Top American Idol Contestants from Atlanta

Diana DeGarmo

Diana DeGarmo certainly was a dark horse when it came to Season 3 of American Idol but she has proven herself to have staying power while maintaining her positive spirit. Simon was never impressed with Diana, and always commented that she was too young, which may have been her downfall, as she ended up being runner-up to Fantasia Barrino. Since American Idol, DeGarmo has appeared in a Broadway show, released an album and made public appearances throughout the country. DeGarmo continues to be involved in the entertainment industry.

Bo Bice

While Bo Bice did not officially represent Atlanta on season 4 of American Idol, Bice did have legitimate metro Atlanta roots, having spent part of his childhood in the area before establishing himself in neighboring Alabama. Bice still had relatives and friends in the metro Atlanta area at the time he entered the American Idol competition. Bo Bice was runner-up to Carrie Underwood on Season 4 of American Idol. Bice suffered some serious health problems that have sidelined his career a bit, but he is still actively in the music scene.

Tamyra Gray

Tamyra Gray spent her formative teenage years in Atlanta, and took advantage of the city's rich musical culture. While talented herself, Gray wisely decided to study the business side of the music industry while attending Georgia State University, where she earned a degree and the title of Miss Atlanta. Tamyra Gray appeared on the very first season of American Idol, finishing fourth overall. Tamyra Gray has went on to act in several TV shows and release her debut album as well as work on other music-related side projects.

Paris Bennett

Paris Bennett took 5th place on Season 5 of American Idol, the year of the "Soul Patrol" and the eventual crowning of Taylor Hicks. Bennett, who spent her high school years in Fayetteville, suffered from the same perceived notion that she was "too young" much like Diana DeGarmo did during her season on the show. She performed on the American Idol tour and has made other public appearances while working on a studio album.

RJ Helton

RJ Helton was the fifth runner-up on the first season of American Idol. From Cumming, Helton's charming personality and good vocals carried him far on the show. He went on to record an album of Christian songs after his American Idol appearance and tour in support of that album. He revealed that he was gay in a radio interview in late 2006, and is working on a new album.

Justin Guarini

Justin Guarini is the son of former Atlanta police chief Eldrin Bell. While primarily raised in Pennsylvania, Guarini was born in the Atlanta area and performed in a boy's choir here. Guarini was runner up to Kelly Clarkson on the first season of American Idol. They made a movie together, From Justin to Kelly and Guarini has released multiple albums since his appearance on American Idol, covering genres from pop to soul to jazz.

Kinnik Sky

Kinnik Sky made it to the top 24 of Season 5 on American Idol. At 28, Sky, who settled in Duluth as an adult, was more experienced in the entertainment industry than many of her fellow contestants and used her appearance on the popular reality show to give her show business career a jump start. She has appeared in local theatre productions and on the Black Family Channel.

Ejay Day

Ejay Day was a top 10 contestant on Season 1 of American Idol. He is from Lawrenceville. He caught a break when he became a replacement for another contestant that lied about their age. After his appearance, he performed on the American Idol tour. He co-wrote a song on Raven-Symone's second album. In 2006, he performed on a cruise for Royal Caribbean.

Vanessa Olivarez

Vanessa Olivarez made it to the Top 12 on Season 2 of American Idol. From Atlanta, Olivarez continues to have an impact on both the international and local music scene, first going to Canada, where she released a hit single and starred in a theatrical production, before she returned to Atlanta to be involved in a group called Butterfly Stitch.