Recently, I went to Osaka to watch Elliott Yamin perform at Osaka Billboard Live!  Elliott Yamin rose to fame during the 5th season of American Idol in which he placed third in the popular American singing contest.  His self-titled album, released in March 2007, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.  The album was certified gold in the United States in October 2007.  Retitled Wait for You, the album was released in Japan in May 2008 and certified gold here in September 2008.  The 5th season was the first that American Idol aired in Japan and was also the first season I ever watched the show... and I have to admit, I became hooked.  Whether because Japanese television is limited in good variety, or because singing is so popular in Japan, I found myself tuning in to popular culture every week rooting for Yamin, clearly the most gifted singer from the 5th season.  After Elliott Yamin's debut album, he recently released his sophomore album, titled Fight for Love in May 2009.  His single You Say is currently the #1 R&B single in Japan.  After the concert, I had a chance to meet him and wish him luck in the future...  I also invited him to karaoke after the show, but after back-to-back concerts on consecutive nights he kindly declined...  either he was too tired, or didn't want to go head-to-head with my skeelz...    I'm thinking the latter as well... 

Note:  A link to: Elliott Yamin's Official Japanese website