Blake Lewis on American Idol:
Blake Lewis auditioned for American Idol in Seattle, representing the Emerald City by wearing a green shirt. Blake identified himself as the local beat box champion and performed a little beat boxing at Randy Jackson’s request before performing “Crazy†by Seal.
American Idol did not feature Blake Lewis after his initial Seattle audition until Hollywood Week when he appeared with fellow finalists Rudy Cardenas and Chris Sligh (along with Thomas Lowe) for a rendition of "How Deep Is Your Love" (video), including Blake beat boxing that brought down the house.
Blake Lewis Personal Information: American Idol contestant Blake Lewis was born on July 21, 1981. A self-proclaimed mutt, Blake comes from Welsh, German, and Irish families. "My mom is an ex-rocker who still sings and plays guitar," says Blake Lewis, "my dad is the main project manager for a construction company in Seattle and is the hardest working person I know." Blake is from Bothell, Washington and graduated in 1999 from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore. Blake also has family ties to Utah.
Blake Lewis Beat Boxing: Blake Lewis will be known as the beat boxer on American Idol, at least initially, due to his past as a beat box champion, as well as his beat boxing during the Idol audition process. Blake starting beat boxing when he was 17 years old after being inspired by Matt Selby, a member of M-Pact – Rudy Cardenas’ a cappella group that was formerly based in Seattle.
Blake Lewis Musical Influences: Blake Lewis cites the following very inclusive list as his musical role models: 311, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFarren, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5, Duncan Shiek, Harry Connick, Jr., Jill Scott, Imogen Heap, Fiona Apple, BT, DJ Shadow, The Roots, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Sting, Eric Benet, Tori Amos, Ben Folds, DJ Q-Bert, Gnarls Barkley, Moblaw, Common Market, Panda Conspiracy, Blue Scholars, Take 6, m-pact, Faith SFX, Doxology, KJ Sawka, and all the other musicians I've been privileged to work with.
Blake Lewis, Rudy Cardenas, and Chris Sligh: Blake, Rudy and Chris have developed a strong bond already, and have been given the name Bludachris by fans. Blake Lewis lists Chris Sligh and Rudy Cardenas as his American Idols.
