Wikipedia

Jim Verraros

James Conrad Verraros (born February 8, 1983) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, who placed ninth on the first season of American Idol. Raised by deaf parents, he is fluent in American Sign Language and gained notoriety on American Idol for signing the lyrics to his audition song. After competing on the series, he released three pop rock, dance albums with music producer and songwriter Gabe Lopez. Verraros was also featured on the 2002 compilation album American Idol: Greatest Moments, covering "Easy" by the Commodores – this album reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart.

Jim Verraros
Birth nameJames Conrad Verraros
Born (1983-02-08) February 8, 1983 (age 41)
Mount Prospect, Illinois, U.S.
OriginCrystal Lake, Illinois
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • actor
Years active2002–current
LabelsKoch Records

While participating in the 2002 American Idols LIVE! tour, Verraros came out as gay. He was the first American Idol finalist to come out, and he remained the series' only publicly gay finalist for over three years. Several organizations subsequently honored Verraros as an influential figure within the gay community (such as Out magazine, which named him to its "Most Intriguing People" list twice, first in 2002 and again in 2006). Throughout his music career, Verraros performed at numerous pride events. He also toured at gay clubs.

Verraros released his official debut album, Rollercoaster, through independent label Koch Records in 2005. It was accompanied by two singles and received generally positive reviews. Some of the songs from Rollercoaster had previously been featured on a demo album, Unsaid and Understood, which Verraros had self-released through mp3.com around 2003. The lead single from Rollercoaster, "You Turn It On", peaked at number twenty-one on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart.

In addition to music, Verraros pursued an acting career. He had a starring role in the first two installments of the gay comedy film franchise Eating Out, and he had a cameo in Another Gay Movie. He also stayed involved with American Idol-related projects for several years. In 2003, he joined with various finalists from the first two seasons of the series for a promotional tour of select shopping malls throughout the United States, and later, he co-hosted a video recap series of American Idol's seventh season for AfterElton.com.

In 2007, Verraros released a non-album single about his then-to-be husband, Bill Brennan; the song, "You Make It Better", was featured in the second Eating Out film. Verraros and Brennan married in 2009. The same year as his wedding, Verraros self-released three new singles, although the accompanying second album, Do Not Disturb, was not released until 2011. Following Do Not Disturb, Verraros announced his intention to retire from music. He subsequently served as executive vice president of Brennan's organization, Bridal Expo Chicago and Bridal Expo Milwaukee. Verraros and Brennan have since separated.

Early life

edit

Verraros was born on February 8, 1983, in Mount Prospect, Illinois. He grew up in nearby Crystal Lake.[1][2][3] His father, Nicholas,[3][a] and mother, Debbie,[5] both lost their hearing after contracting German measles as infants.[6] Verraros was raised to be fluent in American Sign Language. The responsibility of interpreting for his parents as a child led him to relate with people older than himself, more than he did with others his own age.[6][7] Reflecting on his childhood, Verraros once said, "I had to do things like hold phone conversations and discuss things with doctors and even real estate agents. I had to become well-versed not only with sign language but with people skills as well...I didn't have time for bullshit."[7]

My facial expressions are sort of huge and over the top, and I think that does come from having to sign. When you use sign language to communicate it's mostly from the shoulders up – and mostly in your face.

—Verraros on how growing up with deaf parents influenced his performing style.[8]

Around the age of twelve or thirteen, Verraros realized that he is gay. Although he did not come out publicly until after adolescence, his sexual orientation was apparent to his classmates, who bullied him during middle school. In response, Verraros developed a more masculine appearance. In a 2003 interview, he said of the time, "I changed my image. I wore a lot of baggy jeans, I gained weight, and it was fine for a while."[4] He also sought help from the school psychologist during those years. High school marked a more significant improvement for him – he became active in theater and went on to attend Monmouth College on a theater scholarship.[4]

Upon later transferring to Columbia College, Verraros struggled to find acting opportunities.[4] Insecure about the weight that he had put on, he began doing intensive workouts and became a vegetarian. Over the course of two and a half months, he lost around eighty pounds. Some people thought that he had developed an eating disorder, and Verraros later acknowledged that he most likely did.[7][4]

Verraros was open about his sexual orientation with classmates at both colleges.[7][4] Looking back in 2004, he said that people who had been mean to him in high school were "rooting" for him at Monmouth and that he came out to his mother and sister during this time.[7][4] In another interview, he called the environment at Columbia "beyond gay-friendly".[4]

American Idol

edit

During his time at Columbia College, Verraros followed a friend's suggestion to try out for American Idol[9] and attended the auditions in Chicago[10] – even though his primary interest was acting.[4][11] Verraros later said that he had only tried out "for fun" and without any expectations.[4] In 2006, he reminisced, "I wasn't really looking for a record deal. I was looking for the experience, and everything just kind of... happened."[11] The auditions were held only a few blocks away from his college dorm.[8]

Attempting to stand out, Verraros chose to sing "When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole at his audition, rather than a pop song.[12] He was nineteen at the time.[12][13] While singing, he also signed the lyrics to his song.[13][14][15] American Idol heavily focused on his parents' disabilities, and several publications speculated that Verraros may have been helped in the competition by sympathy votes.[4][14][16][17][18][19][20]

Jim Verraros...he's a nice kid...this was the first show that they were recording, and I kinda heard 'em, like, 'yeah, we're gonna nail Jim'. I'm like, 'what are you gonna nail Jim for? [What] do you mean, you're gonna nail Jim?'

So [Verraros] sings...he comes over, he's got tears in his eyes...I'm like, 'Hey, Paula Abdul said she liked you, what else matters?'...[Nigel Lythgoe] rips me off stage, takes me around back, and starts screaming at me...and I said, '[Wait] a minute, just so I understand you, if these kids come back here feeling like shit, I'm supposed to make sure they continue to feel like shit?'

—Brian Dunkleman recounting his American Idol semi-finals experience.[21]

Despite receiving positive remarks from the judges at his audition,[13] Verraros began receiving largely negative feedback by the Top 30 semi-finals.[22] Placed into Group 1 for that round[22][23] he chose to reprise "When I Fall in Love". Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul both called this the best performance that Verraros had given on the series up to that point,[22] but Cowell also called Verraros "ordinary" in comparison to that night's preceding performer, Tamyra Gray,[22][24] and declared, "I think if you win this competition, we would have failed."[14][19][22][24][25] Jessica Shaw of Entertainment Weekly called this the harshest critique that Cowell had given to any contestant on the series up to that point.[26] First season co-host Brian Dunkleman recalled in a 2014 podcast overhearing the judges say that they were going to "nail Jim" on the night of the semi-finals.[21] After the performance, Dunkleman offered Verraros reassurance, but during a commercial break, the series' executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, purportedly took Dunkleman backstage and raged against him for not further demoralizing Verraros. Dunkleman recounted this as a partial explanation for why he quit the series after its first season.[21]

