‘Idols’ refresher: 7th placer Colton, resident indie-alt rocker

COLTON Dixon. americanidol.com

Here’s part 4 of the Inquirer series on the Top 10 finalists of “American Idol” Season 11, who will perform live on Sept. 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Widely regarded as the contestant who was “robbed” in two seasons of “American Idol,” Colton Dixon had been a fan favorite for his talent, style and charisma.

Colton and his younger sister, Schyler, were members of a Christian rock band in their hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The two auditioned for “Idol” Season 10 and made it to the next round.

They performed well in the Hollywood phase, but Schyler was eliminated halfway through.

Colton made it to the final judgment, only to be sent home before the live shows.

Disheartened, he decided not to audition for Season 11 and just accompany his sister who tried out again. When the judges recognized Schyler’s name, they asked for Colton to join her in the audition.

Schyler’s voice improved from her last audition, but Colton’s pipes showed great maturity that the judges decided to put the siblings through again—though Colton was not officially registered.

Like last season, Schyler lost in the Hollywood rounds, but Colton stood out and became one of the early favorites.

He stayed true to himself and occasionally sang songs about faith. A piano-hopping performance of Paramore’s “Decode” ensured his spot in the Top 13.

Colton—tagged by judge Randy Jackson as the “resident indie-alt rocker”—was always pitted against Phillip Phillips. Both cornered the female votes.

Behind the fierce competition, however, the two became fast friends. When Colton was eliminated in his first trip to the bottom three, Phillip was inconsolable to see his last buddy leave the show.

Colton sang Lifehouse’s “Everything” for his exit song as Season 11’s 7th placer.