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{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Ace Young
|name = Ace Young
|image = Ace_Young_2012.jpg
|image = Ace Young, 2005 2006 American Idol Finalist.jpg
|caption = August 2012
|caption =
|background = solo_singer
|background = solo_singer
|birth_name = Brett Young
|birth_name = Brett Asa Young
|alias
|alias = Ace Young
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1980|11|15}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1980|11|15}}
|birth_place = [[Denver, Colorado]]
|birth_place = [[Boulder, Colorado]]
|origin = [[Los Angeles, California]], United States
|origin = [[Los Angeles, California]], United States
|Label(s) = Pazzo Music{{Citation needed|date=August 2012}}<br/>Young Brothers Entertainment/ Mailboat Records{{Citation needed|date=August 2012}}
|Label = Young Brothers Entertainment [[Mailboat Records]] 2012-current<ref name=youngbros>[http://www.youngbrothersentertainment.com/ Young Brothers Entertainment] (official site)</ref> |genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[rhythm and blues]], [[blue-eyed soul]], [[Rock music|rock]]
|genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[rhythm and blues]], [[blue-eyed soul]], [[Rock music|rock]]
|instrument = [[Singing|Vocals]]
|instrument = [[Singing|Vocals]]
|years_active = 2000&mdash;present
|years_active = 2000&mdash;present
|associated_acts = [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry]], [[Little Memphis Blues Orchestra]], [[Brian McKnight]], [[New Edition]]
|website = [http://www.AceOfficial.com]}}
|website = [http://www.AceOfficial.com AceMusic.com]
}}

⚫
ACE YOUNG (born November 15, 1980)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/3952/ | date=November 15, 2010 | title = Happy Birthday, Ace Young! | publisher= ''[[American Idol]]'' (official site) | accessdate=May 27, 2012 | archivedate= February 8, 2011 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20110208020006/http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/3952/}}</ref> is an American Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Business Entrepreneur and Actor. He came to national recognition upon appearing on the Hit Season of [[American Idol (season 5)|fifth season]]. ''[[American Idol]]''. Young is engaged to [[Diana DeGarmo]], who was runner-up on American Idol season three.


⚫
[[Ace Young]] (born November 15, 1980)<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/3952/ | date=November 15, 2010 | title= Happy Birthday, Ace Young! | publisher=''[[American Idol]]'' official site | accessdate = August 18, 2012 |quote=Season 5 finalist Ace Young celebrates his 30th birthday today!}}</ref> is an American singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and actor. He gained national recognition while appearing on the fifth season of ''[[American Idol]]''. Young is engaged to marry'' American Idol'' season-three runner-up [[Diana DeGarmo]].
==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early years===
===Early years===
Young was raised in [[Boulder]], [[Colorado]].<ref name="denver">{{cite web|last= Young |first= Ace | date=circa February 2006 |url= http://www.americanidol.com/videos/?vid=147 |title= Ace Young Interview |format= Windows Media Player |publisher= FOX Network |accessdate= 2006-06-04 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060429131720/http://www.americanidol.com/videos/?vid=147| archivedate= 29 April 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
⚫
Young was raised in Boulder, Colorado and is the youngest of five sons.<ref>http://www.lafamily.com/activities-entertainment/ace-young-spotlight-celebrity-role-model</ref> He began writing songs, singing, and taking voice lessons at age 9. In his youth he performed at shopping malls and recreation centers.<ref>{{cite web|url=[http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season5/ace_young/ | title=Season 5: Ace Young | publisher = ''[[American Idol]]'' (official site) | accessdate = May 27, 2012}} Question: "Do you have any formal singing training?" Answer: "Voice lessons."</ref> He performed at various venues in Colorado and other western states, including peforming the National Anthem at The [[Pepsi Center]] in Denver. Young graduated from Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado in 1999. While in high school he participated in athletics, choir, and International Baccalaureate classes. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout during his senior year. <ref name="fairview">{{cite web|last= Parker |first= Penny | date=2006-05-05 |url= http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/news_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_86_4675538,00.html|title= Parker: Already basking in afterglow, Ace Young to meet John Elway|work= [[Rocky Mountain News]]|accessdate= 2006-06-06}}{{dead link|date=August 2012}}</ref>


