Clark Beckham (born May 15, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter and musician. He finished as the runner-up on the fourteenth season of American Idol.
Early life Beckham was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but grew up in White House, Tennessee. He is an only child. He graduated from Lee University with a degree in history. Clark got most of his musical experience playing in church and on street corners. In a Christian Post interview Beckham noted that he originally wanted to audition for American Idol at 18 years old, when it came to Nashville, but said that it was not in line with God's will at the time.
Career American Idol Beckham auditioned for American Idol singing "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" by James Brown. He was the first contestant at the first city, Nashville, Tennessee, to sing in front of the judges. He passed the audition by a split decision: approved by Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, disapproved by Harry Connick Jr. During Hollywood week, he sang "Let's Get It On" and "Try a Little Tenderness". In the House of Blues showcase, he sang "Georgia on My Mind", earning his spot in the Top 24.
When asked what one moment stands out for him, Beckham said the time Connick Jr. said, "I don't think you could have done that any better"—after Beckham's performance of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". "Harry's typically been tough on me," said Beckham. "He's like a coach trying to get the best out of me. And I really appreciate that."
Performances on American Idol Week Theme Song(s) Original artist(s)OrderResult Auditions Contestant's choice "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" James BrownN/AAdvanced Hollywood Week (Pt. 1) A Capella Let's Get It On Marvin Gaye Hollywood Week (Pt. 2) Group round "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" Stevie Wonder Hollywood Week (Pt. 3) Solo round "Try a Little Tenderness" Otis Redding House of Blues (Top 48) Contestant's choice "Georgia on My Mind" Ray Charles Top 24 Contestant's choice "When a Man Loves a Woman" Percy Sledge 6Safe Top 16 Music of Motown "The Tracks of My Tears" The Miracles 5 Top 12 "Back to the Start" "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" James Brown 9 Top 11 (week 1) "Get the Party Started" "Takin' It to the Streets" The Doobie Brothers 4 Top 11 (week 2) Songs from the Movies"Sunday Morning" (from Cheaper by the Dozen 2) Maroon 5 9 Top 9 Songs from the 1980s "Every Breath You Take" The Police7 Top 8 Kelly Clarkson "The Trouble with Love Is" Kelly Clarkson Top 7 Billboard Hot 100 "Make It Rain" Foy Vance 5 Top 6 "American classics"as deemed by viewers "Superstition""Moon River" Stevie WonderAudrey Hepburn 27 Top 5 "Arena anthems" "Yesterday""Boyfriend" The BeatlesJustin Bieber 38 Top 4 Judges' HometownContestant's own soul "Living for the City""Your Man" Stevie WonderJosh Turner 15 Top 3 Scott Borchetta's ChoiceJudges' ChoiceHometown's Choice "Beautiful Day""(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay""Earned It" U2Otis ReddingThe Weeknd 157 Top 2 Favorite PerformanceSimon Fuller's ChoiceWinner's Single "Georgia on My Mind""Ain't No Sunshine""Champion" Ray CharlesBill WithersClark Beckham 135Runner-up Finale Encore with original artist "Centuries" (Feat. Fall Out Boy & Nick Fradiani) "Takin' It to the Streets" (Feat. Michael McDonald) Fall Out BoyThe Doobie Brothers N/A
Post-Idol Beckham has been using his post-Idol expertise in the creation of a YouTube video channel about American Idol. In May 2021, he appeared on the Talent Recap show to discuss the nineteenth season finale. Beckham will also appear in the upcoming film An Old Song.
Discography
Albums Light Year (2020)
EPs Clark Beckham (2013) Songs About Her (2014) American Idol Season 14: Best of Clark Beckham (2015) Year One (2018)
Accolades Year Association Category Result 2015 Teen Choice Awards Choice Music: Next Big Thing
References
External links Clark Beckham on American Idol