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Sun-Times speculated that the severity of Cowell's comments during the semi-finals may have increased audience support for Verraros,[14][19] who was voted through to the top ten.[14][24][27][28][29] Originally, Verraros was going to be cut anyway. In his 2011 tell-all book, American Idol: The Untold Story, Richard Rushfield revealed that a "judge's cut" was going to be introduced as a twist to the semi-finals. After the Group 1 results episode went off air, Cowell went to the three contestants who had been voted through to the finals[b] and told Verraros that the judges were overruling his advancement to the next round. Rushfield wrote that "A stunned Verraros and his fellow contestants burst into tears" upon hearing the announcement.[24] Before the twist could be aired, Lythgoe reversed the decision, arguing that the audience's preference should be respected.[24] In 2020, Lythgoe and Verraros spoke together on a podcast and shared their own memories of the "judge's cut", clarifying that it actually occurred on the performance night rather than the results night.[30]

His place in the top ten secure, Verraros planned to sing "Get Ready" by The Temptations for the first round of finals. The week's theme was Motown. Verraros won a coin toss against Kelly Clarkson, who also wanted to sing "Get Ready", but he switched course upon considering how much of the song is in falsetto. With a limited selection of Motown songs available for him to choose from, Verraros settled on "Easy" by The Commodores, even though he was unfamiliar with it.[12] The judges were critical of the performance.[31] Two contestants were voted off that week, and Verraros was the second eliminated, following EJay Day.[24][32][33][34][35][36][37]

Performances

edit
Episode Theme Song choice Original artist Order Result
Audition Auditioner's Choice "When I Fall in Love" Nat King Cole N/A Advanced
Hollywood Contestant's Choice "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell N/A Advanced
Top 30 Contestant's Choice "When I Fall in Love" Nat King Cole 2 Advanced
Top 10 Motown "Easy" The Commodores 7 Eliminated

Public response

edit

When Verraros advanced into the top ten for American Idol's first season, Shaw (of Entertainment Weekly) wrote of the contestant, "I can't decide whether I love him or loathe him."[38] She likened Verraros to a forgettable boy-band member, but also wrote that she had appreciated Verraros' decision to use sign language during his audition.[38] After Verraros was voted off the series, Shaw wrote of him, "I genuinely felt bad for the guy...Of course, I could have told you all that he wasn't advancing on to the next round. You can't follow up stellar singers like Tamyra and Justin [Guarini] with a tepid rendition of 'Easy.'"[39] Jim Derogatis of the Chicago Sun-Times was more favorable. After watching all of the top ten finalists perform on their nationwide tour, he suggested that Verraros should have placed seventh and commended him for "doing as well as anyone could" with poor singing-material (referring to "Easy").[40] Another positive review of Verraros came from Rick Shefchik of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, who wrote that Verraros sang a "tender version" of "When I Fall in Love" during the competition.[41] Most critics, however, voiced negative opinions. Amy Amatangelo of the Boston Herald wrote that Verraros "lacked stage presence"[42] and Eric Deggans of St. Petersburg Times called Verraros "obviously overmatched" among the other first season finalists.[43] In his review of American Idol: Greatest Moments, Chuck Campbell of The Herald News was critical of Verraros' track on the album, writing "Verraros takes it too easy on his slack interpretation of Lionel Richie's Easy."[44]

Post-Idol life and career

edit
edit

About a month after being voted out of the top ten on American Idol's first season, Verraros joined thirteen other former contestants from the series to perform at various events in Northwest Indiana.[45][46][c] He participated in a group medley during American Idol's first season finale[47][48] and a few weeks later, he reunited with all of the series' top thirty contestants for the American Idol in Las Vegas TV special.[49][50] Verraros then participated through October and November in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2002, along with his fellow top ten finalists.[25][51][52][53] For each stop of the tour, he reprised his performance of "Easy" from the series.[40][54][55][56]

Oh, well, you know we were really shocked about that...We had no idea he was gay. Jim Verraros actually came up to me at a show and said, 'Simon, I've got something to tell you.' I said, 'What?' He said, 'I'm gay.' I said, 'Yeah?' He went, 'Well, I've come out.' I said, 'Jim, you came out the second you appeared on this bloody show.'

—Simon Cowell in March 2003.[57]

Prior to competing on American Idol, Verraros had been open about his sexual orientation through an online journal. The Advocate, an American LGBT-interest magazine, discovered this journal while Verraros was on the series and contacted Fox with an interview request for the contestant. One day later, the journal was deleted.[58] Verraros later explained to The Advocate that his journal had been removed because Fox did not want it to give him an unfair advantage in the competition.[d] Verraros was open about his sexuality with the other American Idol finalists, whom he described as being very supportive.[4]

Verraros came out publicly during the American Idol tour.[4][60] He also came out to his father at this time.[4] In November 2002, Verraros was named as one of "2002's Most Intriguing People" by Out, another LGBT-interest magazine.[61][62][60][63][64][65] Around that time, Verraros said, "I just thought it was time to come out. I really hate the segregation and only being able to hold hands in gay bars. We have to start breaking down the barriers. I want to be a gay advocate and let teens know that being gay is just a small part of who you are. And if people don't like it, it's their problem, not yours."[60] Verraros gave an extensive interview to The Advocate in January 2003,[4] which was described as his official "coming out",[63][64][66] and in May, he participated in Boston's Youth Pride march.[67]

The American Idol: Greatest Moments album, released October 1, 2002, features a recorded version of Verraros singing "Easy".[68][69] The album reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.[70] Asked during his run on American Idol what he might call his debut album, Verraros suggested "So You Say".[71] Verraros moved to Los Angeles after the American Idol tour and was turned down by several agencies.[72][73] While in LA, he lived for two years with Natalie Burge and Christopher Aaron, both of whom were in the Top 30 with him on American Idol's first season.[74][75][e] Throughout the Spring of 2003, Verraros participated in Coca-Cola's Behind the Scenes With American Idol promotional tour, in which he and a selection of other finalists from the first two seasons of the series performed across the country in shopping malls owned by the Simon Property Group.[78][79][80][81][82][83]

2003–2005: Unsaid and Understood, Eating Out, and Rollercoaster

edit

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and music producer Gabe Lopez reached out to Verraros, after hearing American Idol: Greatest Moments. The two began a collaboration based out of Lopez's home studio.[73] Unsigned to a record label, Verraros self-released his debut album, Unsaid and Understood, in 2003.[84] While recording the album, he worked at a tanning salon and at a phone bank.[73] Unsaid and Understood was included on a list of six indie albums by gay and lesbian artists recommended by Adam B. Vary of The Advocate. Vary wrote that Verraros "sings with true passion and bracing maturity" on the album and singled out the track "So Deep", for being "so dirty even Xtina would blush."[85] Another track on the album, "I Want You", was included on Bi the People, a 2003 compilation album of "bisexual artists and friends", which was released to raise money for the Bisexual Foundation.[86][87] Multiple tracks from Unsaid and Understood topped the Rock and Pop charts on mp3.com,[88] and the album won the 2004 Out Music Award for Outstanding New Recording – Debut Male.[72][89][90] A tour of gay clubs was undertaken to promote the album.[91][92]

