Idol Chatter & Voice Views

OK, I was so impressed with Robbie Rosen tonight on American Idol, I had to head off in search of more information on this talented 16-year-old.

This Hollywood-bound contestant hails from Merrick, N.Y., according to his MySpace, which appears to feature four original songs.

But the best information on Robbie comes from his YouTube channel, where he describes himself as “a 16-year-old singer/songwriter who’s been told I was humming myself to sleep and singing harmonies before I could speak.”

His passion for music was piqued at age 8, when he went from a little league baseball game to his first talent competition. He sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” and took first place, even though he was the youngest contestant.

“Ever since, music has become even more than a passion for me; it’s become a driving force in my life,” he writes.

He adds that he’s written more than 50 original songs and won a number of competitions, including a 2009 Long Island Reach for the Stars contest. He’s also performed with Kenny Rogers.

He says his style has evolved into “a soulful, pop/r&b sound.”

“People have told me that my style reminds them of Stevie Wonder,” he writes, “That ain’t bad for a Jewish white boy, huh??”

I just listened to those four MySpace songs, and they “ain’t bad” either. I’d say Robbie is the real deal. “Ride of Your Life” is particularly good.

I can’t embed those. Go here to hear them.

But here are a couple of videos of Robbie singing.

Robbie sings Jay Sean’s “Down”

Robbie sings “Free Fallin'”

But, hey, Robbie, is a Tom Petty song.