Joshua Ledet
| Joshua Ledet | |
|---|---|
 Joshua Ledet Performing "When a Man Loves a Woman" at the White House | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
April 9, 1992 Westlake, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, Gospel, R&B |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2012–present |
Joshua Ledet (born April 9, 1992) is an American singer from Westlake, Louisiana.[1] In 2012 he placed third in the eleventh season of American Idol.[2] He is known for his "soaring, church-bred brand of old school soul music."[3] On August 26, 2013 he released an original song called "Here to Die" through YouTube, which has been praised by Rolling Stone.
Early life
Ledet grew up in the small woody suburb city of Westlake in Louisiana's Calcasieu Parish, a part of the Lake Charles metropolitan area near Calcasieu River. His home life was slow and easy paced with lots of family get-togethers and friends sleeping over, the focus was "food and fun."[4] In 2003, when he was eleven he watched another southern soul singer, Fantasia Barrino, sing "I Believe" in the final show and win the third season of American Idol and knew he would like to sing for a living.[5] Ledet graduated from Westlake High School where he was a part of the school's theater program for all four years of school.[1][6][5] If he could not be a singer he would likely be an actor.[7] The first concert he ever attended was by Beyoncé.[7] He grew up singing in his family church and writes songs and lyrics for and attends the House of Prayer Holiness Church.[1][8] He has a large extended family and said his proudest moment outside singing is being an uncle to all his nieces and nephews.[7]
When asked to tell something about himself that would surprise most people he stated it was that he only eats spicy food.[7] He noted on the reality show that he missed Louisiana Creole cuisine so Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne established a "Feed the Dream" project with the state's Seafood and Marketing Board to ship Ledet food each week including tamales, crawfish, boudin (a Cajun sausage), (chicken, duck and andouille) gumbo and jambalaya, donated by Louisiana restaurants and food manufacturers.[8][9][10] He said a dish he probably could not live without is rice and gravy, from Creole cuisine, usually a brown gravy based on pan drippings, which are deglazed and simmered with extra seasonings and served over steamed or boiled rice.[11]
According to the American Idol highlights, Ledet was studying criminal justice at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Musical influences
On his American Idol contestant page he notes his mother influences his musical style and he has had no formal singing training.[7] His favorite male artist is Michael Jackson "because his style in music is unique and genius," Ledet would model his career like Jackson's because he was able to help so many people.[7] His favorite female artist is Whitney Houston because of her voice.[7] He would love to meet and sing with Fantasia Barrino as she is his favorite singer, and his dream song to sing is "I Will Always Love You".[7] His musical influences include Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Fantasia Barrino, James Brown, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John.[12] His favorite type of music to sing is soul but listening to music he prefers country music.[13] When asked what was the most embarrassing song he listens to he said Aqua's "Barbie Girl."[14]
American Idol
Ledet originally auditioned a year earlier (for the tenth season), but did not make it past the audition stage.[12] It has been revealed he was dealing with personal and family issues including situations caused by Hurricane Rita and its aftermath. His American Idol journey has been seen as somewhat effortless by music critics who note his soul singing is exceptional but may not be contemporary enough, however he is one of the best singers within the last few years of AI.[15] His performances have repeatedly earned him standing ovations and high praise from the judges.[16] He says he combats stage fright by tuning everything out.[7] George Huff (season three in 2004) is the only other Louisiana singer to make the top ten shows.[8]
Ledet auditioned for the eleventh season of AI in Houston, Texas. He almost did not travel to compete due to his fear of flying. He has been dubbed "Mantasia", the male version of former Idol contestant Fantasia, by fans, the media and even Fantasia herself.[17][18] For the semi-finals he performed Jennifer Hudson's "You Pulled Me Through". He was one of the top five male vote getters and advanced to the top 13. In the top 13, he performed Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" and was one of the bottom three male voter getters, but was declared safe.
Ledet earned his first standing ovation in Hollywood Round, Part 3 when he sang his version of Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. In the Top 8 round, Ledet earned his first standing ovation of the evening for his rendition of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes's "If You Don't Know Me by Now". His duet of George Michael and Aretha Franklin's "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with fellow contestant Jessica Sanchez got a second standing ovation from the judges, prompting Jackson to declare "Two of the greatest singers to ever hit this competition ... This is one of the greatest performances I have seen on this show".[19][20]He also performed It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown, which was conisidered "one of the best songs in the history of any singing competition," by Randy Jackson. Kris Allen, AI season eight winner, named the pair as his two favorites this season.[21] During the top five show the judges gave Ledet the most praise of all the contestants for his versions of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations (for theme songs from the 1960s), and the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody" (for theme British Pop).[22] Ledet received a record 18 standing ovations from the judges, including his duet with Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino at Season 11 finale, the most of any AI contestant.[23] He was eliminated on May 17, 2012, placing third overall with the lowest total of 90 million votes cast.[23]
Performances/results
- ^Note 1 When Ryan Seacrest announced the results in the particular night, Ledet was among in the Bottom 3 Men, but declared safe first.
