Ace Young

Ace Young spent his time wisely on American Idol. He impressed the judges enough to survive a good chunk of the fifth season relatively unscathed. He befriended his fellow contestants (especially pal Chris Daughtry). And with his earthy good looks, long rock star locks and easygoing attitude, he charmed the pants (panties?) off the fans, who helped him make it to the sixth week of the finals. The Colorado boy grew up singing at shopping mall gigs and Denver Nuggets games and auditioned for Idol Denver in 2006 wearing a stocking cap. Post-Idol, things slowed down a bit and Young bided his time doing charity work (and writing a hit song for his buddy Daughtry) until 2008, when he finally released his eponymous debut, a collection of funk-influenced dance pop.