Jacob Lusk

Jacob Ezekiel Lusk (born June 23, 1987) is an American singer from Compton, California, who finished in fifth place on the tenth season of American Idol.

Early life
Lusk was born in 1987 to Anglia and Gregory Lusk, and is from Compton, California. His father worked as a music producer, but he died when Lusk was twelve. Lusk began singing when he was four years old, and performed at his church from the age of five. He attended United Faith Community School in Long Beach, California, and was the lead singer in the school choir, plays and programs.

He is a minister of music at his church. Prior to American Idol, he worked as a spa concierge. In 2007, he joined a gospel group called InNate Praise formed by the late hip-hop singer Nate Dogg, and he performed with the group at churches around Los Angeles County.

He was arrested in November 2010 for missing a court hearing after being cited for riding on an L.A. metro train without buying a ticket, and spent three days in jail. He was also initially sentenced to two years probation but was reprieved after pleading to the judge that the sentence would jeopardize his chance of appearing on American Idol.

His musical influences include his father Gregory Lusk, Billie Holiday, Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, James Moore, and BeBe and CeCe Winans.

Overview
Lusk auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol in Los Angeles, California.

Lusk was first shown in the group stage of the competition where he performed with fellow finalist Naima Adedapo, Vegas Contestant Sophia Shorai, and Matthew Nuss, and Da'Quela Payne. all advanced to the top 102

He received high praise from Randy Jackson for his performance of "God Bless the Child" during the Hollywood rounds as the best ever seen on Idol. He was one of the top five males in the semi-final round, and therefore advanced to the Top 13. Lusk was eliminated on May 5, 2011, finishing in fifth place. During the finale, he performed with Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight.

Performances/Results

 * Due to the judges using their one save to save Casey Abrams, the Top 11 remained intact for another week, when two contestants were eliminated.
 * Lusk was saved first from elimination, before Stefano Langone as Pia Toscano was eliminated.
 * When Ryan Seacrest announced the results for this particular night, Lusk was among the Bottom 3 but declared safe second, as Stefano Langone was eliminated.

Post-Idol
Lusk and the rest of the top 11 took part in the 2011 American Idols Live Tour, which began in West Valley City, Utah, on July 6, 2011, and ended in Manila, Philippines on September 20, 2011. He performed on Live with Regis and Kelly on May 9, 2011, and on the Today show on May 10, 2011.