Gedeon McKinney - 2006 American Idol Finalist Gedeon McKinney

Gedeon "Big Smile" McKinney has cruised through the early American Idol 5 auditions and now sits among the top 10 male idolists. At first I was completely put off by Gedeon McKinney because of his ridiculous smile that is as big as it is fake... also, you can't mention Gedeon without his big ego. That said, Gedeon can sing and he also has some soul. While I don't consider Gedeon a favorite - he could shake his way into the finals. Look at this smile!!

Feb. 20th Gedeon McKinney Update

Fox posted their Gedeon McKinney factoids - the night before the first week of voting begins (Tuesday is the women's competition, Wednesday is the men's, and Thursday is the voting). Below are the Gedeon McKinney facts from Fox:

Age: 17
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Audition City: Chicago
Favorite Female Artist: Tina Tuner
Favorite Male Artist: (late) Luther Vandross

March 1st Gedeon McKinney Update

Tonight was the best Gedeon McKinney performance yet. Singing Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come", Gedeon wow'ed the judges and the audience with a soulful and honest performance. Gedeon clearly has a knack for performing and give a stirring rendition of a classic song that he was somehow able to deliver as his own. Gedeon will fly into the next round... and will keep on smiling!

THE 24 AMERICAN IDOL FINALISTS (SEASON 5)

Ace Young
Ayla Brown
Brenna Gethers
Bucky Covington
Chris Daugherty
David Radford
Elliot Yamin
gedeon mckinny
Heather Cox
Jose “Sway” Penala
Katherine McPhee
Kelly Pickler
Kevin Covais
Lisa Tucker
Mandiza Hundley
Melissa McGhee
Paris Bennett
Patrick Hill
Rebecca O’donahue
Robert Bennet
Stephanie Scott
Taylor Hicks
Will Makar

Note: As the 2006 American Idol season continues, I will continue to update these individual singer and performer guides with information about each of the Idols. Enjoy the guides and feel free to let me know if there is information I've missed or should post!