Diana DeGarmo: AI Country Alumni

American Idol Season 3 alumni, Diana DeGarmo, actually did quite a variety of songs, pop, R&B, country, soul, standards during the course of her American Idol run, eventually returning to her country roots. Diana is currently playing Doralee Rhodes in the musical “9 to 5,” a role originated by country legend Dolly Parton in the 1980 movie co-starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

Diana’s stint on Idol demonstrates that you can show up in the Bottom 3 often and still have a very respectable finish. Diana finished second to Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, despite being in the Bottom 3 three times. One of her visits to the Bottom 3 came after she performed this Martina McBride Song “Broken Wing.” Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” landed her there, too. Diana was just a few weeks shy of her 17th birthday at the conclusion of American Idol Season 3.

A few years ago, Diana participated in CMT’s “Gone Country,” produced by country singer, John Rich, currently a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice 4. In 2009, she released “Unplugged in Nashville,” with 4 songs she co-wrote. Last October, Diana released two new songs titled “Things That Drive a Girl Crazy” and “All Over Again”.

Does Diana still follow American Idol? Yes, After Pia Toscano’s elimination in Season 10, Diana tweeted:

“Its happens every year- people don’t vote & then are shocked when their favorites get kicked off the show… DON’T FORGET TO VOTE, Y’ALL!”