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THE TRUTH ABOUT JIMMIE ALLEN'S TIME ON AMERICAN IDOL
By EMILY HUTCHINSON
Country music has "American Idol" to thank for discovering some of the biggest stars in the genre today — including Jimmie Allen. The show has brought to our attention a steady flurry of country stars who have seen huge success in the genre, first and foremost, of course, Carrie Underwood.
Jimmie Allen appeared on "American Idol" during Season 10 and impressed judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and Steven Tyler. He made it all the way to Hollywood week and into the top 40, but was ditched when it was revealed he hadn't made it to the top 24.
Allen had the last laugh over the competition in April when he returned to the stage as a superstar in his own right. He performed a duet with contestant Alanis Sophia, as well as getting to showcase his own song, "Freedom Was A Highway."
Allen opened up about the moment on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in July 2021. "It was crazy to go back to 'Idol' because I only made top 40. So they sent me home when they were picking the top 24 for the live show. And going back this time singing my own music this time, I still felt like I was being judged.”
Allen signed a publishing deal in 2016 and signed to a label to release his own music in 2017. He's since gone on to release hits including "Best Shot" and "Make Me Want To," as well as being nominated for a slew of awards, including being the first Black artist to be crowned new male artist of the year at the ACMs.