Season 5’s Elliott Yamin turns 32 today. It’s hard to believe it was five years ago that Elliott made a name for himself on American Idol. His warm personality, smooth vocals, and his doting mother Claudette made him one of the most beloved contestants ever on the show. Since his time on Idol, Elliott has had a lot of success in the music industry, but he always makes time to help those in need.

Elliott has released the albums Elliott Yamin, Fight for Love, and the holiday records Sounds of the Season: The Elliott Yamin Holiday Collection and My Kind of Holiday. His first album, Elliott Yamin, debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was the highest new artist debut on an independent label in SoundScan history. On October 12, 2007, the album was certified gold. His hit single "Wait for You" was certified Platinum in digital sales on October 16, 2008. In total, Elliott has had four #1 hits on the Billboard charts.

Elliott is currently working on his next album and told the Examiner.com, “I’m co-writing a lot of the songs just like on my last album; my influences come from my experiences in life and travels.” Although he is only 32, Elliott has had a lot of life experiences. A string of ear infections left him with 90% hearing loss in his right ear at age 13. Three years later, Elliott was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. In February, Elliott was in Chile and experienced the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake. He updated his concerned fans about the conditions abroad and his search to find insulin.

The charitable Idol has worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Promise to Remember Me Campaign, the Inspired by Diabetes Creative Expression Competition, the Life for a Child Program, and the World Diabetes Day. Over the weekend Elliott performed at Leesburg, Virginia’s Summer Block Party benefitting Habitat for Humanity. He’s traveled to Africa twice for Idol Gives Back to raise awareness about malaria prevention with Malaria No More. Read more about his latest trip to Africa. Elliott has also spoken to Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox, a juvenile Type I diabetic, about starting an organization that provides education and supplies to the needy.

Happy Birthday, Elliott!

We caught up with Elliott Yamin earlier this year. He talked about his involvement in World Diabetes Day and about his music. Watch the interview.