While many will recall Julia's memorable encounters with fellow Season 2 finalist Kimberly Caldwell during Hollywood Week, who also recently celebrated a birthday, but it is her performances that American Idol fans will remember best. In case anyone was wondering, Julia said that the two became close friends after making it through to the semi-finals.

On the Idol stage, Julia performed "Son of a Preacher Man," "What a Feeling," and "Where Did Our Love Go?" Julia's last performance on American Idol was her take on Faith Hill's hit song "Breathe." Even though Julia was eliminated from the competition, her ability to win over fans with her voice still earned her a spot on the Season 2 American Idol tour, where she performed Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" in front of packed arenas around the country.

After the tour, Julia continued to impress listeners and reviewers alike. Her rendition of Etta James' "At Last" on the American Idol 2 Love Songs album was regarded as one of the standout performances on the compilation album. Shortly after, Julia took her talents to the small screen as a celebrity judge on the television show Meow TV. Julia would go on to record a song called "Let it Rain" as well after leaving American Idol. On July 6, 2005, Julia became a mother with the birth of her son James Peter back in her home state of Connecticut.
We wish Julia the happiest of birthdays today and you can check out this photo of Julia and the gang from Season 2 hanging out backstage!