Idol Chatter & Voice Views

We didn’t get a chance to meet many of the talented singers who made it to Hollywood on American Idol.

So I’ve compiled a series of blogs about them, based on their Road to Hollywood videos and music they’ve posted.

For a complete look at the contestants we missed, head here.

Cortez Shaw

Add Cortez Shaw to the list of Season 12 contestants who made it to Vegas last year but fell just shy of the live shows. In Cortez’s case, he was among the last 22 guys standing. “This is my chance at redemption,” the guy from Dallas, Texas, says. “Last year, didn’t work out, but I can get it right this year.” Among the artists who inspire him are Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder. Cortez describes himself as a down-to-earth, real chill dude. “But when I get on stage, another person comes out, an alter ego or something,” he says. His favorite past Idols are Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard.

“Diamonds”
For more of Cortez, head here.