Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Curtis Finch Jr. leaves no doubt who inspired him to audition for American Idol.

It was Season 3 winner Fantasia.

He watched her overcome all the obstacles in her life to compete and win on the show, then go on to become a successful artist.

After watching that, “it was nothing for me to come and at least try,” says the 24-year-old from St. Louis.

Curtis tried in his hometown auditions and wound up with a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Curtis performs as CJ, and YouTube is loaded with clips of him performing in gospel/church settings.

Not surprising then that he says his first performance was in church at age 6 or 7 when he sang a solo of “Oh, Happy Day.”

In his golden ticket interview, Curtis said he thinks he has the well-rounded personality traits Idol is looking for, including a “vulnerable side” and a “goofy side.”

When it comes to singing, he thinks he has a unique voice.

“I have this habit when I sing,” he told Idol.  “I am a baritone, but I sing falsetto sometimes.”

Here are some performances by Curtis Finch, aka CJ.

You can get a taste of his personality and hear about his many accomplishments in the first clip.

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”

“Great is Thy Faithfulness”

“Center of My Joy”