Paul Kim

Who do YOU think should win American Idol? Take Dotspotter's American Idol poll and see what the Dotspotter community has to say. Age: 25 Hometown: Saratoga, CA Audition City: Los Angeles Paul says he started singing when he was a baby. He has had no formal training but looks up to singers like... More

Who do YOU think should win American Idol? Take Dotspotter's American Idol poll and see what the Dotspotter community has to say.

Age: 25
Hometown: Saratoga, CA
Audition City: Los Angeles

Paul says he started singing when he was a baby. He has had no formal training but looks up to singers like Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. Paul Kim calls himself a horticulture expert. He was working as a pool maintenance technician before being chosen for American Idol. He enjoys playing basketball and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Paul says he owns a pair of lucky underwear.

From an interview with AMERICAN IDOL:

Favorite male pop artists?

Danny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Luther Vandross, Charlie Wilson

Favorite female pop artists?

India Arie, Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, Mariah Carey, Sade

When did you first start to sing?

As soon as I could speak.

Do you have any formal singing training?

No.

What other talents do you have?

Horticulture expert, I cut my own hair, I play basketball, I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

If you don’t make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?

Go back to school and my job.

What are your personal goals in life?

To ultimately find eternal happiness.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?

Kenny G.

Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?

My father—I only hope that I can one day be half the man that he is.

Do you have any rituals or things you do each time before you perform?

Pray, push-ups.

Most embarrassing moments?

When Paula Abdul made a grown man like me cry.

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?

n/a

If you couldn’t sing, which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could be a pro surfer.

What is your definition of AMERICAN IDOL?

Anybody with heart that can carry a tune.

Who is your favorite judge and why?

Randy-he has a real ear for making good music.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have an undying love for nature (plants, the ocean).

How has this changed your life?

I like the fact that I haven’t had to go back to my day jobs.

Do you have any lucky charms?

My maori fishhook and my lucky drawers.

Who are your heroes in life?

My parents.

What’s been your toughest obstacle in life?

n/a

Do you think the audition process was fair?

Yes, but so many amazing singers went home.

If you win, who will you thank first?

God and my mama.