Anoop Desai is a popular contestant on American Idol, at least around North Carolina. He is from Chapel Hill, which is a sacred place in many Charlotttean's hearts to begin with. He is the second big star to come out of American Idol. Clay Aiken was also from North Carolina, if any of you remember. He was a big deal.

Even though Clay lost, he went on to become a top selling artist and is still tabloid fodder today. I'm no expert, but I think at the point Anoop is right now, he will have some type of ongoing recording contract with American Idol. 

Winning American Idol is no guarantee of success. Some winners have gone on to sell poorly and fade away just like all kinds of talented people in the music business. 

But the people who don't win on American Idol are usually under contract with the American Idol people. They go around on musical tours as a group to perform in arenas for fans. 

After their contract runs out, they are free to do whatever they want. Some have joined theater troupes. One that is currently touring the country is "Ain't Misbehavin'" with Reuben Studdard, from the second season.

Lots of those shows show up in Charlotte NC at one point or another.