⚫
Young, the youngest of 5 boys, played every sport imaginable growing up. At the age of 9 Ace wanted to start singing after he heard his brother Marc sing "More Then Words" in his Highschool Talent show. Only 9, Young then started writing/producing, attending voice lessons and performing at local shopping malls and recreation centers for paid events.<ref>{{cite web|url=[http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season5/ace_young/ | title=Season 5: Ace Young | publisher = ''[[American Idol]]'' (official site) | accessdate = May 27, 2012}} Question: "Do you have any formal singing training?" Answer: "Voice lessons."</ref> He performed at various Youth Events in Colorado, most notably at the [[Pepsi Center]] in Denver. Young loved the Pepsi Center, he would sing the National Anthem all the time for Nuggets games and also for the Rockies at Coors Field. Young graduated from [[Fairview High School (Boulder)|Fairview High School]], his local high school, in 1999, while during his senior year earning the rank of Eagle Scout and participating competitively in football and baseball.<ref name="fairview">{{cite web|last= Parker |first= Penny | date=2006-05-05 |url= http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/news_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_86_4675538,00.html|title= Parker: Already basking in afterglow, Ace Young to meet John Elway|publisher= [[Rocky Mountain News]]|accessdate= 2006-06-06 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060709073920/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/news_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_86_4675538,00.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-07-09}}</ref>
After Young graduated from high school he wrote a song called "Reason I Live" that was featured on the soundtrack of the 2000 film "The Little Vampire.<ref name="vamp">''The Little Vampire Soundtrack''. October 17, 2000. New Line Records.</ref>


After his high school graduation, Young worked construction driving a HUGE scraper leveling and packing ground for new homes. During this time Young published his very first song, "Reason I Live" was featured in the 2000 film ''[[The Little Vampire]]''.<ref name="vamp">''The Little Vampire Soundtrack''. October 17, 2000. New Line Records.</ref> Young was the only unsigned artist on the soundtrack and his local appearances around Denver made Denver the highest city for sales of the soundtrack in the Country.
⚫
In 2001, Young moved to Los Angeles, California to continue pursuing his music career. He initially worked as a cell phone and copier salesman, and also did home remodeling. In the evenings he made cold calls to music producers trying to get them to work with him. He ultimately met Brian McKnight and was given the chance to open for McKnight and New Edition. <ref>http://voices.yahoo.com/ace-young-still-americas-idol-9340993.html</ref> Just prior to auditioning for American Idol he landed a guest-starring role in an episode of ''Half & Half,'' playing a character named Ace Blackwell.<ref name="sitcom">{{cite web| date=2006-03-16 |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526361/20060316/2pac.jhtml?headlines=true|title= For The Record: Quick News On Tupac Shakur, Ace Young, Gary Glitter, Snoop Dogg, Lara Croft, Saves The Day & More|publisher= [[MTV]]|accessdate= 2006-06-07 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060502054725/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526361/20060316/2pac.jhtml?headlines=true| archivedate= 2 May 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>

⚫
In 2001, Young moved to [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]], where he got a job working in sales for AT&T/Cingular Wireless selling cell phones. For his first year in LA he would work during the day and cold call producers that he wanted to work on his music with at night. His first year he worked hard and lived with his grandparents in Newhall, CA. Then in 2002 his brother Ryan moved out from Colorado to help him break into the music industry once and for all. It was then that Ace partnered with Brian McKnight and then opened for [[Brian McKnight]] and [[New Edition]], on their summer tour. During this time, he guest-starred in an episode of ''[[Half & Half]]'', playing a character named [[Ace Blackwell]].<ref name="sitcom">{{cite web| date=2006-03-16 |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526361/20060316/2pac.jhtml?headlines=true|title= For The Record: Quick News On Tupac Shakur, Ace Young, Gary Glitter, Snoop Dogg, Lara Croft, Saves The Day & More|publisher= [[MTV]]|accessdate= 2006-06-07 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060502054725/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526361/20060316/2pac.jhtml?headlines=true| archivedate= 2 May 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> While doing outside sales selling copiers, with no music contract, Young decided to fly back to Denver for the last auditioning place for the upcoming Season 5 of American Idol.


===''American Idol''===
===''American Idol''===
After over four years in Los Angeles without a record deal, Young auditioned for ''American Idol'' in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]]. His televised audition featured him singing Westlife's "Swear it Again." Young was introduced as Brett Young, with the name "Ace" marked in quotations. Later, he told products he preferred to be called Ace and he was not referred to as Brett on the show again.<ref>http://voices.yahoo.com/ace-young-still-americas-idol-9340993.html?cat=33</ref>
Young auditioned for ''American Idol'' in Denver, wearing a [[tuque]] beanie and singing a rendition of [[Westlife]]'s "Swear It Again" and was the only contestant to be unanimously passed on to the next round. ''American Idol'' judges [[Paula Abdul]] and [[Randy Jackson]] approved his entry, with Jackson noting that Young was one of the best singers he had seen audition. [[Simon Cowell]] disagreed with Abdul and Jackson but also approved Young, with a small "why".

Young soared through Hollywood week and then made his presence known with his very first Top 24 performance of George Michaels' song, "Father Figure". Ace made such a impact that he was voted to win in Vegas after this his very first performance.

Young then followed up with a performance of Michael Jacksons' song, "Butterflies" that kept him at the top. Local radio played his version alongside Michaels stating that Youngs' live performance was up to par with the Icon.

