Season 1s A.J. Gil was just 17 years old when he participated in the brand new show. This week, A.J. celebrated his 26th birthday!
Despite being in a semi-final group with Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, A.J. snagged one of the seats in the Top 10. With his Top 10 performance of Stevie Wonders My Cherie Amour, A.J. avoided the Top 10 weeks double elimination and ended up in eighth place. After touring around the country with the first ever Idols LIVE! Tour, A.J. moved to Los Angeles to pursue music. His hot new mixtape, Love Me Later, will be released on July 20th.
Happy Birthday, A.J.!
View photos from the inaugural season of American Idol.
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