something about your children, but don’t let Dr. L get to you. I know her type she uses her children as an excuse not to get up off her lazy ass a get a job. No offense to those that can’t help it but I bet she is waiting until the first of the month to get her check and food stamps while we are out here paying for it.
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Anyone else read about Jane Fonda dropping the C bomb on live tv?
Funny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3qXUFyzrjM
By AmyG
February 14, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Hey WE, I saw it this morning, and thought to myself, “well, here she goes again. She ought to just keep her mouth shut.”
It didn’t really bother me what she said, I just couldn’t, in good conscience, let her get away with it.
By War Eagle
February 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I understand Amy
By Deirdre
February 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Jane is famous for getting herself into hot water. Probably that’s why she and Ted seemed to be perfect for each other. :-)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Amy — you’re a gem, as always!!!
By Serina Anderson
February 14, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Definitely wanted to see Josiah in the top 24. He gave a great performance of Mika’s “Grace Kelly” and ever since, I’ve been trying to find the song. Finally found it at: http://www.amazon.com/Life-Cartoon-Motion-Mika/dp/B000NA2776/ref=pdsimdimg10
Hope this helps!
By Deirdre
February 15, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
I’m a ranch hand today so I won’t be on much. I dreamed about the nerdy high school kid who sang You Lift Me Up. What does that mean????
All you wonderful people who popped in yesterday…join us again today. Everyone except Dr Laura, that is.
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Morning D. When you get an extra month or two I would like to have a sit down so you could explain LOST to me. I think it might take that much time.
By Deirdre
February 15, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
It ‘Lost’ me last night, WE, but I LOVED it. The flash forwards are becoming more and more exciting to watch. And Hurley betraying Sayid kinda floored me!
Like I said before, it’s not so much the outcome that I enjoy(although I may like that) it’s the journey we take to get there. The producer/writer almost never fails to leave me wanting more.
My older son loves the show too, so having someone around that you can rehash the events with helps a lot. He and I are usually on the phone for about 20 minutes after the show.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 15, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
OK, by the time i get to Season 4 all of this will be forgotten yes? I received my boxed 7-disc set for Season 1 yesterday and will begin watching this weekend, while hubby sleeps. I should not have to deal with commercials, of course, that will help, and if i am in the mood, or have the stamina, i can watch more than one episode, lol…
after i finish season 1, if i’m hooked, then i can get Season 2, and move on. listening to you guys talk about it has made it interesting to me, finally, lol.
that’s what happened to me with a couple of other shows, but i never went back and started from the beginning; i just somehow think it would be important to grow with Lost… am i right?
anywho… Happy Friday to you all! I’ll see you later if i get a break! (of course, i’m sure i’ll find a way to pop in a couple of times, X, so don’t worry, I’ll give you plenty to comment on!!!) ~¿@
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Linny you can go to abc.com and they have Seasons 1,2,&3 that you can watch for free.
I just starting watching LOST to have something to talk about with this girl I was trying to hookup with and ended up liking the show. I have gone back and started from the beginning so maybe I can figure out what is going on.
By Deirdre
February 15, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
linny…the one thing I can almost guarantee is that, after watching the first episode, you’ll want to watch the next one.
But, if you get me talking about it, I’ll be writing college sized papers on it for the next few days, which nobody here needs to deal with. I will restrain myself for the greater good! :-)
By Pen
February 15, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
I watched the first episode of Lost and never went back for more. It’s not my cup of tea.
I too and bummed that Josiah didn’t make the top 24. He had some talent, but Simon was dead set against him. I hope he tries again next year. I think he could do quite well.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 15, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
WE, only problem with watching .com is that my computer is rather aged (like it’s owner) and i cannot abide the stop-start-stop-start-hesitate-start-stop that i am exposed to using the computer. And if i like it as much as i THINK i will… i’ll be glad to have it on CD so when i get REALLY old i can watch it all again in my retirement chuckle
By Rudy
February 15, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Go Alex!!!! We love ya baby!
By War Eagle
February 15, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Rudy, good to see the support for the Georgia girl.
Does anyone else feel that we aren’t getting the whole story about shooting a missle into outerspace to blow up a satelite? Less than a month ago they were saying there was little threat, now they want to blow the thing up.
By Rodney Ho
February 15, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
The Michael Johns blog entry is now working for commenting. I’ll be participating in the Nigel interview at 2 p.m., then catch both Carly and Alex later today. I will post Nigel’s interview as soon as possible, will post the Carly/Alex stuff Monday and Tuesday, just to spread it all out.
By luka
February 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
i really love danny and i think he will win the american idol.
By luka
February 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
i really love danny and i think he will win the american idol.
By luka
February 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
i really love danny and i think he will win the american idol.