R. J. Helton born 17 May 1981Singer R. J. Helton was a finalist in the first season of American Idol in 2002. He came fifth, the season eventually being won by Kelly Clarkson. He went on to release a solo album Real Life in 2004.
In October 2006 Helton came out as gay on the OutQ in the Morning show on Sirius Satellite Radio, making him the second Idol contestant from season one to come out, after Jim Verraros.
