Elliott Yamin

In 2006, Elliott Yamin quit his pharmacy job to audition for the fifth season of American Idol. Singing Leon Russell's "A Song for You" -- made famous by Yamin's personal idol, Donny Hathaway -- Yamin made it through the first round of auditions and moved on to the Hollywood round. A likable performer with a knack for romantic soul ballads and a laid-back stage presence, Yamin was a fan favorite and ultimately made it to the final-three round. In December of 2006, Yamin announced he had signed a publishing deal with Sony, and he released a cover of Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" digitally. In 2007, Yamin released his self-titled solo album. ~ Matt Collar