Around the same time that Verraros was recording Unsaid and Understood, Q. Allan Brocka, an American Idol fan, cast Verraros as Kyle in his 2004 gay-themed comedy Eating Out.[72][73] The film was produced on a budget of less than $1 million[73] by Ariztical Entertainment.[73][93] Filming lasted ten days.[94] Although intended as a straight-to-DVD release, it secured limited theatrical distribution in 2005,[73] after performing well in film festivals.[72][73] Two songs from Unsaid and Understood, "I Want You" and "Welcome to Hollywood", are included in Eating Out, as is a third song performed by Verraros, called "Visions of You".[64][95][96] Writing again for The Advocate, Vary (along with Dennis Hensley) placed Eating Out among a group of films released in the mid-2000s that he and Hensley felt constituted a "New New Queer Cinema", after the initial "New Queer Cinema" movement faded in the 1990s.[73] Vary also argued that, as a college sex comedy, Eating Out is notable for being an early example of a gay genre film.[73] Eating Out received mostly negative reviews,[97] although Verraros was praised for his performance by Dana Stevens in a review for The New York Times, who wrote that Verraros "has a scrappy energy that sets him apart from the bland and vulgar proceedings" of the film.[98]

Rollercoaster

edit
See also: Rollercoaster (Jim Verraros album)

According to ChicagoPride.com, Verraros pitched Unsaid and Understood to "every major label in the U.S. two or three times" without success.[99] Verraros then pursued a record deal in the United Kingdom, hoping that British labels would be more willing to work with an openly gay artist, although nothing materialized from this.[99] New York-based indie label Koch Records began communicating with Verraros over the summer of 2004 about the possibility of featuring him on a compilation album of songs by American Idol finalists. Verraros sent Koch Records a demo tape and was signed to the label within a week.[72][99][100][101] Unsaid and Understood was then revamped and released through Koch Records as Rollercoaster on April 26, 2005.[89][102][103][104][f] This was marketed as Verraros' official debut.[64][65] The album recycles several songs from Unsaid and Understood, in addition to featuring new material.[106]

'Idol' sort of cranks out these performers and then they become sort of forgettable, so I knew I had to find a way to stand out. I decided to do the whole rock star thing with makeup and mascara and sexed up my image a bit. I needed to grow up and change – and change is good.

—Jim Verraros on his image change after American Idol.[8]

Several publications noted that Verraros went through a significant image change between his time on American Idol and the release of Rollercoaster. Verraros explained that he had "come into [himself]" during that time,[72] having improved his figure and become more involved within the LGBT community. The Advocate wrote that on American Idol, Verraros had been "a slightly geeky kid with a stiff stance...[and] a preppy look [that] included dark- rimmed glasses, spiky hair and a stone-washed jeans jacket" – in contrast, The Advocate wrote, Verraros possessed "bad-boy good looks" and "long rock-star hair" when Rollercoaster was released.[72] The Houston Chronicle added that the "shaggy dark cut, eye makeup and slick threads" that Verraros had adopted at the time gave him sex appeal.[107] Verraros himself assessed his look on American Idol as having been "[very] Midwestern" – he said that he was wanting to distance himself from associations with the series[100] and that he was excited "to see how people would react to such a crazy change".[100]

A release party for Rollercoaster was held on April 27, 2005, at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood.[64][72] The date was chosen to follow Eating Out's Spring premiere in US theaters.[108]

People assume that once you make it to the top ten, [you're] given these amazing opportunities...But we were the guinea pigs. Then it [American Idol] blew up and became this huge phenomenon. Now, as a solo artist, I would kill for that kind of exposure again.

—Jim Verraros in November 2005.[99]

"You Turn It On" was released as Rollercoaster's first single.[72][107] The song debuted at number forty-eight on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart,[64] where it spent eleven weeks,[109] peaking in early June at number twenty-one.[109][101][110][111]

"You're Getting Crazy (Estas Enloqueciendo)" was released in October as the album's second single.[99][112] Billboard wrote that it "treads in similar territory [as "You Turn It On"] stirring the beats into a simmering frenzy."[112] The song received multiple remixes by Mike Cruz and L.E.X, which Edgemedianetwork.com called "as slick, upbeat and professional as anything else currently climbing the charts."[99][112][113] Billboard suggested that the song could become a hit, if Verraros released an accompanying music video,[112] although no music videos were ever released for any of the songs on Rollercoaster.[114]

Shortly after releasing Rollercoaster, Verraros moved back to Crystal Lake, where he lived with his family for a time.[6][72] Over the summer of 2005, he performed at the wrap party for American Idol's fourth season,[72] served as a judge during the finals of "Windy City Gay Idol" (held by the Windy City Times at the Circuit Nightclub in Chicago),[65][115] attended a pride ceremony held by the New York City Council,[116][g] and also served as a judge at the World of Chocolate, a charity event for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.[117] He participated in several local events around Chicago during this time[65] and performed in multiple pride events,[6][72] including the LA Pride[6][65][118] and Chicago Pride parades.[65] He also performed, along with American Idol second season third place finalist Kimberley Locke, at the Kansas City Gay Pride Festival in June and at the New York City Gay Life Expo in November.[12][72][99][119] A club tour was considered to promote Rollercoaster.[6]

2006–2007: Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds and unrealized film projects

edit

Twice in the mid-2000s, Verraros was called a "gay icon" by the Chicago Sun-Times, first in 2004, and again in 2006.[120][121] The New York Post noted in 2006 that Verraros had "gained a cult following" due to his role in Eating Out.[122] In 2009, PopCrush claimed that "almost immediately" after appearing on American Idol, Verraros had become "a huge symbol within the LGBT community",[123] and that same year, the Washington Examiner wrote that Verraros "has been a fixture in the gay world...practically becoming a gay sex-symbol through the years."[124] Verraros remained the only American Idol finalist to be publicly out until 2006, when his fellow first season finalist R.J. Helton came out.[122][125] Helton had confided in Verraros about his sexual orientation on the night of the first-season finale, shortly before the group went on tour and before Helton had come out to any of the other first season finalists.[125]

Verraros returned to the role of Kyle in Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds,[h] which filmed during the Summer of 2006[122][126] and screened in several film festivals,[126][127][128][121] before receiving a theatrical release on November 22.[129][130] Brocka returned as co-writer,[126][127] but passed directorial duties over to the first film's Film editor, Phillip J. Bartell.[121][131] The film features a song written by Verraros and Lopez, called "You Make It Better", which was released as a single on July 17, 2007.[95] Like its predecessor, Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds received mostly negative reviews.[129] It was described as a cinematic landmark however, by multiple publications, for being the first sequel to a gay film.[132][133][134]

I'm halfway through...It's going to be different...rock-ier, but I'm going to throw in some twists just to screw with people.