On April 4, the fourth week of the finals, was a designated country songs theme with [[Kenny Rogers]]. Young sang "[[Tonight I Wanna Cry]]." Abdul said the song was perfect for his range and that he sang an adequate rendition of a contemporary country music hit. Cowell thought Young had made a good song choice. Kenny Rogers also reacted positively.


Young often stated that he never felt like he was in competition with the other contestants. "We are all so different" he said. In sports he knew his competition, but on Idol he never wanted to demolish someone elses spirits. So instead of being the competitor Young became a supporting backbone for other Idol contestants. Even after performing QUEENS "We Will Rock You" Young never raised his voice against Idol Producers even when his now friend Brian May published "AMERICAN IDOL - ACE - AND BEING MISREPRESENTED .." as the headline to his Wed 12 April, 06 Journal entry.
Young made it through Hollywood week and sang [[George Michael]]'s song, "[[Father Figure (song)|Father Figure]]" for his live Top 24 performance. He also performed [[Michael Jackson]]'s song, "Butterflies."


The very next week, April 18, Young sang from the [[Great American Songbook]] with [[Rod Stewart]]. He sang "[[That's All]]." his grandfather (who has now passed)'s favorite song who was in audience. Young had his hair pulled back (so his grandfather didn't think he was a hippie) and wore the first suit he ever purchased, a georgous navy blue Alexander McQueen designer suit. Jackson commented that Young did well overall. Abdul commented that she liked the "new Ace" and called it "a magical night." Cowell said "it wasn't bad," and called the performance "charming." Ace was happy to make the Top 10 Tour (Which became the Biggest Idol Tour in History and the largest Tour that Summer, Selling out 60 Sold Out Arenas, beating out Madonna for the Biggest Tour that summer.) When asked about being eliminated from Idol Ace responded, "If they know my name then I won". Idol was just the begining for Young, he has since become a GRAMMY nominated songwriter with Number 1's in the states and overseas, the LEAD for 2 Major Broadway Shows, Guest Staring actor on one of the most viewed episodes of BONES and HALF & HALF, and most currently known for his proposal heard around the world to fellow Idol Finalist Diana DeGarmo on the Season 11 Finale of American Idol with 21 million viewers. He and his fiance are currently working on a duet album.
The week that featured the music of Queen and the surviving members of the band as mentors, there was a brief controversy. ''American Idol''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s editing of Young's pre-performance package made it appear as if he had offended [[Brian May]] and the rest of the band by suggesting a change in the arrangement of "We Will Rock You." May came to Young's defense a few days later when he wrote a blog clarifying he and the band felt their mentoring session was a productive exchange of ideas for the arrangement of the song.<ref>http://brianmay.com/brian/brianssb/brianssbapr06a.html#06</ref>


The week Young was eliminated the theme was "Songs from the Great American Songbook," with [[Rod Stewart]] as mentor. Young sang "That's All." He changed his look for this performance, slicking his hair back and dressing up in a suit and tie. He received mixed reviews from the judges and was joined by [[Chris Daughtry]] and [[Paris Bennett]] in the bottom 3.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Week
!Week
Line 66: Line 77:
|"[[Do I Do]]"
|"[[Do I Do]]"
|Stevie Wonder
|Stevie Wonder
|
|Bottom 3
|-
|-
|Top 11
|Top 11
Line 78: Line 89:
|"[[Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)]]"
|"[[Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)]]"
|[[Train (band)|Train]]
|[[Train (band)|Train]]
|
|Bottom 3
|-
|-
|Top 9
|Top 9
Line 96: Line 107:
|"[[That's All]]"
|"[[That's All]]"
|[[Nat King Cole]]
|[[Nat King Cole]]
|
|Eliminated
|}
|}


