2004-- The Third Season of "American Idol
What happened during the third season of American Idol?
American Idol was back for its third season in January, 2004. Fans who thought the bad auditions couldn't get any funnier were wrong. A charmingly clueless UC Berkley student named William Hung became the most talked-about American Idol reject in the history of the show when he gave a pathetic -- and hilarious -- performance of Ricky Martin's hit song "She Bangs."
Of course, William didn't go on to the finals, but these singers did:
Fantasia Barrino, who ended up winning the title, was an early favorite in the competition. Her unique and powerful voice caught the attention of the judges from the start. Despite her undeniable talent, Fantasia was not a stranger to the bottom two during season three. Fantasia was not sent home, but other talented female singers were voted off early.
Jennifer Hudson, who went on to make her critically-acclaimed film debut in the movie Dreamgirls, finished seventh in the competition. Latoya London, who consistently wowed the judges every week, was cut from the show before less talented singers were eliminated.
In the end, it came down to Fantasia Barrino and Diana Degarmo. Fantasia was crowned the winner and went on to record with J Records. Fantasia's record sales have been disappointing when compared to the success of Idol winners like Carrie Underwood.
Diana Degarmo also released an album after American Idol. The album did not make her a recording star.
American Idol was back for its third season in January, 2004. Fans who thought the bad auditions couldn't get any funnier were wrong. A charmingly clueless UC Berkley student named William Hung became the most talked-about American Idol reject in the history of the show when he gave a pathetic -- and hilarious -- performance of Ricky Martin's hit song "She Bangs."
Of course, William didn't go on to the finals, but these singers did:
- Camile Velasco
- Jon Peter Lewis
- Matthew Rogers
- Diana DeGarmo
- Jasmine Trias
- Jennifer Hudson
- Amy Adams
- LaToya London
- Fantasia Barrino
- George Huff
- Leah Labelle
- John Steven
Fantasia Barrino, who ended up winning the title, was an early favorite in the competition. Her unique and powerful voice caught the attention of the judges from the start. Despite her undeniable talent, Fantasia was not a stranger to the bottom two during season three. Fantasia was not sent home, but other talented female singers were voted off early.
Jennifer Hudson, who went on to make her critically-acclaimed film debut in the movie Dreamgirls, finished seventh in the competition. Latoya London, who consistently wowed the judges every week, was cut from the show before less talented singers were eliminated.
In the end, it came down to Fantasia Barrino and Diana Degarmo. Fantasia was crowned the winner and went on to record with J Records. Fantasia's record sales have been disappointing when compared to the success of Idol winners like Carrie Underwood.
Diana Degarmo also released an album after American Idol. The album did not make her a recording star.
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