—Verraros discussing his second album in a 2007 interview.[135]

In June 2006, the Windy City Times included Verraros in its "30 Under 30" list of young figures who had made positive contributions to the LGBTQ community. Throughout that year, Verraros continued performing at local events around Chicago;[88][136] he was also featured on American Idol Rewind, filmed a guest appearance for the pilot of a cooking show called The Astrological Kitchen,[137] and released a duet called "Sweat" with indie artist Jamie O'Brien.[138] Once again, Verraros was named to Out magazine's "Most Intriguing People" list for that year.[137][139]

In November 2006, it was reported that Verraros was living in East Dundee, Illinois, with his long-time boyfriend. It was also reported at this time that Verraros' second album would be released in 2007.[121] In a December 2006 interview with gay-interest website Atlantaboy.com, Verraros said that Rollercoaster had been "pretty much all over the place" and that his next album would be "more focused",[8] while in April 2007, the Daily Herald wrote that a follow-up to Rollercoaster was scheduled to be released that May.[140] Verraros had also told Atlantaboy.com that he was "heading more toward the film thing" and that if he ever released a music video, he would hope to co-direct it.[8] Around this time, he mentioned that he had been cast in three films; one was described as a dark LA-based romance, in which he would play a cocaine addict who falls in love with a struggling actor,[1][141] another, referred to by the title Copacabana: Of Love and Shadows, was described as a Rio de Janeiro-based musical, in which Verraros would play both male and female roles;[1][11][141][142][143][i] and the third, referred to by the title Pizza on Sunset, was described as a gay LA-based romantic comedy.[145] By July 2007, Verraros still had not released his second album.[1] It was announced over the summer that he was "writing and recording [the album] in Malibu, California" with producers Gary Miller and John Porter.[95] On a July podcast for the Windy City Times, Verraros said that he was aiming for a January 2008 release.[1]

edit

The 2007 book Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Deborah Poneman, features a chapter about Verraros, which Poneman called her favorite story in the book. During a press interview, Poneman said, "I thought it was so amazing that a kid got to number eight or nine on 'American Idol' with parents who are deaf...His story makes me cry, when he realized that even though the whole country was cheering for him because they loved his voice, the two people that he loved the most would never be able to hear him sing."[146] Verraros appeared at multiple book signings in Illinois during January 2008 with Poseman and American Idol sixth season finalist Gina Glocksen.[147]

If 'You Make it Better', a single released in 2007, says anything it says Verraros is a talented singer that can do more than just make club music for the crowd he keeps on catering to. Maybe it's time to pull the shirt back down and expand his horizon with credible and relatable lyrics and music.

—Samuel Lora, writing for the Washington Examiner in August 2009, after the release of "Touch (Don't U Want 2)" and "Electric Love" as singles.[124]

Throughout the first half of 2008, Verraros recapped the seventh season of American Idol for ChicagoPride.com[148][149][150][151] and co-hosted video recaps of that season with Penny Frulla for AfterElton.com.[152] He was also featured on Usmagazine.com as a guest recapper for that season's Top 12 episode.[153] In January 2008, the Chicago Free Press named Verraros "Best LGBT Musician of 2007" in its "Pressie Awards". In a subsequent Myspace post expressing his gratitude for the award, Verraros announced that his second album, which still had not been released, would be called Do Not Disturb (AfterElton.com had previously reported that the album would be called Chapter Two).[154][155] Verraros accepted the Pressie award in March,[156][157][158] around which time he said that Do Not Disturb would be "coming out in the next couple of months."[157]

Verraros cameoed as a priest in Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!, which was released in the Summer of 2008.[159][160][161] That same year, the electronica album Ear Therapy was released by DJ Russ Harris, which features Verraros on the track "Another Lifetime",[162][163][164] and the following year, Verraros released three new singles on iTunes – "Touch (Don't U Want 2)" on January 20;[165][j] "Electric Love" on May 26;[167] and "Do Not Disturb" on November 9.[168] All three songs were written and produced by Gabe Lopez, whose official website announced that the accompanying album's release date had been pushed back to late 2010.[169][k] Samuel Lora of the Washington Examiner gave "Touch (Don't U Want 2)" a negative review, calling it "simple and vapid".[124] He also wrote that the song "is overdone with heavy beats and crowding vocals".[124] "Electric Love" fared somewhat better with Lora, who called it "pretty decent" but also felt that it was mimicking the sound of other, more successful artists. Lora likened the song to a "less powerful" version of "Larger Than Life" by the Backstreet Boys or something by "Nick Carter if he were making Justin Timberlake music".[124] Lora had kinder words for "You Make It Better", which had been released as a single two years earlier.[124]

In November 2009, Verraros served as a judge for Rialto Idol, a singing competition held by the Rialto Square Theatre for the ComEd Festival of Trees.[172][173] Entertainment Weekly reported in March 2010 that Verraros was looking for "an indie label to release [Do Not Disturb]."[111] Several years earlier, in 2006, Verraros had mentioned the possibility of his second album being released through Sony BMG's then-newly formed gay-focused label, "Music With a Twist".[114] Ultimately, Do Not Disturb was released on October 18, 2011, through Red Queen Music – Sound Axis. Ten tracks are included on the album,[174] out of dozens that were written and recorded throughout the development process.[145] Verraros told Entertainment Weekly in 2010 that Do Not Disturb would likely be his final album, saying "I think I'd like to just pull away [from singing] and focus [more on acting]."[111]

Marriage

edit

People say, 'Why are you even doing it if it's not even legal?' We don't have to wait for the government to tell us it's okay, we're doing it anyway. It's more about our family and friends and people we care about witnessing something that is true and beautiful.

