Joanne Borgella Biography

Fast Facts

• Her father, Dr․ Joel Borgella, was the founder of Radio Tropicale, the first international Haitian radio station, and ran for president of the island country in 2006
• Began performing as a member of Wyclef Jean's Bugga Basements at the age of 13
• Made her first on-screen appearance as a contestant in "Mo'Nique's Fat Chance" in 2005
• Quote: "I used to dream about being a model but I didn't know it would come to life․ I thought I was always the odd girl out at school and growing up․"
• Quote: "Everyone who has ever met me knows that singing is my life․ For me, it's never going to end as far as music being my passion․"
• Best known as a former contestant on "American Idol" and for her appearance in "Curvy Girls․"
• Worked as a professional model for brands like Ashley Stewart and Macy's and also owned her own jewelry and plus-size clothing lines
• Competed in the seventh season of "American Idol, making it into the top 24 with her rendition of Dionne Warwick's "I Say a Little Prayer․"