Paris Bennett

Biography: A Rockford, IL, native who earned acclaim and recognition as one of the vocal contestants on season five of the blockbuster reality series American Idol (2006), Paris Bennett first sang publicly at the age of four, in her great-grandfather's church in Fayetteville, GA. Bennett auditioned for Idol before graduating from high school, and her performances on the program drew attention for her deft melding of genres, including rock, soul, R&B, gospel, and other styles; she eventually came in fifth place. In lieu of deterring Bennett, the Idol elimination seemed to lift her even higher, and in fact she soon signed recording contracts with TVT Records and 306 Entertainment.