contestants

Name: Candice Coleman

Age: 22

From: Toledo, OH

Occupation: Waitress/Manager at the Sunrise Diner

Final 32 performance: Candice was second up in the second group of eight semi-finalists on February 11. Her performance of "Piece Of My Heart", perfected by Nikki in the first season, drew a mixed reaction from the judges. Paula thought she was "stunning," whilst Randy thought she had chosen the wrong song. Simon, meanwhile, told her she needed to work on her performance.

Next appearance: Candice could be asked back to perform in the wildcard show on March 4.

Who is Candice's American Idol? "I don't idolize anybody (except for the Almighty), but I can tell you that I especially admire these people: Etta James, Grace Slick, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, etc…"

Why does she want to be the next American Idol? "I have a plan. I want to make a lot of money so I can have organizations to help homeless people get jobs and help them become self-sufficient. I also want to inspire single mothers to go for it, no matter what."

Favourite judge? "Paula Abdul. She's compassionate, and that makes me see that not all celebrities are self-absorbed."