—Verraros on his marriage to Bill Brennan.[175]

On September 6, 2009, Verraros married Bill Brennan in their shared home state of Illinois.[3][175][176][177][178][179] The couple first met through MySpace in 2005, at which point they decided to meet in person, after realizing that they only lived about twenty minutes away from each other.[3][175][177][179] A few months later, they moved in together. Brennan proposed to Verraros two-and-a-half years after they began dating.[175] Although Illinois did not legally recognize gay marriage in 2009, Verraros said that he and Brennan "wanted the day to be a reflection of [their] love and commitment to each other as well as a statement to other gay couples in Illinois".[3][179] Each of the groom's fathers served as their best men in the wedding.[3][175][176][179] The song "You Make It Better" from the film Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds was written by Verraros about Brennan and was included in the music set list for their wedding.[171][180] The marriage was later legalized in Iowa.[171]

Brennan is the president of Bridal Expo Chicago and Bridal Expo Milwaukee.[175][181][182] In 2006, Verraros signed an endorsement deal to serve as spokesman for the business;[140][137][183] he eventually became executive vice president.[184][185] Kelly Clarkson and Verraros maintained a friendship after competing on American Idol together, and Verraros helped design the headpiece that Clarkson wore for her 2013 wedding.[185][186][187][188]

By 2019, Verraros and Brennan had separated. Verraros is currently engaged.[189][non-primary source needed] On November 20, 2021, Verraros married Sean Michael Buck.[190]

Filmography

edit

Discography

edit

Demo albums

edit
Year Title
2003 Unsaid and Understood

Albums

edit
Year Title
2005 Rollercoaster
2011 Do Not Disturb

Compilation appearances

edit
Year Title Peak chart positions Details
US
2002 American Idol: Greatest Moments 4 Credited on the following tracks:

Singles

edit
Year Song Peak chart positions Album
US
Dance
Club
[109] 		UK

Dance Club

2005 "You Turn It On" 21 Rollercoaster
"You're Getting Crazy (Estas Enloqueciendo)" —
2007 "You Make It Better" — Non-album single
2009 "Touch (Don't U Want 2)" — Do Not Disturb
"Electric Love" —
"Do Not Disturb" —
2023 "Take My Bow"[citation needed] — 15[citation needed] Non-album single
edit
Year Track Album
2008 "Another Lifetime"
(DJ Russ Harris featuring Jim Verraros) 		Ear Therapy

