Jim Verraros grew up in Crystal Lake and went to Columbia College after transferring from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. One day, he decided to try out on a fledgling show called American Idol. After this, his life changed. Jim won hearts all across America during the inaugural season of American Idol and as a featured performer on the 2002 American Idols Live Tour, where he performed along singers such as Kelly Clarkson.

However, his popularity in the LGBT community really soared after he came out in The Advocate in January 2003. Jim's young fans, both gay and straight, not only embraced the disclosure, but celebrated it.

Jim has experienced success in the music and film arenas. Songs from Jim's self-released CD, Unsaid & Understood, rocketed to the top of mp3.com's Top 40 Rock Chart and Top 25 Pop Chart. The CD went on to win the 2004 Out Music Award for Outstanding Debut ( Male ) . ( He also has released a second CD, Rollercoaster. ) He is featured in the hit independent film Eating Out, which is out on DVD.

All the while, Jim has proudly attended and performed at various LGBT events and local happenings such as the 2005 World of Chocolate, where he served as a judge.

DID YOU KNOW? Jim's film, Eating Out, was so successful that he's currently filming Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds.