We first met Jim Verraros when he was just 19 years old. The Season 1 finalist is celebrating his 29th birthday today! Many people remember Jim as the contestant who was fluent in American Sign Language because both of his parents are deaf.

Jim performed on the first ever semifinals show and advanced to the Top 10 with his performance of “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole. Although Jim was eliminated during the Top 10’s Motown Week, he went on to have a successful career in music. In 2004, he released an album entitled Unsaid and Understood. The indie-CD won an Out Music Award for Outstanding New Recording Debut – Male in June of 2004. On April 26, 2005, Jim released his mainstream debut album, Rollercoaster. The album garnered a Top 20 Billboard Dance Hit with “You Turn It On.” The song “You’re Getting Crazy” was also a breakout hit. In 2009 Jim released three singles, “Do Not Disturb,” “Electric Love” and “Touch.”

Happy Birthday, Jim!

View photos of Jim on the groundbreaking season of American Idol.

Photo credit James Banasiak