full size Joshua Ledet in American Idol’s Top 7 on April 11, 2012
Credit: Michael Becker/FOX ©2012 Fox Broadcasting Co.

Last night’s decision was certainly a tough one for American Idol fans. With three likable and formidable contestants left, someone had to say goodbye. After 90 million votes, America sent Joshua Ledet home. Thankfully, he’s in great company! Here are some other contestants eliminated in the Top 3 who have made a name for themselves:


full size Haley Reinhart Returns to American Idol on March 22, 2012
Credit: Michael Becker/FOX ©2011 Fox Broadcasting Co.

Haley Reinhart, Season 10
A singer with eclectic taste and appeal, Haley stood as the sole non-country contestant in the Top 3 in Season 10. Facing Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, she received the fewest votes after singing a trio of songs by Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and Alanis Morissette. Now signed to Interscope Records, Haley’s debut album is set to drop on May 22, 2012. You can also catch the 21-year-old singer at this summer’s Lollapalooza festival. For the record, she’s the first Idol alum to ever play the popular music fest.
 
Kimberly Locke, Season 2
Way back in 2003, Kimberly landed in the Top 3 with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, before being sent home before the finale. Her debut single, “8th World Wonder,” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and she went on to conquer the Contemporary and Dance Club charts with several other tunes. Not content to stick with just music, Kimberly scored a number of hosting and judging gigs for shows like MTV’s Little Talent Show and ABC’s The View. She notably appeared on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club in 2007, and was later signed to Ford Models, modeling for brands like Lane Bryant. Last year, Kimberly established her own company called I AM Entertainment, through which she currently releases her own music.


full size Casey James Lets His Hair Down in Season 9, Episode 40
Credit: Michael Becker/FOX ©2010 Fox Broadcasting C

Casey James, Season 9
One of the older contestants to compete on Idol (at the ripe age of 27!), critics considered Casey one of the most talented guitarists ever seen on the show. Sadly, his strumming wasn’t enough to save him from elimination against Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox. Since Idol, Casey has found success in the country music biz. His debut self-titled album, released in March, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Country chart, and he’s played high-profile gigs at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the CMA Fest.


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