Richard Jason "R.J." Helton (born May 17th, 1981, as Rolando Alberto de Jesus Rivas, Jr.) was a contestant on Season 1 of American Idol.
Audition[]
R.J. auditioned in Atlanta. He sang "Never Can't Say Goodbye" by The Jackson 5. All three judges voted "yes", sending him to the next round.
Hollywood Round[]
His stay in Hollywood was shown in the group rounds in a group with Khaleef Chiles. Everyone in his group advanced. He did manage to make the Top 30.
Top 30[]
R.J. sang "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5. Although he was initially eliminated, he was selected to compete in the Wild-Card round.
Wild-Card[]
In the Wild-Card show, R.J. sang "Lately" by Stevie Wonder. The judges decided to pick him as the Wild-Card contestant, giving him the final slot in the Top 10.
Top 10[]
R.J. sang "I Can't Help Myself" by The Four Tops. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 8[]
R.J. sang "Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters. He receive enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 7[]
R.J. sang "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for that week.
Top 6[]
R.J. sang "I Won't Dance" by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He was placed in the Bottom 2 for that week.
Top 5[]
R.J. sang "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross. He received the lowest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition.
| Season 1 |
| Finalists |
| Kelly Clarkson · Justin Guarini · Nikki McKibbin · Tamyra Gray · R.J. Helton · Christina Christian · Ryan Starr · A.J. Gil · Jim Verraros · EJay Day |
| Semifinalists |
| Christopher Aaron · Kelli Glover · Alexis Lopez · Angela Peel · Chris Badano · Khaleef Chiles · Kristin Holt · Tanesha Ross · Melanie Sanders · Mark Scott · Alexandra Bachelier · Jamar · Jazmin Lowery · Gil Sinuet · Tenia Taylor · Natalie Burge · Rodesia Eaves · Brad Estrin · Adriel Herrera · Justinn Waddell |