- ^Note 2 Ledet was saved first from elimination.
- ^Note 3 Due to the judges using their one save on Jessica Sanchez, the Top 7 remained intact for another week.
Post Idol
He took part in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2012, which began July 6, 2012 and ran till September 21, 2012.[24] He is currently writing songs for his debut album. He was mentioned in Candice Glover's audition during the twelfth season of American Idol. He was also seen in the audience with Hollie Cavanagh during the Top 7 week, and was briefly interviewed. He and Hollie also made a cameo in the audience after Burnell Taylor was eliminated.
He performed "When a Man Loves a Woman" at the White House on April 9, 2013 at the "Memphis Soul" event. The show aired on April 16, at 8 p.m. EST on PBS.
On August 26, 2013, he released an original, self-written song called "Here to Die" through YouTube. It has gained praise from Rolling Stone, which urged record labels to give it a commercial release.[25]
Discography
Extended plays
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| US[26] | |||
| American Idol Season 11 Highlights (Joshua Ledet EP) |
|
59 |
|
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Joshua Ledet: Westlake native vying for American Idol 2012 title". March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- ↑ "American Idol - Access Hollywood". Retrieved March 2, 2012.
- ↑ Phillip Phillips And Joshua Ledet: Let's Hope They Don't Win 'American Idol': The track record for male winners on 'Idol' is spotty at best, and not promising for either man. Gil Kaufman, MTV News, May 11 2012.
- ↑ Joshua Ledet: Going Places, American Idol, Finalists Diaries.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Which ‘American Idol’ Performer May Be Responsible for Joshua Ledet’s Career? Interview with Ledet, Scott Lewis , KISS-FM, May 12, 2012.
- ↑ Louisiana's Joshua Ledet makes top 3 on 'American Idol,' hometown plans parade and concert, Stacey Plaisance, May 11, 2012, Associated Press (The Republic),
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 Joshua's Q&A, 2012.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 La. feeds homegrown ‘American Idol’ contestant, April 2, 2012, Stacey Plaisance, Associated Press (Salon).
- ↑ Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne overseeing food shipments to La. 'American Idol' contestant, Ed Anderson, The Times-Picayune, March 27, 2012.
- ↑ Ledet receives more food from New Iberia restaurant; live tour presale is tomorrow, May 9, 2012, Tonya LaCoste, KATC.
- ↑ Joshua in 60 Seconds, Joshua Ledet: Going Places, American Idol, Finalists Diaries.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "La. teen competes on ‘American Idol’". March 8, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- ↑ Joshua Ledet: Top 13, Joshua Ledet: Going Places, American Idol, Finalists Diaries.
- ↑ Your Most Embarrassing Song, After The Show, American Idol.
- ↑ Is Joshua Ledet The Best 'American Idol' Singer Of All Time? 'He's really good and probably the best singer of the last three or four seasons,' one 'Idol' expert tells MTV News. Gil Kaufman, May 3, 2012. MTV News.
- ↑ Westlake’s Ledet makes singing show’s final five, Judy Bergeron, May 10, 2012, The Advocate.
- ↑ "TVLD: Joshua Ledet takes 'American Idol' to church, TV tweet, TV picks". February 29, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- ↑ Joshua Ledet: 'I Believe', Brian Mansfield, April 18, 2012, USA Today.
- ↑ "Sanchez gets standing ovation for duet with Ledet". Entertainment. ABS-CBN News. 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2012-04-05.
- ↑ Calonzo, Andreo (2012-04-05). "Fil-Mexican Jessica Sanchez shows sassy ‘alter ego’ on ‘American Idol’". Pinoy Abroad. GMA News. Retrieved 2012-04-05.
- ↑ Shapiro, Rachel (2012-04-06). "'American Idol's' Kris Allen Talks New Album, Brand Loyalty, Fan Wars on 'Idol Hangover' (Video)". TV. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
- ↑ Joshua Ledet again earns rave reviews from ‘American Idol’ judges, Associated Press (Washington Post), May 2, 2012.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Marino, Kelly (May 18, 2012). "'American Idol' Elimination Brings 'Relief,' Joshua Ledet Says; 'It sucks having a lot of pressure on you, knowing that you have to do this and that,' 'Idol' castoff tells MTV News.". MTV News. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ↑ American Idol Live tour kicks off in Detroit
- ↑ Lyndsey Parker (August 26, 2013). "Joshua Ledet’s New Song Deserves a Standing Ovation". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ↑ "Billboard 200 Chart: American Idol Season 11 Highlight CD". emusicality.com. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ↑ Brian Mansfield (Aug 22, 2012). "'Idol' album sales: Underwood, Clarkson, McCreery". Idol Chatter (USA today). Retrieved Aug 22, 2012.
External links
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