Allison Iraheta

At just 17, Allison Iraheta displayed vocals carrying mature, rock-tinged qualities that masked her youth and positioned her as the standout female contestant throughout American Idol’s 2009 season. Born to Salvadorian parents, she had already accumulated many appearances within Latino circles ahead of her extended Idol stint, including a first-place finish in a bilingual vocal contest broadcast by Telemundo in 2006. The Fox competition ultimately served as her springboard, placing her fourth behind Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, and Kris Allen. While touring that summer alongside the full roster of finalists, she became one of the earliest participants from the season to secure a contract, signing with 19/Jive Records in early June. Work then began on her debut album Just Like You, whose lead single—the Max Martin-penned “Friday I'll Be Over U”—appeared several months after the tour wrapped.