Who is Alyssa Raghu? 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant hoping to win ABC show in her third attempt

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu has reached the semi-final of the show on two separate occasions
PUBLISHED MAR 17, 2024
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu is already very popular (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu is already very popular (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu is an aspiring singer, songwriter and actress from Florida.

She was born with Guyanese/Indian and Mexican heritage. The ABC show fans could recognize Alyssa very well as she previously appeared in 'American Idol' Season 16 and 17. Although the artist failed to clinch the winning title, Alyssa earned a spot in the Top 8 'American Idol' contestants.

Alyssa impressed the ABC show judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with her extraordinary Pop, Ballads, and R&B music.

After two continuous seasons of the ABC show, Alyssa is finally set to return to 'American Idol' Season 22 to serenade the judges once again. She would give the ABC show her third attempt to bag the winning title.

Alyssa has dropped multiple songs after her ABC show gigs. She has also performed with renowned singers including, Julia Michaels, Kane Brown, Lea Michelle, Cindi Lauper, and Patti LaBelle.

According to her bio, Alyssa was also honoured to perform the National Anthem for the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India for the 30th National Memorial Day Concert.

Besides singing, Alyssa has also performed the lead role of Nina Rosario in a live production of the hit musical 'In The Heights' and Anita in 'West Side Story'.

Alyssa went to Lake Nona High School as a junior but was later homeschooled to focus on her singing career. Additionally, Alyssa has been actively involved in philanthropic work and she has been the chair of the Global Citizens Committee for the World Heritage Cultural Center.

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu was home-schooled (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)

Alyssa Raghu performed with Kane Brown in 'American Idol'

Alyssa Raghu was just 16 years old when she auditioned for the 'American Idol' and instantly impressed the judges with her vocals on V V Brown's 'Shark in the Water.' She earned a spot in the Top 8 and a chance to perform with Kane Brown in the finale. The duo performed 'Lost in the Middle of Nowhere'.

Although Alyssa was eliminated during the finale, she went on to release hit songs. She also collaborated with Natty Rico for 'Play Me Like.' Alyssa has recently released a five-song EP, 'Dreamscape'.

The talented singer would soon release a new single, 'Where Did You Go'. Alyssa has dedicated her social media to promoting her upcoming songs.

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu has performed with Kane Brown (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)

Alyssa Raghu has created 'American Idol' history

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu created history in 2019 after she reached the ABC show semi-final twice. She was one of the favorites of Katy Perry and continued to wow the judges throughout her time on the ABC show.

Alyssa would again make history if she managed to secure a spot in the finals of the latest season, becoming the first artist to do so.

However, after her second attempt, Alyssa shared a suggestion to the aspiring singers in an interview, "When you're on the show you obviously have this competition mindset because you're singing to win but once you get off the show, you realize all those Internet comments and all those things you were hurt by but also make you 'you' are something you need to embrace."

She added, "You just got to learn to love yourself and you'll be OK."

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Alyssa Raghu earned a spot in the semi-final twice (Instagram/@alyssaraghu)

Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. The latest episodes will be available to stream next day on Hulu.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICAN IDOL (2002) ABC TV NETWORK

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