Liverpool, England-born, McKinney, Texas-bred vocalist Hollie Cavanagh began singing at the age of 15, honing her stagecraft at middle and high school talent shows. In 2011, Cavanagh auditioned for season 10 of American Idol, but was cut in the Green Mile round. Encouraging words from (then) judge Jennifer Lopez, who promised the young singer that with a little practice, 2012 could be her year, prompted Cavanagh to have a go at season 11, where she placed fourth overall. ~ James Christopher Monger