Chris Richardson

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Chris Richardson
Background information
Birth name	Christopher Michael Richardson
Born	February 19, 1984 (age 23) Belgium
Origin	Chesapeake, Virginia
Genre(s)	Pop, Rock
Occupation(s)	Singer

Christopher Michael Richardson (born February 19, 1984) is a finalist on the sixth season of American Idol. Before Idol, Richardson was a kitchen supervisor for a Hooters restaurant. He graduated from Great Bridge High School in 2002 and studied music composition at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia for a year, playing football there as well. He continued his music studies at Tidewater Community College.^[1]

Richardson lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, but was born in Belgium into a military family.

Contents 1 Early life 2 American Idol 2.1 Audition 2.2 Hollywood Week 2.3 Top 24 2.4 Top 12 2.5 Top 11 2.6 Top 10 3 American Idol Performances 4 Personal life 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Early life

Richardson was born in Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Hospital in Belgium. He moved to Chesapeake, Virginia in 1999.

[edit] American Idol

[edit] Audition

Richardson auditioned in New York, holding number 8963. The judges warmed to him, and he got through the audition process. Judge Randy Jackson commented on how his appearance, singing, and general atmosphere was easily comparable to Justin Timberlake.

[edit] Hollywood Week

Richardson grouped with Paul Kim and AJ Tabaldo in Hollywood group round. However, during Hollywood week, Richardson never received much air-time. Many bloggers on the American Idol website have said that a conclusion for not enough air-time is that you get voted off quicker, as America cannot get to know the contestant.

[edit] Top 24

On the first night of top 24, Richardson sang "I Don't Want To Be" by Gavin DeGraw. Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul loved it, but Simon Cowell didn't. He felt Richardson's voice was very small in the song. However, Cowell commented many girls will like Richardson because of his sex appeal and general appearance.

In the second week, Richardson sang "Geek In The Pink" by Jason Mraz, dedicating the song to his grandmother. All the judges agreed that Richardson sang fantastically. Cowell said it was the best performance of the night by a mile, and Randy even said it was better than Jason Mraz's original version. After he performed "Geek in the Pink", it went up to as high as #28 on the iTunes bestseller list.

In the third week, Richardson chose a country song, singing "Tonight I Wanna Cry" by Keith Urban. Abdul and Jackson loved it, however Cowell stressed it was just "okay." All judges agreed it wasn't as good as Richardson's performance the week before.

[edit] Top 12

Richardson made it to the Top 12 and worked with Diana Ross for the March 13 Top 12 show. He sang Ross's "The Boss." Randy Jackson said it wasn't his favorite, and that so many "runs were unnecessary." Paula Abdul said he nailed the "blend of bringing contemporary." Simon Cowell said his rendition was "dreadful."

[edit] Top 11

Chris Richardson made it to the top 11 and worked with Peter Noone, performing "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying," while being accompanied by an acoustic guitar player. He received acclaim for his performance, with Randy Jackson said it was one of his best performances yet, Paula Abdul stating it was a smart choice,sexy and very charming. Simon Cowell also stated that it was his best performance yet, commenting the song felt no longer old-fashioned. However, he received the second-lowest amount of votes and was in the Bottom 2 with Stephanie Edwards.

[edit] Top 10

Chris Richardson rocked his way into the top 10. This time he was coached by the unique Gwen Stefani, and performed "Don't Speak", by her past rock group No Doubt. He received mixed reviews for his performance. Randy said it was a great song choice, but it wasn't his best vocal. Paula said it was good, and Simon said it was a good song choice but wasn't his best vocal. Nevertheless, his fans pulled through, and he made it into the top 9.

[edit] American Idol Performances

• Audition: A Song For You (originally sung by Leon Russell, covered by Donny Hathaway)
• Top 24: I Don't Want To Be (Gavin DeGraw)
• Top 20: Geek In The Pink (Jason Mraz)
• Top 16: Tonight I Wanna Cry (Keith Urban)
• Top 12: The Boss (Diana Ross)
• Top 11: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying (Gerry and the Pacemakers) (Bottom Two)
• Top 10: Don't Speak (No Doubt)

[edit] Personal life

Richardson plays guitar, drums and piano.^[2] He stated during the program of March 6, 2007, that he used to be overweight as a child and teenager. He has lost roughly forty pounds and has become more health conscious. Richardson has also developed a large fan base on the Internet^{[citation needed]}. He is currently very focused on the show and is thus on a break from his girlfriend of four years, Gayle Barnett, whom he met while both working at their local Chesapeake, Virginia, Hooters restaurant.^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] References

1. ^ "Chesapeake Idol contestant stirs up fond memories among friends, family" By Larry Bonko and Phyllis Speidell. The Virginian-Pilot February 6, 2007. [1] (accessed 12 March 2007)
2. ^ TV Guide[2] (accessed 30 March 2007)

[edit] External links

• American Idol site