Idol Thoughts: Special Edition

Since I missed posting about last week's show, I thought I would make up for it this week by adding a Special Edition. Let's take a deeper look into the lives of some of our contestants...

Kristopher Neil Allen was born in 1985 in Conway, Arkansas. He is a multi-talented artist who's instrumental proficiencies include piano, viola, ukulele, and guitar. Kris leads worship for his church and a University of Central Arkansas collegiate ministry. He has been on mission trips to Burma, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. He is married to his high school sweetheart. He is one of 3 contestants who has never been in "the bottom 3." We like!

Anoop Desai was born December 20, 1986. He was saved as a "wild card" contestant and made Idol history when judges could not decide between him and another contestant thus initiating the first ever "final 13." Anoop credits his decision to try out for American Idol to the tragic death of a friend. Anoop's mother is a biochemist. Anoop is currently working on a Master of Arts degree in folklore. A big pat on the back to anyone who is able to tell me what a degree in folklore could lead to...

Matthew Scott Giraud was born May 11, 1985 in Dearborn, Michigan. He is a piano player who released 2 albums prior to American Idol fame. He plays in clubs in Kalamazoo where he graduated from Western Michigan University. He was considered a judge favorite early on in Hollywood with Randy Jackson naming him as one of his "top 5" favorites. We shall see.

Daniel J. Gokey was born April 24, 1980. He began singing in church but decided he would like to try something a little more mainstream. His wife, who suffered from congenital heart disease, passed away just 4 weeks before his audition due to complications from surgery. He has set up a foundation in her name. Gokey says that his faith is "key to who I am."Gokey is one of 3 contestants who has never been in "the bottom 3." Definitely one to watch.

I will cover the 3 remaining contestants in tomorrow's Idol Special Edition. Please feel free to add other interesting facts about our contestants in the comments section.