Footnotes

edit
  1. ^ Verraros has Greek heritage on his father's side.[4]
  2. ^ The three contestants voted through to the finals from Group 1 were Verraros, Gray, and Ryan Starr.[24][28]
  3. ^ This group was initiated by Mark Scott, an American Idol semi-finalist from the area, for the main purpose of performing at "Let's Go to the Hoop", a 3-on-3 children's basketball tournament in Gary, Indiana.[45][46]
  4. ^ Years later, Verraros remarked, "Looking back, [the network's policy] could be interpreted a bunch of different ways. One possibility is that they didn't want me to [come out]".[59]
  5. ^ Burge had a small role in Eating Out[76][77] and performed as a dancer in at least one of Verraros' shows.[75][76]
  6. ^ An article for ChicagoPride.com suggested that the album was initially scheduled for a March release.[105]
  7. ^ The ceremony was held in honor of Laurel Holloman, Mathilde Krim, Christopher Sieber, Joyce Hunter (a founding member of the Hetrick-Martin Institute and the Harvey Milk School), Luis Freddy Molano (who founded the Community Healthcare Network's Bronx Health Center Transgender Program), and Miriam Yeung (who served as director of public policy & government relations at the LGBT Community Services Center). Verraros attended the ceremony as a guest.[116]
  8. ^ In between the first and second Eating Out films, Verraros performed in a one-act play called My Republican Boyfriend, which was written by Chris Secor and presented as part of the show More Fourplay at the Actors Circle Theatre in the Spring of 2004.[92]
  9. ^ Copacabana: Of Love and Shadows was said to be co-starring Peter Paige and had Roberto Jabor listed as the director. It was set to begin filming in March 2008,[142] although four years later, MTV reported that the film was still unreleased.[144]
  10. ^ A snippet of "Touch (Don't U Want 2)" had previously been previewed on Idol Chat, the video recap series that Verraros did for AfterElton.com with Penny Frulla in 2008. Verraros had also released the song through his MySpace page around that time.[166]
  11. ^ An August 2009 article by the Windy City Times had previously reported that the album Do Not Disturb would be released that summer.[170] Shortly before his wedding in September 2009, Verraros said that the album would "definitely be released by the end of the year".[171]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e Jerry Podder, Jim Verraros (July 27, 2007). WCQ124 Jim Verraros (podcast). Windy City Queercast. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  2. ^ Jerry Nunn (July 26, 2007). "Jim Verraros interview with ChicagoPride.com". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Ulrica Wihlborg (September 7, 2009). "Jim Verraros's Dream Wedding". People. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Bruce C. Steele (January 21, 2003). "A teen Idol's dreams". The Advocate. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  5. ^ Charles Mount (March 19, 1982). "Deaf and mute, she's seated on jury". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Jim Verraros. "Interview with Jim Verraros". Punk Globe Magazine (magazine). Interviewed by Ginger Coyote. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d e Andrew Davis (March 17, 2004). "An 'Idol' for All: Verraros". Windy City Times. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Jim Verraros: Exclusive Interview". Atlantaboy.com. December 3, 2006. Archived from the original on February 10, 2007.
  9. ^ "Biography". jimverraros.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  10. ^ Paige Wiser (June 21, 2009). "There's no business like 'Idol' business". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  11. ^ a b c Jay Laird (November 15, 2006). "Jim Verraros on "Eating Out 2 – Sloppy Seconds"". edgemedianetwork.com. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  12. ^ a b c d Verraros, Jim (December 26, 2007). "FOFA No. 417 – The Jim Verraros Comedy Hour" (Audio interview). Interviewed by Fausto Fernós; Gregg Shaprio; Marc Felion. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  13. ^ a b c "Auditions". American Idol. Season 1. Episode 1. June 11, 2002. Fox.
  14. ^ a b c d e Phil Rosenthal (June 28, 2002). "Kindly callers defy Simon's 'Idol' remarks Newman's just not the retiring type". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  15. ^ MJ Santilli; Annie Barrett (March 28, 2013). "'American Idol': 23 Classic Sob Stories". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  16. ^ Brian Lambert (June 25, 2002). "'idol' hour; It's wholesome, and "American Idol" is a hit because it taps the American dream of an amateur getting "discovered" and becoming a star". Saint Paul Pioneer Press.
  17. ^ Clint O'Connor (July 23, 2002). "Would-be stars get skewered on Fox's 'Idol'". The Plain Dealer.
  18. ^ Steven V. Cronin (September 1, 2002). "'Idol' Speculation / It's Anybody's Guess Who'll Win on Fox's Edgy Summer Series". The Press of Atlantic City.
  19. ^ a b c Phil Rosenthal (September 5, 2002). "Title belt goes to Kelly". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  20. ^ Chris Macias (November 10, 2002). "American Idols". The Sacramento Bee.
  21. ^ a b c Adam Tod Brown; Brian Dunkleman; David Huntsberger; Jeff May (2014). Life After Reality Television (Podcast). Cracked.com. Event occurs at 11:26–13:00. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Top 30: Group 1". American Idol. Season 1. Episode 3. June 18, 2002. Fox.
  23. ^ Phil Rosenthal (June 18, 2002). "[ What Are You Looking At? ]". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g Rushfield, Richard (January 18, 2011). American Idol: The Untold Story. New York City: Hachette Books. ISBN 9781401396527.
  25. ^ a b Jae-Ha Kim (October 15, 2002). "Some idol chatter on the road". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  26. ^ Jessica Shaw (July 2, 2002). "Simon's top 10 worst American Idol disses". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  27. ^ Phil Rosenthal (June 21, 2002). "2 series in the can, and neither one breaks out". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  28. ^ a b "Norcross' Singing Idol". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June 21, 2002.
  29. ^ Ed Bark (July 2, 2002). "British judge mows down wannabes on 'American Idol'.(The Dallas Morning News)". Knight Ridder / Tribune News Service. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  30. ^ "Second Semi-Final" (Podcast). Idol Memories with Nigel Lythgoe. No. 4. July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2020. {{cite podcast}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  31. ^ "Top 10 Perform". American Idol. Season 1. Episode 10. July 16, 2002. Fox.
  32. ^ "Top 10 Results". American Idol. Season 1. Episode 11. July 17, 2002. Fox.
  33. ^ Don Kaplan (July 18, 2002). "Idol' Time to Idle Time for 2 More Booted Popsters". New York Post.
  34. ^ Phil Rosenthal (July 19, 2002). "'Sex' women struggle to settle down". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  35. ^ Monica Collins (July 23, 2002). "'Idol' curiosity; Fox's talent show captures public's fancy as final rounds begin.(Arts and Lifestyle)". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  36. ^ Mark Perigard (July 24, 2002). "Arts & TV in Brief.(Arts and Lifestyle)". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  37. ^ Rick Porter (July 18, 2002). "America Voted – and 2 'Idol' Contestants Are Gone". Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 20, 2003.
  38. ^ a b Jessica Shaw (July 4, 2003). "We dish on the first week's winners". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  39. ^ Jessica Shaw (July 4, 2003). "EJay and Jim get booted – but where's Simon?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  40. ^ a b Jim Derogatis (October 18, 2002). "Sizing up the top 10 idols". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  41. ^ Rick Shefchik (August 2, 2002). "New voices reach for something old". Saint Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  42. ^ Amy Amatangello (September 5, 2002). "Singing waitress serves up a winner.(Arts and Lifestyle)". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  43. ^ Eric Deggans (September 5, 2002). "An Idol is Born". St. Petersburg Times.
  44. ^ Chuck Campbell (October 17, 2002). "CD reviews". The Herald News. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  45. ^ a b Richard Grey (August 12, 2002). "Tournament to feature food, haircuts and 'Idols'". Post-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  46. ^ a b Lorell Fleming (August 17, 2002). "'American Idol' contestants to appear at basketball event". Post-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  47. ^ Jessica Shaw (July 4, 2003). "She is the champion! Kelly wins American Idol". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  48. ^ Amy Amatangelo (September 5, 2002). "Singing waitress serves up a winner.(Arts and Lifestyle)". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  49. ^ Kaufman, Gil (August 30, 2002). "'American Idol' Finalists Plan Arena Tour, Compilation Album". MTV. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  50. ^ Keveney, Bill (January 21, 2003). "Old 'Idol' hands are hard at work". USA Today. pp. D.03.
  51. ^ Walt Belcher (August 19, 2002). "Tour To Keep Series Contestants From Being Idle". The Tampa Tribune.
  52. ^ Gil Kaufman (August 30, 2002). "'American Idol' Finalists Plan Arena Tour, Compilation Album". MTV. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  53. ^ Natasha Kassulke (September 12, 2002). "Idols Go on Tour". The Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  54. ^ Sean Piccoli (October 25, 2002). "Idols Croon in Sunrise". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on June 5, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  55. ^ Amy Amatangello (October 30, 2002). "Idols make grasp for stardom.(Arts and Lifestyle)". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  56. ^ Kevin C. Johnson (November 7, 2002). "Corny 'American Idols' Showcases Almost-Knowns". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
