Joshua Ledet
USABiography of Joshua Ledet
Joshua Ledet is an American singer and one of the top three finalists of the 11th season of the popular American television show 'American Idol'. He was born in Westlake, Louisiana, and grew up in a quiet and peaceful suburb. His passion for singing began when he saw Fantasia Barrino, the winner of the 3rd season of 'American Idol', perform in 2003. Ledet was convinced that he wanted to pursue a career in singing.
In school, Ledet actively participated in the local theater club, and if his singing career didn't work out, he would have considered becoming an actor. However, he was more drawn to singing and would often sing in church and write his own songs and lyrics. Interestingly, Ledet never received formal vocal training and credits his success to his mother's support.
Ledet found inspiration in the music of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Fantasia Barrino, James Brown, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John. He prefers to sing soul music but enjoys listening to country music.
Ledet first auditioned for 'American Idol' before the 10th season but was not successful. Around the same time, he faced personal problems, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. However, determined to pursue his dream, Ledet auditioned again the following year. By then, fans had given him the nickname 'Mantasia', suggesting his resemblance to Fantasia Barrino, which she also appreciated.
During the competition, Ledet impressed the judges with his performances. On 'Top 13', he sang Stevie Wonder's 'I Wish', and although he was one of the three worst performers that night, he managed to stay in the competition. On 'Top 8', Ledet received his first standing ovation for his brilliant rendition of 'If You Don't Know Me by Now' by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. He continued to receive praise and standing ovations in subsequent performances, showcasing his growing talent.
Currently, Joshua Ledet is one of the three finalists of the show, alongside Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. Both the judges and viewers agree that Ledet has a great chance of winning. Besides his singing talent, Ledet is also known for his love of Cajun cuisine. He often mentioned missing the Creole dishes from his hometown in Louisiana. In response, the deputy governor of Louisiana, Jay Dardenne, organized a project to provide Ledet with weekly shipments of the best Louisiana cuisine, including gumbo, jambalaya, and his favorite, rice with spicy sauce.
