George Huff (singer)
George Clayton Huff, Jr. (born November 4, 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American singer, whose rich, powerful voice carried him to first place among male contestants and overall fifth-place finalist on the third season of the reality/talent-search television series American Idol.
Huff is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana; he is currently a student at the University of Oklahoma. Huff auditioned for the third season of American Idol in Houston, Texas; he was a member of the fourth group of semifinalists. He was actually not among those originally chosen for the semifinal round, but was put through when contestant Donnie Williams was disqualified for a drunk driving arrest.
Huff was not voted through to the final round from his group of semifinalists, but got another second chance when he was brought back for the wildcard round and put through as a finalist by contest judge Simon Cowell. During this period, New Orleans Fox Affiliate WVUE would hold specials including Huff's family cheering George on during the latest episodes.
On May 5, 2004, Huff was voted off in fifth place after two renditions of Fred Astaire's "Cheek to Cheek" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" during big band week.
His album, Miracles, was released by Word Records, on October 11, 2005. The first single off that album was "Brighter Day". It sold 18,000 copies.
In 2005 his Louisiana home was affected by Hurricane Katrina. He left New Orleans and stayed at his brother's house in Dallas.[1] His recent performances have included an October 2006 concert at West Virginia University[2] and a December 2006 Christmas show in Salinas, California.[3] He also had a recent brief performance at New York's Dr. Susan S. Mckinney Secondary School For The Arts on November 10, 2008.
In 2007 Huff's song "Brighter Day" was briefly featured in Tyler Perry's movie "Why Did I Get Married?" starring Janet Jackson.
On April 7, 2009 George Huff will be releasing his self-titled sophomore effort. Songs include "I Belong To You(Yours)", "Victory", "Free", "Destiny" (featuring Coko of SWV and Tasha Collins from the first season of BET's Sunday Best) and the lead single "Don't Let Go".
American Idol performances
- "Always and Forever" (Heatwave, 1978) (Semifinals; March 2, 2004)
- "Lean on Me" (Bill Withers, 1972) (Wild card; March 9, 2004)
- "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" (Otis Redding, 1968) (Soul week; March 16, 2004)
- "I Can Love You Like That" (John Michael Montgomery, 1995) (Country; March 23, 2004)
- "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (The Temptations, 1966) (Motown; March 30, 2004)
- "Take Me to the Pilot" (Elton John) (Elton John songs; April 6, 2004)
- "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" (Against All Odds, Phil Collins, 1984) (Movie songs; April 14, 2004)
- "Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again" (Barry Manilow) (Barry Manilow songs; April 20, 2004)
- "Live for Loving You" (Gloria Estefan, 1991) (Gloria Estefan songs; April 27, 2004) (Bottom 2)
- "Cheek to Cheek" (Fred Astaire) (Big band; May 4, 2004) (Bottom 2; voted off)
- "What a Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong) (Big band; May 4, 2004) (Bottom 2; voted off)
Discography
Albums
- American Idol Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics April 27, 2004
- Miracles, October 11, 2005, #8 Top Gospel Albums
- My Christmas EP November 9, 2004
- George Huff, April 7, 2009
Singles
- Go Tell It On The Mountain
- Brighter Day
- Miracles
- You Know Me, #32 Hot Gospel Songs
- Don't Let Go
Notes
- ^ Walker, Dave. "Huff on Hope: Displaced by the storm, George Huff is still going strong." New Orleans Times-Picayune. 9 June 2006.
- ^ "American Idol Finalist Huff to perform at West Virginia University". US Fed News. 10 October 2006.
- ^ Mel, Claudia. "Idol active in Salinas." Monterey County Herald. 9 December 2006.