Christopher Michael Richardson (born February 19, 1984) is an American singer who finished in the top 6 on the sixth season of American Idol. He was eliminated on May 2, 2007.
Richardson was born in Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Hospital in Belgium to Phyllis and Danny Richardson. His father spent 20 years in the Air Force and his mother was once crowned "Miss Great Bridge High School". Richardson moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1999. Before Idol, Richardson was a kitchen supervisor for a Hooters restaurant. He graduated from Great Bridge High School in 2002 and studied music composition at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, for a year, playing football there as well. He continued his music studies at Tidewater Community College. He has an English bulldog named Tommy.
Richardson auditioned in New York, holding number 8963. The judges warmed to him, and he got through the audition process. Judge Randy Jackson commented on how his appearance, singing, and general atmosphere was reminiscent of Justin Timberlake.
Chris says he doesn't mind hearing the comparisons to Justin Timberlake. But, he adds, those who've drawn the connection should listen to his album when it comes out and then decide if it still holds.
"To be even mentioned in the same sentence as someone so successful, it's great," Richardson told the Associated Press on Thursday the day after his elimination in a phone interview. "They might be surprised whenever I come out with my album, that it's completely different than his. So that's when other people might one day be, like `Hey, you sort of sound like Chris Richardson.' "
Richardson is focusing on the future--the "Idol" tour and his album, which he said will be a mix of both rock and soul.
"It'll be a mixture of a Maroon 5 sound with a little bit of Jason Mraz," said Richardson, who also plays the guitar, drums and piano. "I love rock and roll but I have this soulful type voice and I just like to infuse both of them."
Richardson lives in the Great Bridge section of Chesapeake, Virginia. He plays guitar, drums and piano.
He admitted during the March 6, 2007 edition of American Idol that he used to be overweight as a child and teenager. He has lost roughly forty pounds and has become more health conscious.
Richardson said on the May 2, 2007 edition of American Idol that he and fellow AI finalist Blake Lewis are best friends.
There was also a rumor that Chris was dating Lauren Conrad of Laguna Beach and The Hills after they were seen together. Conrad later dismissed the rumors on MTV Canada's Hills Finale Party, saying they were just friends.
