'American Idol' Runner-Up Alejandro Aranda Announces Free Concert
American Idol runner-up Alejandro Aranda is becoming quite the traveling musician following his run on the reality talent show.
Nearly a month since Laine Hardy took the Idol title, Aranda announced a free concert in Nashville Tuesday to his nearly 70,000 Twitter followers. Performing at Ascend Ampitheature July 3, Aranda will be joined by soulful Nashville-native band Bizz & Everyday People.
"With Bizz & Everyday People you are guaranteed to have a transformative experience designed to take all the cares of your world away," the band's online bio reads. "This band is ready to cater to your musical needs with style!"
Following his concert announcement Tuesday, fans were quick to share their excitement and requests for additional concert dates and venues.
"Oh man, that is gonna be so Sweet! What a way to spend the July 4th," one Twitter user wrote.
"I'm so glad you're getting out there! Can't wait for 2nd Pomona show," @traciej7 added. "Coming from Sacramento might want to add one here!"
Along with his concert in July, Aranda announced his first-ever nationwide tour last month. Concert dates and locations below:
- July 8 – Washington, D.C. at DC9
- July 9 – Brooklyn, NY at Baby's All Right
- July 10 –Boston, MA at Sonia's Nightclub
- July 11 – Chicago, Il at Subterranean
- July 13 – San Francisco, CA at Swedish American Hall
The former Pomona-based dishwasher made his American Idol debut in March by performing his original song, "Out Loud." Aranda's audition quickly went viral, garnering more than 10 million views since first airing.
"That was the greatest–you, my friend, are so talented," Richie said at the time. "I'm so inspired."
"I feel like I'm in the presence of greatness," Bryan added. "I am so glad that you are here. It was like watching my favorite movie that I did not want to end."
The 24-year-old quickly changed the face of the reality talent show. While his fellow contestants mainly performed covers of mainstream songs, Aranda consistently wowed judges with original compositions. Aranda's impact was seen during American Idol's season finale when he performed his original audition song and the audience was singing the lyrics back to him.
"Something unprecedented, four original songs from a contestant on our show," Idol host Ryan Seacrest said during the show's season finale, as the audience chanted "Homie." "I saw something magical, they were singing the song after you...that's gotta be a cool feeling."
