Biography

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Age: 25
Hometown: Kew Gardens, NY
Audition City: New York

Jared Cotter, 25, is from Kew Gardens, NY. He is now living in West Orange, NJ. The Stevie Wonder fan says he has been singing since he was born. Growing up, Jared took singing lessons when he wasn't playing basketball. Jarad had a basketball scholarship in college and says his proudest moment in life so far was graduating from college with a degree in business management. He says his heroes in life are Jesus and his father.

From an interview with AMERICAN IDOL:

Favorite male pop artists?

John Legend, Stevie Wonder

Favorite female pop artists?

Beyonce, Corinne Bailey Rae

When did you first start to sing?

When I was born.

Do you have any formal singing training?

Yes, vocal class, private lessons, chorus.

What other talents do you have?

Basketball-had a basketball scholarship.

If you don’t make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?

Continue in songwriting.

What are your personal goals in life?

To be successful and make myself and my family proud.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?

Pearl Jam-Ten.

Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?

My dad and my mom.

Do you have any rituals or things you do each time before you perform?

I jump up and down.

Most embarrassing moments?

Falling on my back from slipping on ice on a date.

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?

Graduating from college.

If you couldn’t sing, which talent would you most like to have?

An eye for talent.

What is your definition of AMERICAN IDOL?

Someone people can look up to/want to be like.

Who is your favorite judge and why?

I like all three of them for what they have been able to accomplish.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

n/a

How has this changed your life?

My life is totally different. No job, people know me – it's great!

Do you have any lucky charms?

No.

Who are your heroes in life?

Jesus and my dad.

What’s been your toughest obstacle in life?

Trying to make it in the music industry.

Do you think the audition process was fair?

It was fair but just too much waiting.

If you win, who will you thank first?

My mother for telling me to audition.

Jared Cotter (10)