Jon Peter Lewis

From WikiCover

Announced October 11, 2007, Jon Peter Lewis, the first singer to bring rock 'n' soul to "American Idol," is joining forces with the independent roots rock label Authentic Records.

Jon will promote his debut record, "Stories From Hollywood," which features the hit title track and infectious singles "If I Go Away," "Turn to Grey" and his latest, "Boy Next Door," on tours with veteran Authentic artists such as the Nadas and the Josh Davis Band. The label will also distribute the album, which Lewis self-released on his birthday, November 7, 2006.

Lewis, best known as JPL on "Idol," cashed in his college loans to audition for "Idol" in Hawaii, where his rendition of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love" got him through. He went on to win the audience vote in wildcard week after his take on Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation," a performance MTV News called "one of the most memorable in 'Idol' history."

Lewis' wide vocal range and uninhibited stage personality eventually prompted Simon Cowell to call him "the dark horse to win the competition," Rolling Stone to peg him as a "pick to win" and Elton John to praise his "excellent pitch and phrasing." After finishing eighth, just before Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, JPL joined the 50-city American Idols Live tour in the summer of 2004, headlined by winner Fantasia.