  57. ^ "Simon and the gay Idols. (the Buzz).(Simon Cowell, Will Young, Jim Verraros)(Brief Article)". The Advocate. March 18, 2003. Archived from the original on April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  58. ^ "Idol gossip". The Advocate. September 3, 2002. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  59. ^ Robert Ordona (August 20, 2009). "The Full Package: Jim Verraros". PlanetOut Inc. Archived from the original on August 26, 2009.
  60. ^ a b c Elizabeth Snead (November 29, 2002). "Tinseltown Spywitness". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  61. ^ "Out 100 – Television: Jim Verraros". Out. Los Angeles: Here Publishing. December 2002. p. 74.
  62. ^ "Out.com Feature". Out. December 2002. Archived from the original on December 11, 2002.
  63. ^ a b Lawrence Ferber (April 6, 2005). "Jim Verraros: Rollercoaster Life". Windy City Times. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  64. ^ a b c d e f "Jim Verraros interview with PrideDC.com". dc.gopride.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  65. ^ a b c d e f "Jim Verraros Joins ChicagoPride.com for Pride Parade". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  66. ^ Dave White (July 8, 2003). "The gay blogging revolution. (On the Web)". The Advocate. Archived from the original on April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  67. ^ Rick Dunn (March 13, 2003). "A Busy Month for Drag Kings, Poets, and Gay Glitterati". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  68. ^ Gary Susman (September 1, 2002). "Here's what you'll hear on the American Idol CD". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  69. ^ "RCA Records to Release American Idol: Greatest Moments on October 1" (PDF) (Press release). RCA Records. September 19, 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 1, 2013. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  70. ^ "American Idol: Greatest Moments". Billboard. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  71. ^ "American Idol: Season 1 Contestants – Jim Verraros". americanidol.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2006.
  72. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Tom O'Konowitz (May 24, 2005). "Finding Fame after 'Idol' Suburban Singer Capitalizes on His TV Success to Build a Music Career". Daily Herald. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  73. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Adam B. Vary; Dennis Hensley (April 26, 2005). "Here Comes the New New Queer Cinema: The First Wave of Queer Cinema Slowed to a Trickle Years Ago. Now a Flood of Smart, Fun New Movies Is Washing into Theaters". The Advocate. Archived from the original on April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  74. ^ Jeremy Bradley (2006). "SpeakFree Celebrity Sightings brought to you by Peerflix – Jim Verraros". speakfreewithjb.com. Archived from the original on June 3, 2006.
  75. ^ a b "Interview with Natalie Burge and Ryan Farrar". IdolPhenomena. July 24, 2008. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  76. ^ a b Natalie Burge. "Natalie Burge's Resume". natalieburge.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2007.
  77. ^ "Natatlie Burge". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  78. ^ "Coca-Cola 'Behind-The-Scenes With. American Idol' Tour Kicks Off" (Press release). Simon Property Group. April 3, 2003. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  79. ^ Gayle Fee; Laura Raposa (April 4, 2003). "Clint's return to Hub is music to BSO and chorus.(News)". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  80. ^ Carol Beggy; Al Young (April 5, 2003). "Baranski Gains Emerson Fans; Community Servings Event Hums". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  81. ^ "'American Idol' tour to appear at Orland mall" (Press release). The Herald-News. April 24, 2003. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  82. ^ Ted Cox (April 24, 2003). "In the air.(Suburban Living)". Daily Herald. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  83. ^ Gary Susman (May 1, 2003). "Ousted Idol contestants launch mall tour". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  84. ^ Adam B. Vary (November 11, 2003). "Doin' It for Themselves: Queer Musicians Join Authors and Filmmakers in Subverting Corporate Distribution Channels with the DIY Movement". The Advocate. Archived from the original on April 4, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  85. ^ Adam B. Vary (November 11, 2003). "Doin' It for Themselves: Queer Musicians Join Authors and Filmmakers in Subverting Corporate Distribution Channels with the DIY Movement". The Advocate. Archived from the original on April 4, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  86. ^ Dave White (December 9, 2003). "Bi, Bi, Bi: In a New Music Anthology, Bisexual Artists Raise Funds to Fight Old Ideas of Who They Are". The Advocate. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  87. ^ Gregg Shapiro (October 1, 2003). "2003 Music Season". Windy City Times. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  88. ^ a b "Jim Verraros – 30 Under 30 Award Honoree, 2006". Windy City Times. June 21, 2006. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  89. ^ a b Jason Victor Serinus (July 22, 2004). "Sing out, Louise: OutMusic Awards show artistic maturity". Bay Windows.
  90. ^ "Bio". Jimverraros.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2005.
  91. ^ Michael Giltz (May 11, 2004). "Why can't the Idol be gay?". The Advocate. Los Angeles: Here Publishing. p. 79.
  92. ^ a b "jimverraros.com – Home". jimverraros.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2004.
  93. ^ Dan Bennett (May 9, 2004). "Ariztical expanding with gay product.(Gay & Lesbian)". Video Store. Archived from the original on April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  94. ^ Jason P. Freeman. "Jim Verraros". dc.gopride.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  95. ^ a b c "Chicagoan Jim Verraros to Sign Autographs on Saturday" (Press release). Chicago: ChicagoPride.com. July 26, 2007. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  96. ^ Eating Out—Credits. Ariztical Entertainment. February 14, 2004.
  97. ^ "Eating Out (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. February 14, 2004. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  98. ^ Dana Stevens (April 8, 2005). "Eating Out". The New York Times.
  99. ^ a b c d e f g Ross Von Metzke (November 29, 2005). "Jim Verraros". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  100. ^ a b c Don Kaplan (April 6, 2005). "Extreme Makeover – First-Year Idols New Look". New York Post.
  101. ^ a b Stephen Kiehl; Abigail Tucker (May 26, 2005). "Megastar status eludes even Idols". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  102. ^ "Five on the Side: Our top 5 local reality show contestants". Northwest Herald. August 26, 2010. Archived from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  103. ^ "Constantine's Pre-'Idol' Band Gets Record Deal". Zap2It. April 22, 2005.
  104. ^ "Jim Verraros – Rollercoaster – Overview". AllMusic. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  105. ^ Jason Paul (January 16, 2005). "B Scene: QE2 Unmasked". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  106. ^ Sherrill Fulghum (February 2006). "CD Reviews: The East Village Opera Company" (PDF). The Empty Closet. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. p. 10 B.
  107. ^ a b Joey Guerra (May 12, 2005). "Jim Verraros turns his Idol time into new movie, album". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  108. ^ "Music – Jim Verraros – Rollercoaster". Out. Los Angeles: Here Publishing. June 2005. p. 78.
  109. ^ a b c "Jim Verraros You Turn It On Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  110. ^ "'American Idol' finalists make chart debut". Today.com. June 2, 2005. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  111. ^ a b c Sandra Gonzalez (March 22, 2010). "'American Idol': Catching up With 13 Former Contestants!". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  112. ^ a b c d "Singles – Dance". Billboard. October 22, 2005. p. 74.
  113. ^ Rick Dunn (October 20, 2005). ""You're Getting Crazy" Remixes". edgemedianetwork.com. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  114. ^ a b Jeremy Bradley (2006). "SpeakFree Celebrity Sightings – Jim Verraros pg. 2". speakfreewithjb.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2008.
  115. ^ "American Idol's Jim Verraros at Gay Idol". Windy City Times. May 25, 2005. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  116. ^ a b "7 Days 7 Nights". Gay City News. June 23, 2005.
  117. ^ Jason Paul (December 20, 2005). "B Scene: At the World of Chocolate". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  118. ^ Billy Masters (June 23, 2005). "Filth". Bay Windows. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  119. ^ Sarah Smarsh; Rebecca Braverman; Andrew Miller (June 2, 2005). "Cake for a Cause". The Pitch. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  120. ^ "Some Also-Ran Success Stories". Chicago Sun-Times. May 11, 2004. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  121. ^ a b c d Misha Davenport (November 2, 2006). "Former 'Idol' helps to open gay film fest". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  122. ^ a b c Philip Recchia; Heather Gilmore (May 21, 2006). "American Idol – Where Are They Now? High and Low Notes As Also-Rans Try for Post-'Idol' Encores". New York Post.
  123. ^ Cristin Maher (April 25, 2013). "See the Top 10 Contestants From Season 1 of 'American Idol' Then and Now". PopCrush. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  124. ^ a b c d e f Samuel Lora (August 21, 2009). "Jim Verraros doesn't disturb his formula". Washington Examiner.
