Get to Know an American Idol Contestant: Brandon Rogers

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Brandon Rogers, American Idol?

It's got a nice ring to it, especially for a career back-up singer who is finally hoping to make it on his own. The man who has taken the stage behind stars such as Christina Aguilera and Anastacia (pictured here with him) made it through to Hollywood last night after the L.A. American Idol auditions.

Here's what Rogers - who has performed on stage at the Grammy and MTV Video Music Awards - has to say about personal success:

"I wanted to be a star long before I wanted to be a background singer. I love what I do, don't get me wrong, but I just want to do it on a personal level ... If the music belongs to someone else artistically, you can only find so much to connect to. I'm really big on being connected to the music."

We're guessing fellow Idol hopeful, Sundance Head, would agree. He wants out of his father's spotlight.

An accomplished pianist by high school, Brandon went on to be a jazz vocal studies major at University of North Texas jazz program, where he performed alongside fellow UNT jazzer, a pre-fame Norah Jones.

Brandon, an L.A. native, includes influences as varied as Donnie Hathaway, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and James Taylor because"I take influences from every singer I've loved and heard my entire life."

Someday, perhaps, those trying out for American Idol will cite Rogers as their influence. He can only hope.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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