Yesterday was Anoop Desai's 23rd birthday. The North Carolina native had a successful run on the eighth season of American Idol. When Anoop auditioned for American Idol in 2008, he suggested the nickname "Anoop Dawg" to Randy Jackson, and the moniker has stuck with him since!

Anoop was selected as one of the 36 semi-finalists, and after performing "Angel of Mine" on the first night of the live competition, Anoop just barely missed a spot in the finals. The judges called him back for the Wild Card round, during which he sang "My Prerogative." His vocals and enthusiasm won over the judges, and they made him first ever thirteenth finalist.

On the show, Anoop stayed true to his R&B roots. Anoop didn't receive enough votes during Disco Week, which made him the contestant in sixth place. Since he placed in the Top 10, Anoop spent the summer touring around the U.S. and Canada on the American Idols LIVE! 2009 tour. We caught up with Anoop while he was on the road this summer. Read our exclusive interview with him, here.

Anoop performed a solo concert on October 22, 2009 at the North Carolina State Fair. He also performed at University of North Carolina's Memorial Hall, a spot where he used to perform as a student at the school. The day after Thanksgiving, Anoop performed at the San Francisco Union Square for the Macy's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where he sang "The Christmas Song," "All I Want For Christmas Is You," and "Joy To The World."

What's next for the crooner? Anoop is currently being represented by JS2 Communications, and he has plans to release his first single next spring.

Happy Birthday, Anoop Dawg!

Visit the Anoop Desai photo gallery.

Other birthdays this week:
David Cook
Jordin Sparks
Ryan Seacrest
Chris Daughtry
David Archuleta