===Post-Idol===
===Post-''Idol''===
After his elimination Young was a guest and performed on MTV's ''Total Request Live.'' He was the first Idol contestant to be on MTV directly after elimination. Young also returned home to perform at the Pepsi Center in Denver.<ref>{{cite web| date=2006-06-05|url= http://tmz.aol.com/article2/_a/idol-finalists-get-record-contracts/20060605123209990001|title= 'Idol' Finalists Get Record Contracts: Kat, Chris, Ace and Elliott's post-deals|publisher= America Online|accessdate= 2006-06-05 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060613115714/http://tmz.aol.com/article2/_a/idol-finalists-get-record-contracts/20060605123209990001 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-06-13}}</ref> He was named one of [[People (magazine)|People Magazine]]'s "Hottest Bachelors" on June 16, 2006.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_5/2006_Jun_15_hicks_hottest_bachelor |title= Taylor Hicks is People’s hottest bachelor; Ace Young, Ryan Seacrest are also listed | first= Andy |last=Dehnart | date= June 15, 2006 | publisher= Reality Blurred | accessdate= August 18, 2012 quote=|Also included among the 50 hottest couples are Ace Young and Ryan Seacrest.}}</ref> He spent the summer of 2006 on the annual American Idol Top 10 tour, and afterwards released his first single, "Scattered," (co-written with Elvio Fernandes) as a digital download on iTunes. The song reached the Top 50 on the Hot Adult Contemporary sales chart.<ref>http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1550670/idol-finalist-ace-young-about-get-big.jhtml</ref> He also put together a band and started playing gigs around the country.
On April 26, Young was a guest and performed on MTV's ''[[Total Request Live]]''. He is the first ever Idol contestant to be on MTV directly after elimination. Young continues to perform at the Pepsi Center in Denver.<ref>{{cite web| date=2006-06-05|url= http://tmz.aol.com/article2/_a/idol-finalists-get-record-contracts/20060605123209990001|title= 'Idol' Finalists Get Record Contracts: Kat, Chris, Ace and Elliott's post-deals|publisher= America Online|accessdate= 2006-06-05 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060613115714/http://tmz.aol.com/article2/_a/idol-finalists-get-record-contracts/20060605123209990001 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-06-13}}</ref> He was named one of [[People (magazine)|People Magazine]]'s "Hottest Bachelors" on June 16, 2006.<ref>[http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_5/2006_Jun_15_hicks_hottest_bachelor]"Also included among the 50 hottest couples are Ace Young and Ryan Seacrest."</ref>

On October 20, 2006, he released his first single "Scattered," with help from friend Elvio Fernandes, a musician in Rochester, NY who now tours with Idol friend DAUGHTRY. a [[music download|digital download]] on [[iTunes Store]].

Young appeared and sang on the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade along with fellow idol finalists [[Paris Bennett]], [[Kevin Covais]], and [[Mandisa]].

Young wrote the chorus to [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry]]'s debut single, "[[It's Not Over (Daughtry song)|It's Not Over]]." On December 6, 2007, the 50th Annual Grammy Award nominations were announced and Young was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Song|Best Rock Song]], for his songwriting credit in [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry's]] [[Daughtry (album)|debut album]] lead single ''It's Not Over.''

In January 2008, Young was named a Celebrity Ambassador for the [[Muscular Dystrophy Association]] (MDA), where he will spend time assisting the charity with events and raising awareness for neuromuscular diseases.


On April 15, 2008, Young released his second single, [[Addicted (Ace Young song)|Addicted]], available on [[iTunes]] and [[Amazon.com|Amazon]].
Young performed at the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade along with fellow idol finalists [[Paris Bennett]], [[Kevin Covais]], and [[Mandisa]]. He also formed a charity called "Highrollers With Heart" that raised $300,000 to help Children's Hospital in Denver build the Family Hospitality Suite. <ref>http://www.lafamily.com/activities-entertainment/ace-young-spotlight-celebrity-role-model</ref>


On May 12, 2008 he appeared on FOX's hit show [[Bones (TV series)|Bones]] alongside season six American Idol Contestant [[Brandon Rogers (singer)|Brandon Rogers]].<ref>[http://www.americanidol.com/news/ American Idol News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Young wrote the chorus for Daughtry's debut single, "It's Not Over." The song was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 50th Annual Grammy Award nominations on December 6, 2007. Along with co-writers, [[Gregg Wattenberg]], [[Mark Wilkerson]], and [[Chris Daughtry]], Young received a songwriting nomination. At the Grammy's they lost the award to Bruce Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere.".<ref>[http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/50th_Show/list.aspx] 50th Annual Grammy Award Nominations. Grammy.com</ref>
He played the part of a karaoke singer who got murdered and sang Nickelback's "Far Away". This episode is still one of the MOST viewed episodes of BONES.


He appeared on TNA Impact on Thursday May 29, and debuted a new version of his "Addicted" music video, and also came out ringside with So Cal Val to support Jay Lethal and [[Sonjay Dutt]] in their match. When Sonjay destroyed the wedding, Young soared over the ropes with ease, he was then punched in the face and knocked to the ground. Just in time for Jake The Snake to enter his 9 foot Python into the ring.
In January 2008, Young was named a Celebrity Ambassador for the [[Muscular Dystrophy Association]] (MDA). Young continues to work closely with MDA as a National Association Vice President. <ref>http://voices.yahoo.com/ace-young-still-americas-idol-9340993.html?cat=33</ref> He has appeared on the show every year since 2007. In 2011 he hosted the New York MDA telethon. In 2012 he will participate in Labor Day weekend's pre-taped MDA "Show of Strength" telethon.<ref>http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mda-show-of-strength-features-star-studded-talent-focuses-on-families-165637676.html?utm_expid=43414375-18&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Dace%2520young%25202012%2520mda%2520telethon%2520show%2520of%2520strength%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CD8QFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.prnewswire.com%252Fnews-releases%252Fmda-show-of-strength-features-star-studded-talent-focuses-on-families-165637676.html%26ei%3DU7kuUJSiEYnoiQL66oGQBA%26usg%3DAFQjCNEJlS5EMIE09NiZem2OyqaBquqwXA</ref>