  125. ^ a b Greg Hernandez (April 24, 2007). "American Idol's Big Gay Closet. with Its Sappy Songs, Flamboyant Contestants, and Metrosexual Host, American Idol Is the Campiest Thing on TV. but Could an Openly Gay Singer Win?". The Advocate. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  126. ^ a b c Lydia Marcus (August 29, 2006). "J.D. Disalvatore.(SHORT ANSWERS)(Interview)". The Advocate. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  127. ^ a b Michael Klein (July 4, 2006). "The Philadelphia Inquirer Inqlings column: local a.m. sports show for 'PEN.(Column)". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  128. ^ Rick Bentley; Donald Munro (September 12, 2006). "Reel good: Quality of this year's gay film festival is tied to its growing stature". The Fresno Bee.
  129. ^ a b "Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds (2006)". Rotten Tomatoes. November 22, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  130. ^ Dave Kehr (November 5, 2006). "Seasonal Cheer And Its Antidote". The New York Times.
  131. ^ Michael Wilmington (December 8, 2006). "2nd edition of gay sex comedy gets stuck on 1 joke". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  132. ^ Dann Gire (November 17, 2006). "No ho-ho-hum While it lacks an obvious out-of-the-box blockbuster, this movie season still has a few Oscar-worthy treats". Daily Herald.
  133. ^ Colin Covert (December 8, 2006). "film clips; 'EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS'.(SCENE)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  134. ^ Jason P. Freeman (October 25, 2006). "Feature Column: Fun & Franchised". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  135. ^ Gary M. Kramer (2007). "Getting sloppy with an American Idol". Philadelphia Gay News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2008.
  136. ^ "Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 Awards 2006". Windy City Times. June 13, 2006. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  137. ^ a b c "News". jimverraros.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  138. ^ Amanda Bradshaw (July 22, 2008). "//Unsigned Goodness: Jamie O'Brien//". neonlimelight.com. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  139. ^ Wilson Cruz, Jim Verraros (November 26, 2006). The Out 100. Logo TV. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  140. ^ a b "The American Idol Impact". Daily Herald. April 10, 2007. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  141. ^ a b Gil Kaufman (May 23, 2007). "'American Idol' Throwback: Where Are Nikki McKibbin, Ryan Starr, Jim Verraros Now?". MTV. Archived from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  142. ^ a b Jeremy Kay (August 7, 2007). "Peter Paige to star in Brazilian drama Copacabana". Screen Daily. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  143. ^ Romeo San Vicente (January 2, 2008). "Deep Inside Hollywood". Windy City Times. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  144. ^ Amanda Bell (August 14, 2012). "'American Idol' Contestants in Movies". MTV. Archived from the original on May 8, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  145. ^ a b Robert Newton (June 28, 2007). "07.07 Eating "Sloppy Seconds"". Pulse!. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  146. ^ Myrna Petlicki (January 17, 2008). "'Idol' worship". Glenview Announcements. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  147. ^ "Lit Listings". Chicago Sun-Times. January 13, 2008. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  148. ^ Jim Verraros (January 30, 2008). "Idol Chatter – American Idol: Season Seven; Miami". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  149. ^ Jim Verraros (February 26, 2008). "Idol Chatter – Top Boys". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  150. ^ Jim Verraros (March 12, 2008). "Idol Chatter – American Idol: Season Seven; Final 12". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2019. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  151. ^ Jim Verraros (May 5, 2008). "Idol Chatter – American Idol: Season Seven; Neil Diamond Week". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  152. ^ "New video blog! Idol Chat with Jim Verraros & Penny Frulla". NewNowNext. March 3, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  153. ^ Jim Verraros. "Idol Recap: Top 12 Get a Taste of Beatlemania!". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on March 20, 2008.
  154. ^ "Jim Verraros Thanks Fans, Second Album Coming". Popdirt.com. January 13, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  155. ^ "The First Gay American Idolist Turns 24". NewNowNext. February 7, 2007. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  156. ^ "An Evening with Jim Verraros at Minibar". ChicagoPride.com. March 21, 2008. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  157. ^ a b Penny Frulla, Jim Verraros (March 2008). Idol Chat with Jim & Penny: The Top 12 (video). AfterElton.com. Event occurs at 00:52–01:00; 10:46–11:00. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  158. ^ Penny Frulla, Jim Verraros (March 22, 2008). Idol Chat with Jim & Penny, Week Five (video). AfterElton.com. Event occurs at 00:44–00:59. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  159. ^ Dennis Harvey (August 13, 2008). "Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!". Daily Variety. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  160. ^ Andrew Davis. "Jimmy Clabots". seattle.gopride.com. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
  161. ^ Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!—Credits. TLA Releasing. June 28, 2008.
  162. ^ "Ear Therapy". Spotify. January 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  163. ^ "DJ Russ Harris – Ear Therapy – Overview". AllMusic. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  164. ^ "Another Lifetime (ft. Jim Verraros) by DJ Russ Harris | ReverbNation". ReverbNation. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  165. ^ "Touch (Don't U Want 2) by Jim Verraros on iTunes". iTunes Store. January 20, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  166. ^ Penny Frulla, Jim Verraros (March 2008). Idol Chat with Jim & Penny: The Top 16. AfterElton.com. Event occurs at 10:58–11:12.
  167. ^ "Electric Love by Jim Verraros on iTunes". iTunes Store. May 26, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  168. ^ "Do Not Disturb by Jim Verraros on iTunes". iTunes Store. November 9, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  169. ^ "Gabe Lopez – Home". gabelopez.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  170. ^ "Verraros to Release 2nd CD" (PDF). Windy City Times. August 12, 2009. p. 17. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  171. ^ a b c Eric Ross (September 3, 2009). "Legal or not – American Idol contestant gets ready to marry his same-sex partner". San Francisco Examiner.
  172. ^ "Ex 'Idol' Coming to Rialto". The Herald News. October 11, 2009. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  173. ^ "The ComEd Festival of Trees transformed the magnificent Rialto Square ..." The Herald News. January 24, 2010. Archived from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  174. ^ "Do Not Disturb by Jim Verraros on iTunes". iTunes Store. October 18, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  175. ^ a b c d e f Greg Hernandez (September 4, 2009). "American Idol alum Jim Verraros is getting married on Sunday in a splashy Chicago wedding". Greg in Hollywood. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  176. ^ a b Gina Serpe (September 9, 2009). "Idol Alum Jim Verraros Ties Knot With Boyfriend". E!. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  177. ^ a b Bill Brennan; Jim Verraros. "Jim Verraros & Bill Brennan – Our Story". mywedding.com. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  178. ^ "'Idol' finalist to wed partner in Oak Brook". Chicago Sun-Times. September 4, 2009. Archived from the original on May 9, 2018. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  179. ^ a b c d Brett Anthony (September 7, 2009). "Jim Verraros and boyfriend wed on Sunday". ChicagoPride.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  180. ^ "Jim Verraros & Bill Brennan – Music". mywedding.com. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  181. ^ Bill Brennan (August 8, 2009). "Jim Verraros & Bill Brennan – So Many Details-Oh My". mywedding.com. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  182. ^ Ken (September 12, 2015). "From the Bridal Connoisseur himself!". solutionsbridal.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  183. ^ Emily Nunn (February 14, 2006). "Brides gone wild!". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  184. ^ Jim Verraros (August 29, 2011). "6 Things You Don't Know About: Jim Verraros". Michelle Durpetti Events. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  185. ^ a b Jami Kunzer (January 8, 2014). "Local 'American Idol' Contestants Move On After Show Appearances". planitnorthwest.com. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  186. ^ "Another 'American Idol' Alum Helped Design Kelly Clarkson's Wedding Headpiece". ABC News Radio. October 22, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  187. ^ Caitlin Van Horn (October 21, 2013). "Kelly Clarkson Weds Brandon Blackstock in a Gorgeous Temperley London Dress". Brides. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  188. ^ Alex Apatoff (October 21, 2013). "Kelly Clarkson's Wedding Dress: All the Details!". People. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  189. ^ Jim Verraros (May 18, 2019). "@JimVerraros". Retrieved May 21, 2019.
  190. ^ "'American Idol's' first gay finalist is now a total hunk, married, and living his best life". Queerty. January 3, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jim_Verraros&oldid=1258675469"