Chris Richardson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chris Richardson
Richardson performing as part of the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2007
Background information
Birth name	Christopher Michael Richardson
Born	(1984-02-19) February 19, 1984 (age 41) Soignies, Belgium
Origin	Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S.
Genres	Pop rock R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals guitar keyboard drums
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Cash Money Records Republic

Christopher Michael Richardson (born February 19, 1984) is an American singer and songwriter. He became well-known after finishing in fifth place on the sixth season of American Idol.

About Chris Richardson

Chris Richardson was born in Belgium. His parents are Phyllis and Danny Richardson. His dad was in the United States Air Force for 20 years. In 1999, Chris moved to Chesapeake, Virginia.

When he was on American Idol in 2007, Chris shared that he used to be overweight as a kid. He finished high school at Great Bridge High School in 2002. He then studied music at Christopher Newport University for a year. He also played football there. Later, he continued his music studies at Tidewater Community College. Before American Idol, Chris worked as a kitchen supervisor.

Chris can play the guitar, drums, and piano. Some of his favorite male singers include Jason Mraz, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Jackson. He also likes female artists like Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. Chris has a pet bulldog named Tommy.

Chris and fellow American Idol contestant Blake Lewis are very good friends. In April 2016, Chris and his girlfriend, Maryfrances Jerez, welcomed a baby girl.

Chris on American Idol

Chris Richardson tried out for American Idol two times before he made it onto season 6. He auditioned in New York City. The judges liked his performance, and he moved forward in the competition. During the Hollywood group round, Chris was grouped with Paul Kim and AJ Tabaldo.

While on American Idol, many people compared Chris to singer Justin Timberlake. This included judge Randy Jackson. Chris said it was great to be mentioned with someone so successful. He also said his own album would sound different from Justin Timberlake's music.

Chris's Performances on American Idol

• Audition: "A Song for You" (originally by Leon Russell)
• Hollywood Week: "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" (originally by Donny Hathaway)

• When Ryan Seacrest announced the results, Chris was in the bottom two. But he was safe when Stephanie Edwards was eliminated.
• Chris was the first person saved from elimination in one week.
• Because of the Idol Gives Back show, the Top 6 stayed the same for another week.

After American Idol

After American Idol season six ended, Chris joined the Season 6 tour. He toured with the other Top 10 finalists.

After the tour, Chris started working on his first album. He thought about calling it Come Right Back to You. He said it would be a mix of rock and R&B music. Chris described the sound as a mix of Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz. He loves rock and roll but also has a soulful voice.

In February 2008, a new song by Chris called "All Alone" was shared online. This song was later released for sale on iTunes. Chris performed "All Alone" at many radio and TV stations. This was part of his 10-city tour, sponsored by Breyers. In May 2008, his album was quickly recorded in Los Angeles, Miami, and Virginia.

Chris helped write songs for other American Idol contestants. He co-wrote "What'cha Got 2 Lose?" for Blake Lewis's album A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream). He also wrote the bonus song "Human" for Blake's album. Chris has also written songs for winner Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey. He planned to write with Gina Glocksen.

In April 2008, Chris was a surprise guest at Jason Mraz's tour. He sang a duet with Mraz called "Geek in the Pink". In March 2009, Chris opened for Josh Hodge in New York City. He sang a few songs, including "All Alone."

In May 2009, Chris attended the American Idol finale. He also sang at a "Relay for Life" charity event. In 2010, he sang in the ninth season finale of American Idol. This was a tribute to Simon Cowell's last show.

In 2011, Chris worked with Tyga on the song "Far Away". This song was released in May 2011. It reached number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 2012, Chris signed a record deal with Cash Money Records and Republic Records. In January 2012, he released the song "In the Name of Love." A music video for the song followed. Later that year, he released his official first song, "Joy & Pain," which featured Tyga.

In mid-2012, Universal Republic Records closed down. Chris and other artists moved to Republic Records. In 2013, he released two new songs: "Collecting" and "Why You Mad." He tried to raise money for a mixtape and tour in 2014, but it did not reach its goal.

In 2015, Chris announced that he was no longer with YMCMB. He said he would release his music on his own. He also announced he was working on two EPs (shorter albums): Press Play and Murder She Wrote. Later that year, he was featured on the song "Bigger Better Faster." This song was with Follow Your Instinct and Busta Rhymes. It reached the Top 3 in Japan. In December 2015, he shared his cover of Bryson Tiller's song "Don't." His new song "Rear View" was released in February 2016.

Chris Richardson's Music

Albums

• Chris Richardson - EP (Released June 12, 2007)
• Press Play - EP (Planned for 2016)
• Murder She Wrote - EP (Planned for 2016)

Songs (Singles)

• "All Alone" (Released March 12, 2008)
• "Floating off the Ground" (Released November 1, 2009)
• "In the Name of Love" (Released January 12, 2012)
• "Far Away" (featuring Tyga) (Released July 31, 2012)
• "Joy and Pain" (featuring Tyga) (Released August 28, 2012)
• "Collecting"
• "Why You Mad" (featuring Caskey) (Released August 7, 2013)
• "Bigger Better Faster" (with Follow Your Instinct & Busta Rhymes) (2015)
• "Rear View" (Released February 19, 2016)

Songs Where Chris Was Featured