This smooth, soulful singer overcame many obstacles — partial deafness, diabetes and less-than-stellar looks — to make it to the final three of
American Idol's fifth season. Although Simon Cowell touted Yamin as "potentially the best male vocalist ever" on the show, the sweet if nebbishy contestant got off to a slow start. His initial audition never aired, so when he made it to the final 12, viewers knew little about him. While he rarely hit a bum note, his strong vibrato and goofy looks inspired some scorn. Still, this quintessential nice guy earned many fans, including Paula Abdul, who openly favored him to win.
Elliott Yamin Fast Facts:
- Worked at a shoe store, a pharmacy and as a DJ for an R&B station.
- Lost 90% of hearing in his right ear and has Type 1 diabetes.
- Says his most embarrassing moment on American Idol occurred during the Hollywood auditions when he forgot the opening words to a song.
- Elliott Yamin Relationships:
- Claudette Yamin - Mother
- Jodi Queen - Half Sister
- Scott Yamin - Brother