Young's self-titled, self- funded debut album was released on July 15, 2008. Young included writers Desmond Child, Diane Warren, Andreas Carlsson, Kalle Engstrum, Julian Buenetta, and Harry Sommerdahl. Young co-wrote seven of the eleven tracks on the album. With the Major Labels in constant buyouts Ace and Desmond were unable to lock down a major distributor but they are both very proud of the album and know it will live on another day. Desmond still says it is one of the best albums he has created.
In April 2008 he released another single, "Addicted," and promoted the song and subsequent video on TNA wrestling. He worked with [[Bon Jovi]] producer [[Desmond Child]] on his self-titled and self-funded debut album, releasing it independently in July 2008.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-05-13-idol-alums_N.htm</ref> He wrote seven of the eleven songs on the cd and released it independently to stores and digital retailers.<ref>http://www.mjsbigblog.com/ace-young-debut-album-drops-today.htm</ref>


Young is a Eagle Scout. He has always been a charitable person. After Idol he created his charity "High Rollers With Heart" to help raise money for his local Childrens' Hospital. With the goal of 100 thousand dollars, Young soared over 3 million with help from local radio and he was able to fund the family amenities area in the brand new Childrens in his hometown of Denver. During his charity work in Denver he met a young girl with MS who introduced him to MDA. Young started working with them that year by performing on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon August 31 and September 1 live from Las Vegas. He has since become a VP of the MDA organization and a HUGE help to raising awarness to the younger demographic about MS and the fight for a cure. In 2011 he co-hosted several Vegas segments of the live television broadcast while he hosted the Live New York feed. Raising more money in 6 hours in New York then ever in history. Young has now involved his fiance Diana DeGarmo in the 2012 MDA Broadcast.
On May 12, 2008 he appeared on the Fox series ''[[Bones (TV series)|Bones]]'' alongside season-six ''American Idol'' contestant Brandon Rogers.<ref>[http://www.americanidol.com/news/ American Idol News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In the episode "Wannabe in the Weeds," Young played an arrogant karaoke singer who was gruesomely murdered. His character sang a Nickleback song, "Far Away." On November 23, 2008, he made an appearance as a bachelor on the VH1 show ''[[Rock of Love: Charm School]]''.


On November 23, 2008, Young Guest Starred as a [[bachelor]] on Sharon Osbournes' [[VH1]] show, [[Rock of Love: Charm School]]
Young made his Broadway debut as Kenickie in the revival of ''Grease'' on September 9, 2008. He played the role until the show closed January 4, 2009.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/GREASE_to_Close_on_Broadway_January_4_2009_20081203 GREASE to Close on Broadway January 4, 2009]</ref> Young later joined the national tour of ''Grease'' in December 2009, this time playing Danny Zuko.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Ace_Young_Allison_Fischer_Laura_DAndre_Jesse_JP_Johnson_and_Jamison_Scott_Join_GREASE_TOUR_20091129 Ace Young, Allison Fischer, Laura D'Andre, Jesse JP Johnson and Jamison Scott Join GREASE TOUR]</ref> He left the tour on February 14, 2010. <ref>[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/136943-National-Tour-of-Grease-to-End-in-May National Tour of Grease to End in May]</ref> After "Grease," Young took over the role of Berger in the Broadway revival of ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]'', succeeding [[Will Swenson]]. Young took over the role in March 2010 and remained with the production until the show closed June 27, 2010.<ref>[http://www.broadway.com/shows/hair/buzz/kyle-riabko-ace-young-and-diana-degarmo-hair-new-headliners-complete-cast-announced/ Kyle Riabko, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Are Hair's New Headliners; Complete Cast Announced]</ref><ref>[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140698-Eyes-Look-Your-Last-Tony-Award-Winning-Revival-of-Hair-Closes-On-Broadway-June-27 "Eyes Look Your Last": Tony Award-Winning Revival of Hair Closes On Broadway June 27]</ref>


Young made his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut as Kenickie in the [[revival (theatre)|revival]] of ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'' from September 9, 2008 to January 4, 2009.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/GREASE_to_Close_on_Broadway_January_4_2009_20081203 GREASE to Close on Broadway January 4, 2009]</ref> Young joined the national tour of ''Grease'' on December 1, 2009 this time playing Danny Zuko.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Ace_Young_Allison_Fischer_Laura_DAndre_Jesse_JP_Johnson_and_Jamison_Scott_Join_GREASE_TOUR_20091129 Ace Young, Laura D'Andre, Jesse JP Johnson and Jamison Scott Join GREASE TOUR]</ref> He left the tour on February 14, 2010 to go back to Broadway and star in the HAIR revival.
Since ''Hair'', Young has started a music company, called "Young Brothers Entertainment." The new company is partnered with Mailboat Records for digital releases. The company has five acts: Ace Young, Diana DeGarmo, Tha Vill Rachele Royale, and Code 5.<ref name=youngbros /> Young's single "I Wanna Fall in Love Again" was released on iTunes in May 2012.


