Season 2s Vanessa Olivarez was the hair colorist with bright red hair from Atlanta, Georgia. After surviving Hollywood Week, Vanessa sang Out Here On My Own by Irene Cara during the semifinals round, and it launched her into the Top 12. During Season 2s Top 12 Motown week, Vanessa performed The Supremes You Keep Me Hangin On. Although she didnt receive enough votes to continue on in the competition, she still found success after the show.
After her run on American Idol, Vanessa went to Toronto, Canada to record music and star as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. When she returned back to the United States shortly thereafter, Vanessa joined a musical group called Butterfly Stitch, and they released an EP and live album. In 2006, Vanessa co-wrote the song Sugarland for the popular group Sugarland.
Happy Birthday, Vanessa!
View photos of the Season 2 contestants performing on American Idol.
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