Throughout the storied history of American Idol, big men have always been front and center. From hosts, to winners, to people who didn’t make it anywhere, we take a look at the plump side of AI in honor of it’s final season on FOX.
Photo: Frank Micelotta/FOX
The original ‘big guy’ on Idol, Randy Jackson is a Grammy winning producer who is perhaps best known as the longest running judge on American Idol. In 2003, Jackson lost 113lbs with gastric bypass surgery and can currently be heard hosting a syndicated radio top 40 radio countdownshow known as Randy Jackson’s Hit List.
Photo: Ray Mickshaw/FOX
Originally from Alabama, Studdard was nicknamed the “Velvet Teddy Bear” during his tenure on Idol. The biggest hit for Studdard was 2004’s “Sorry 2004”. He’s gone on to earn Grammy, American Music Award, and BET Award nominations and is still releasing music. Most recently he appeared on season 15 of The Biggest Loser.
Name one of American Idol’s Favorite Finalists, Savol ran into some trouble early on in the competition when it was disclosed he was previously charged with a misdemeanor for assault. Idol producers chose to keep him around due to his “honesty and remorse” for the situation. Savol performed in “Finalists Live” in Branson, MO in 2012.
Photo: FOX
While not the biggest dude to ever grace the American Idol Stage, Taylor Hicks is our “honorary big guy” on the list. Standing 6’1 he towered over Ryan Seacrest and most of the other contestants while taking the stage. Post victory, Hicks is the first Idol winner to secure a Vegas residency. In fact the show is so popular, it recently moved to a larger capacity theatre.
Photo: Susan Lloyd via Flickr
This guy isn’t one of the more memorable contestants, but has gone on to star in the movie October Baby and released a free worship (read gospel) album in 2012. His biggest achievement perhaps is penning the Rascal Flats #1 song, “Here Comes Goodbye.
Sarver is more of a beef-cakey type, earning his stripes as an oil rig worker before taking the Idol stage. When his time came, some of the judges wanted to save him from elimination, however they could not come to a unanimous decision and Sarver was ultimately sent home. Earlier this year, Sarver released the album “Begin Again”.
During the 9th season, Michael Lynche was the recipient of the judges one and only save. Post idol, Lynche dieted while recording his debut album and lost 90lbs.
During his season, judge Jennifer Lopez dubbed Rosado “Jer-Bear”. However not even a cute pet name could get him a hit song. According to Jeremy’s wikipedia page, is currently a student at Hillsboro Community College in Florida.
During the 12th season of American Idol, the show underwent big changes including the new panel of judges who consisted of Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minja. Unfortunately for the contestants, Nicki and Mariah’s on and off screen drama and quarls overshadowed the contestants talent.
Roberts is a country boy hailing from Alabama. Staying true to his roots throughout his season, he performed songs by Rascal Flats, Little Big Town, and Darius Rucker. Most recently he released a single, Dream About Me, last year.
Will AI end its run with a new musical plump guy? Only time will tell. You can tune in tonight to find out!
