Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Casey Abrams became an overnight celebrity in January 2011, when he was selected to be a contestant on the popular televised talent competition American Idol. Abrams was born in Austin, Texas, on February 12, 1991. Abrams’ family spent several years in Illinois before moving to California. His father was a filmmaker at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Abrams was a student at Idyllwild where he studied jazz and classical music with an emphasis on the piano and double bass. Abrams discovered a love for jazz and a passion for pop singers like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and James Taylor. He also began to study singing and instrumental performance. Abrams was one of the semifinalists in American Idol’s televised contest in Los Angeles. He performed Ray Charles’ “I Don’t Need No Doctor”, which impressed the judges. Abrams’ warm, engaging personality and likable personality made him a favourite with American Idol’s viewers and judges. His eclectic selection of material from Ella Fitzgerald through Nirvana also made him a favorite. After Abrams failed to make the Top 11, the judges intervened to save him. They were impressed by Abrams’ performance of “Your Song” by Elton John. Abrams came in sixth place, while Scotty McCreery was first. This result took place four weeks later. After several television appearances, Abrams took part in the American Idol concert tour. In the fall 2011, Abrams recorded his first recording. He and Haley Reinhart, another season ten contestant, recorded a duet version “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, which was released as a single. Concord Music Group announced in January 2012 that Abrams had been signed to a record deal. His self-titled debut album was published by allmusic.