He most recently starred as Berger in the Broadway revival of ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]''. He received great applause and was reviewed as a TOP Broadway replacement for the year after succeeded [[Tony Award]] nominee [[Will Swenson]] beginning March 9, 2010 and remained with the production till its closure on June 27, 2010.<ref>[http://www.broadway.com/shows/hair/buzz/kyle-riabko-ace-young-and-diana-degarmo-hair-new-headliners-complete-cast-announced/ Kyle Riabko, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Are Hair's New Headliners; Complete Cast Announced]</ref><ref>[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140698-Eyes-Look-Your-Last-Tony-Award-Winning-Revival-of-Hair-Closes-On-Broadway-June-27 "Eyes Look Your Last": Tony Award-Winning Revival of Hair Closes On Broadway June 27]</ref>It was there where Young met his fiance Diana DeGarmo, not American Idol.
===Personal life===
===Personal life===
Young lives in Los Angeles with his fiancee, Diana DeGarmo. The couple met while appearing in ''Hair'' on Broadway. They got engaged on the May 23, 2012, ''American Idol'' season finale when Young surprised DeGarmo with an on-air marriage proposal.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20598094,00.html | title = Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Get Engaged on American Idol Finale | accessdate = May 23, 2012| date = May 23, 2012 }}</ref>
Young is currently based in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], living with his fiance American Idol season 3 runner-up, [[Diana DeGarmo]].<ref>[http://perezhilton.com/tv/Diana_DeGarmo_Talks_Her_Relationship_and_Living_With_Ace_Young/?channel_id=celebs&ptvid=fa38efccc29c1&start=0&end=19 Diana_DeGarmo Talks Her Relationship and Living With Ace Young]</ref> They met while co-starring in the musical "Hair" on Broadway in 2010. On May 23, 2012, on the American Idol season 11 finale, Young surprised DeGarmo with an on-air marriage proposal, which she accepted.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20598094,00.html | title = Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Get Engaged on American Idol Finale | accessdate = May 23, 2012| date = May 23, 2012 }}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

Revision as of 12:07, 21 August 2012

Ace Young
Background information
Birth nameBrett Asa Young
Also known asAce Young
Born (1980-11-15) November 15, 1980 (age 43)
Boulder, Colorado
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresPop, rhythm and blues, blue-eyed soul, rock
InstrumentVocals
Years active2000—present
WebsiteAceMusic.com

ACE YOUNG (born November 15, 1980)[1] is an American Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Business Entrepreneur and Actor. He came to national recognition upon appearing on the Hit Season of fifth season. American Idol. Young is engaged to Diana DeGarmo, who was runner-up on American Idol season three.

Biography

Early years

Young was raised in Boulder, Colorado.[2]

Young, the youngest of 5 boys, played every sport imaginable growing up. At the age of 9 Ace wanted to start singing after he heard his brother Marc sing "More Then Words" in his Highschool Talent show. Only 9, Young then started writing/producing, attending voice lessons and performing at local shopping malls and recreation centers for paid events.[3] He performed at various Youth Events in Colorado, most notably at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Young loved the Pepsi Center, he would sing the National Anthem all the time for Nuggets games and also for the Rockies at Coors Field. Young graduated from Fairview High School, his local high school, in 1999, while during his senior year earning the rank of Eagle Scout and participating competitively in football and baseball.[4]

After his high school graduation, Young worked construction driving a HUGE scraper leveling and packing ground for new homes. During this time Young published his very first song, "Reason I Live" was featured in the 2000 film The Little Vampire.[5] Young was the only unsigned artist on the soundtrack and his local appearances around Denver made Denver the highest city for sales of the soundtrack in the Country.

In 2001, Young moved to Los Angeles, California, where he got a job working in sales for AT&T/Cingular Wireless selling cell phones. For his first year in LA he would work during the day and cold call producers that he wanted to work on his music with at night. His first year he worked hard and lived with his grandparents in Newhall, CA. Then in 2002 his brother Ryan moved out from Colorado to help him break into the music industry once and for all. It was then that Ace partnered with Brian McKnight and then opened for Brian McKnight and New Edition, on their summer tour. During this time, he guest-starred in an episode of Half & Half, playing a character named Ace Blackwell.[6] While doing outside sales selling copiers, with no music contract, Young decided to fly back to Denver for the last auditioning place for the upcoming Season 5 of American Idol.

