Paul McDonald on Twitter

If you want to see Paul McDonald live on Tour, get your American Idols Live tickets for the 2011 tour now!

Paul McDonald and girlfriend Nikki Reed

Paul McDonald is a finalist on American Idol season 10. Born on August 29, 1984, he has always had a passion for music and he became the vocalist of the band Hightide Blues, which name was changed to The Grand Magnolias last year. Paul’s legal name is William Paul McDonald.

Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, the 26 year old singer relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. January 27, 2011 was a date McDonald would never forget as it’s the day he received the golden ticket to Hollywood when he auditioned for the hit talent show, American Idol. He got three yes’s from judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler. He wowed the judges with his rendition of Maggie May by Rod Stewart and he also sang "Tutti Frutti," a song from 1955 by Little Richard.

He then advanced to the first part of the Hollywood Round by singing a song by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals as his first solo. For the 2nd part, he performed "Carry on Wayward Son" with other contestants as part of his group. His second solo was Landslide and in the Las Vegas round in which the theme was to do a Beatles' song, he chose to sing "Blackbird."

The young rocker made it into the Top 24 when he once again convinced the judges that he belonged in the competition by singing a song he wrote entitled “American Dreams.” With his performances and character, the fans voted for him to be a part of the final 13 he did not have to go through the wild card round. He was among the most popular ten candidates who were chosen to be a finalist by the public.

His time on twitter

Ever since he was voted into the top 13, Paul McDonald has used his official American Idol Season 10 Twitter account (@PMcDonaldai10) to personally communicate with his fans. He also used the said social networking site to promote The Grand Magnolias. And because of his incessant tweets and the support of his fans, he was able to help their self titled debut album to the third spot on iTunes Rock Albums chart. It also landed on the 43rd spot on the iTunes list of all downloaded albums.

Paul McDonald also is the first contestant on this year’s season of American Idol to obtain 50,000 followers on Twitter, which he had just created when he entered the show. He was safe for three weeks in a row while in the top 13. However, he was in the bottom 3 when he performed Elton John’s “Rocket Man”.

Paul McDonald was eliminated on the 14th of April 2011 and placed 8th on AI season 10. He was also the first male finalist to be voted off after this season saw only girls doing home from the top 13.

Paul McDonald Dating Nikki Reed

After he was eliminated, both him and Nikki Reed officially confirmed that they were an item.

Paul McDonald Bio

If you want to see Paul McDonald live on Tour, get your American Idols Live tickets for the 2011 tour now!

Now that he has completed his run on American Idol season 10 it's appropriate to have a Paul McDonald bio complete with photos and videos of the now former American Idol contestant. If you are looking to know Paul McDonald better and view pics of him this is the time.

Paul McDonald is a singer, songwriter from Alabama who finished in 8th position in American Idol Season 10. Paul McDonald was born on August 29, 1984 in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama. Until he joined the cast of American Idol season 10 he was the lead singer for The Grand Magnolias, formerly known as Hightide Blues. The other band members are Jonathan Pears, Phillip Gayle and Scott Rollins. Paul now lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He released a total of three albums with his ex-band mates. Paul has a sister named Beth McDonald.

Paul McDonald suit with roses

Paul auditioned in Nashville Tennessee so did Lauren Alaina. Paul is often described as a blue-eyed scruffy crooner with a mouth full of perfect pearly white teeth which can be seen not only on screen but also in pictures of him. American Idol viewers will also remember Paul for the $4500 rhinestone suit he wore for the top 12 guys performance. As the competition went on, Paul was known for his signature dance, the "McDonald Two-Step" and the fact that he starts his performances by asking the crowd how they're doin'. He is one quirky fellow that is for sure.

Paul McDonald The Grand Magnolias concert

Paul attended Auburn University where he studied biomedical sciences he was planning to become a dentist but ended up going on the road with his band instead.
In a candid interview Paul have said that he's terrible actor and he can't take scary movies. In spite of the fact that he does not watch Twilight, Paul was spotted by actress Nikki Reed who approached him at a Red Riding Hood Hollywood premiere. At that time Paul had no idea who she was.

Watch the video of Paul McDonald's audition below, he is singing "Tutti Frutti" and "Maggie May" by Little Richard and Rod Stewart.

The first time Paul McDonald was in the bottom three was during the top 9 week when he sang "Rocket Man" from Elton John. The second time Paul was in the bottom three was on April 13, 2011 and that is the night he was sent home. Jennifer Lopez requested that he sang Maggie May as is goodbye song.

Paul was sent home at a point in the competition where Haley Reinhart, Stefano Langone and he were seen as the remaining underdogs. Of all the contestants left they are the ones who get the most negative feedback from the web. To make matters worse, Haley is often also the only person on the receiving end of negative criticism from the judges as well.

The week he was eliminated Paul sang Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock 'N' Roll". He was joined on the stage by a blonde female saxophone player named Mind Abair. On that night Paul wore a black suit covered with red roses.

Did you know that Paul’s full legal name is William Paul McDonald?

The Stefano Langone curse

What do Casey Abrams, Pia Toscano and Paul McDonald have in common? Besides being finalist on American Idol season 10? They were all in the bottom two with Stefano Langone and all three ended up technically eliminated though Casey was saved by the judges. Some people are calling this the Stefano curse…

Bloggers who are also Paul McDonald fans are blaming his elimination partly on the fact that he received bad advice on the song he should sing. The fact is, the other contestants who decided to go against the advice they received and sing a song of their choice were all safe and did not even end up in the bottom three. Paul should have known that this song was not the best choice for him. The other reason is the fact that he sang first in what is called the kiss of death spot. Singing first is never in your favor.

Matt Giraud, from American Idol season 8 is a fan of Paul McDonald.

Photo credits: Fox