American Idol

Young auditioned for American Idol in Denver, wearing a tuque beanie and singing a rendition of Westlife's "Swear It Again" and was the only contestant to be unanimously passed on to the next round. American Idol judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson approved his entry, with Jackson noting that Young was one of the best singers he had seen audition. Simon Cowell disagreed with Abdul and Jackson but also approved Young, with a small "why".

Young soared through Hollywood week and then made his presence known with his very first Top 24 performance of George Michaels' song, "Father Figure". Ace made such a impact that he was voted to win in Vegas after this his very first performance.

Young then followed up with a performance of Michael Jacksons' song, "Butterflies" that kept him at the top. Local radio played his version alongside Michaels stating that Youngs' live performance was up to par with the Icon.

On April 4, the fourth week of the finals, was a designated country songs theme with Kenny Rogers. Young sang "Tonight I Wanna Cry." Abdul said the song was perfect for his range and that he sang an adequate rendition of a contemporary country music hit. Cowell thought Young had made a good song choice. Kenny Rogers also reacted positively.

Young often stated that he never felt like he was in competition with the other contestants. "We are all so different" he said. In sports he knew his competition, but on Idol he never wanted to demolish someone elses spirits. So instead of being the competitor Young became a supporting backbone for other Idol contestants. Even after performing QUEENS "We Will Rock You" Young never raised his voice against Idol Producers even when his now friend Brian May published "AMERICAN IDOL - ACE - AND BEING MISREPRESENTED .." as the headline to his Wed 12 April, 06 Journal entry.

The very next week, April 18, Young sang from the Great American Songbook with Rod Stewart. He sang "That's All." his grandfather (who has now passed)'s favorite song who was in audience. Young had his hair pulled back (so his grandfather didn't think he was a hippie) and wore the first suit he ever purchased, a georgous navy blue Alexander McQueen designer suit. Jackson commented that Young did well overall. Abdul commented that she liked the "new Ace" and called it "a magical night." Cowell said "it wasn't bad," and called the performance "charming." Ace was happy to make the Top 10 Tour (Which became the Biggest Idol Tour in History and the largest Tour that Summer, Selling out 60 Sold Out Arenas, beating out Madonna for the Biggest Tour that summer.) When asked about being eliminated from Idol Ace responded, "If they know my name then I won". Idol was just the begining for Young, he has since become a GRAMMY nominated songwriter with Number 1's in the states and overseas, the LEAD for 2 Major Broadway Shows, Guest Staring actor on one of the most viewed episodes of BONES and HALF & HALF, and most currently known for his proposal heard around the world to fellow Idol Finalist Diana DeGarmo on the Season 11 Finale of American Idol with 21 million viewers. He and his fiance are currently working on a duet album.

Week Theme Song Sung Artist Status
Audition Free choice "Swear It Again" Westlife Selected
Semifinals
Top 24 (12 Men) 		- "Father Figure" George Michael Advanced
Semifinals
Top 20 (10 Men) 		- "If You're Not the One" Daniel Bedingfield Advanced
Semifinals
Top 16 (8 Men) 		- "Butterflies" Michael Jackson Advanced
Top 12 Songs of Stevie Wonder "Do I Do" Stevie Wonder
Top 11 Songs of the 1950s "In the Still of the Night" The Five Satins Safe
Top 10 Songs of the 2000s "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" Train
Top 9 Songs of Country Music "Tonight I Wanna Cry" Keith Urban Safe
Top 8 Songs of Queen "We Will Rock You" Queen Bottom 3
Top 7 Great American Songbook "That's All" Nat King Cole

Post-Idol

On April 26, Young was a guest and performed on MTV's Total Request Live. He is the first ever Idol contestant to be on MTV directly after elimination. Young continues to perform at the Pepsi Center in Denver.[7] He was named one of People Magazine's "Hottest Bachelors" on June 16, 2006.[8]

On October 20, 2006, he released his first single "Scattered," with help from friend Elvio Fernandes, a musician in Rochester, NY who now tours with Idol friend DAUGHTRY. a digital download on iTunes Store.

Young appeared and sang on the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade along with fellow idol finalists Paris Bennett, Kevin Covais, and Mandisa.

Young wrote the chorus to Daughtry's debut single, "It's Not Over." On December 6, 2007, the 50th Annual Grammy Award nominations were announced and Young was nominated for Best Rock Song, for his songwriting credit in Daughtry's debut album lead single It's Not Over.

In January 2008, Young was named a Celebrity Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), where he will spend time assisting the charity with events and raising awareness for neuromuscular diseases.

On April 15, 2008, Young released his second single, Addicted, available on iTunes and Amazon.

On May 12, 2008 he appeared on FOX's hit show Bones alongside season six American Idol Contestant Brandon Rogers.[9] He played the part of a karaoke singer who got murdered and sang Nickelback's "Far Away". This episode is still one of the MOST viewed episodes of BONES.

He appeared on TNA Impact on Thursday May 29, and debuted a new version of his "Addicted" music video, and also came out ringside with So Cal Val to support Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt in their match. When Sonjay destroyed the wedding, Young soared over the ropes with ease, he was then punched in the face and knocked to the ground. Just in time for Jake The Snake to enter his 9 foot Python into the ring.

Young's self-titled, self- funded debut album was released on July 15, 2008. Young included writers Desmond Child, Diane Warren, Andreas Carlsson, Kalle Engstrum, Julian Buenetta, and Harry Sommerdahl. Young co-wrote seven of the eleven tracks on the album. With the Major Labels in constant buyouts Ace and Desmond were unable to lock down a major distributor but they are both very proud of the album and know it will live on another day. Desmond still says it is one of the best albums he has created.

Young is a Eagle Scout. He has always been a charitable person. After Idol he created his charity "High Rollers With Heart" to help raise money for his local Childrens' Hospital. With the goal of 100 thousand dollars, Young soared over 3 million with help from local radio and he was able to fund the family amenities area in the brand new Childrens in his hometown of Denver. During his charity work in Denver he met a young girl with MS who introduced him to MDA. Young started working with them that year by performing on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon August 31 and September 1 live from Las Vegas. He has since become a VP of the MDA organization and a HUGE help to raising awarness to the younger demographic about MS and the fight for a cure. In 2011 he co-hosted several Vegas segments of the live television broadcast while he hosted the Live New York feed. Raising more money in 6 hours in New York then ever in history. Young has now involved his fiance Diana DeGarmo in the 2012 MDA Broadcast.

On November 23, 2008, Young Guest Starred as a bachelor on Sharon Osbournes' VH1 show, Rock of Love: Charm School

Young made his Broadway debut as Kenickie in the revival of Grease from September 9, 2008 to January 4, 2009.[10] Young joined the national tour of Grease on December 1, 2009 this time playing Danny Zuko.[11] He left the tour on February 14, 2010 to go back to Broadway and star in the HAIR revival.

He most recently starred as Berger in the Broadway revival of Hair. He received great applause and was reviewed as a TOP Broadway replacement for the year after succeeded Tony Award nominee Will Swenson beginning March 9, 2010 and remained with the production till its closure on June 27, 2010.[12][13]It was there where Young met his fiance Diana DeGarmo, not American Idol.

Personal life

Young is currently based in Los Angeles, California, living with his fiance American Idol season 3 runner-up, Diana DeGarmo.[14] They met while co-starring in the musical "Hair" on Broadway in 2010. On May 23, 2012, on the American Idol season 11 finale, Young surprised DeGarmo with an on-air marriage proposal, which she accepted.[15]

Discography

Albums

Year Album details Peak Certifications
(sales threshold)
US
2008 Ace Young 160
  • US: 10,000

Singles

Year Single Peak positions Album
US
Pop
2006 "Scattered" — n/a
2009 "Addicted" 77 Ace Young
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

See also

References

  1. ^ "Happy Birthday, Ace Young!". American Idol (official site). November 15, 2010. Archived from the original on February 8, 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Young, Ace (circa February 2006). "Ace Young Interview". FOX Network. Archived from the original (Windows Media Player) on 29 April 2006. Retrieved 2006-06-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ ["Season 5: Ace Young". American Idol (official site). Retrieved May 27, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) Question: "Do you have any formal singing training?" Answer: "Voice lessons."
  4. ^ Parker, Penny (2006-05-05). "Parker: Already basking in afterglow, Ace Young to meet John Elway". Rocky Mountain News. Archived from the original on 2006-07-09. Retrieved 2006-06-06.
  5. ^ The Little Vampire Soundtrack. October 17, 2000. New Line Records.
  6. ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Tupac Shakur, Ace Young, Gary Glitter, Snoop Dogg, Lara Croft, Saves The Day & More". MTV. 2006-03-16. Archived from the original on 2 May 2006. Retrieved 2006-06-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "'Idol' Finalists Get Record Contracts: Kat, Chris, Ace and Elliott's post-deals". America Online. 2006-06-05. Archived from the original on 2006-06-13. Retrieved 2006-06-05.
  8. ^ [1]"Also included among the 50 hottest couples are Ace Young and Ryan Seacrest."
  9. ^ American Idol News
  10. ^ GREASE to Close on Broadway January 4, 2009
  11. ^ Ace Young, Laura D'Andre, Jesse JP Johnson and Jamison Scott Join GREASE TOUR
  12. ^ Kyle Riabko, Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Are Hair's New Headliners; Complete Cast Announced
  13. ^ "Eyes Look Your Last": Tony Award-Winning Revival of Hair Closes On Broadway June 27
  14. ^ Diana_DeGarmo Talks Her Relationship and Living With Ace Young
  15. ^ "Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo Get Engaged on American Idol Finale". May 23, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.

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