R. J. Helton

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R.J. Helton
Birth nameRolando Alberto de Jesus Rivas, Jr.
Also known asRichard Jason Helton
Born (1981-05-17) May 17, 1981 (age 40)
Pasadena, Texas
OriginCumming, Georgia
GenresChristian pop
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Instrumentsvocals, singer-songwriter
Years active2002–present
LabelsGospoCentric

Richard Jason "R.J." Helton (born May 17, 1981; as Rolando Alberto de Jesus Rivas, Jr.) is an American music artist, who sings Christian pop music. He has released a studio album, Real Life, with GospoCentric Records. This album was his breakthrough release upon the Billboard magazine charts.

Early life and background[edit]

Helton was born in Pasadena, Texas, on May 17, 1981, as Rolando Alberto de Jesus Rivas, Jr., to a Nicaraguan father.[1][2][3] Shortly after his birth, he was adopted and renamed Richard Jason Helton.[1] At the time of Helton's American Idol appearance, his adoptive parents, Glen and Sue Helton, worked respectively as a vice president of Popeyes Chicken and as an administrative assistant for an architecture firm.[4][5][6] From the age of three, Helton impressed his parents with vocal imitations of various music artists.[1][6] He sang in church growing up and started performing in talent shows at age five.[1][6][7] Soon after, he was enrolled in a performing arts school. By high school, he was involved in community theater.[7] Before going on American Idol, he was a youth worship leader at his church.[6]

When Helton first started performing music publicly as a child, he still lived in Pasadena,[7] but his father's job caused the family to move frequently.[6] Helton lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina when he was in middle school.[8] He transferred schools about a dozen times until he was midway through ninth grade, at which time his family established long-term residency in the Atlanta area.[6] He graduated from Central Gwinnett High School in 1999.[9]

At age sixteen, Helton began performing in schools across the East Coast and the Ohio Valley, as part of a music tour that was sponsored by Reader's Digest. Helton performed over 150 shows on the tour, over the course of two years. Paula Abdul and the Backstreet Boys had both performed in earlier versions of the tour at the start of their respective careers.[6][7]

After high school, Helton moved to Nashville, where he joined a Christian boyband called Soul Focus.[6][7][9] While in Nashville, he also worked as a waiter.[7] According to the bio on Helton's (now-defunct) official website, Soul Focus "was invited to tour with a major Christian artist."[6] A 2004 profile on Helton published by CCM Magazine wrote that, around the time that Helton was in Soul Focus, "he went on the road for another artist, selling merchandise".[7] By the end of 2001, Soul Focus had disbanded without a record deal. Helton then moved back to Atlanta, where, according to CCM Magazine, he worked as "a personal trainer and a gymnastics instructor for children." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that, before he went on American Idol, Helton "taught dance" at the YMCA in Alpharetta.[9]

Helton later recounted his experiences in Nashville, saying, "I was kind of discouraged when I got back, but I've never been the type to just give up when I've got my sights set on something. I had learned a lot from the whole Soul Focus experience that really prepared me for things that were to come."[6] Less than a week after resettling in Atlanta, Helton learned through a television commercial about the auditions for American Idol's first season.[6][7]

In addition to Christian music, Helton was inspired by a variety of genres, including R&B, pop, and contemporary country.[6] Around the time of his American Idol audition, Plus One, Jars of Clay, and India Arie were among his favorite artists.[1][10] He has also cited Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Bryan White, Vince Gill, and Natalie Grant as some of his primary musical influences.[6]

American Idol[edit]

Helton auditioned for season one of American Idol in Atlanta. He was the first person to audition in the city.[11] His performance during the Top 30 semi-finals polarized the judges, causing Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson to break into a lengthy argument.[12][13][14] Although the conflict was real, it was partially redubbed and also edited together with staged takes before going to air, so as to make it less heated. In his 2011 book, American Idol: The Untold Story, Richard Rushfield noted that even as the fight was sanitized for broadcast, American Idol "reveled" in it and "was all but turned over to repeating the clips".[15] Rushfield identified this as a defining moment in the early history of reality television, writing, "All of a sudden, here was this renegade show, American Idol, that was celebrating its backstory, playing up its frictions, and openly acknowledging its missteps. Every tabloid brouhaha would be played up on the Idol stage rather than being shoved under the carpet. It was completely unprecedented in American programming."[15]

Although not voted through to the Top 10 during the Top 30 semi-finals, Helton was chosen by the judges as the season's only Wild Card finalist.[16][17][18] While participating in a photo shoot during the first week of the finals, he fell off a stage and was briefly hospitalized.[19] Helton's performances throughout the Top 10 finals continued to divide the judges,[19][20][21] and he was voted out of the competition in fifth place.[21][22][23][24] A week after he left the competition, Q100 radio hosted a homecoming party for Helton at the Mall of Georgia.[4][25]

The 2005 book Uncloudy days : the gospel music encyclopedia by Bil Carpenter summarized Helton's time on American Idol by writing, "Though he has a pleasant, smooth vocal, he was criticized by the judges for having a somewhat stiff and wooden stage presence."[1] Carpenter called Helton "A well-mannered, humble Christian" and felt that these attributes were not always appreciated by the media.[1]

During the competition, Rodney Ho of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote that Helton "exudes an enduring innocence".[9] He further called Helton a "sweet teenybopper favorite" who had "shown surprising strength in the competition" and praised Helton's performance of the Stevie Wonder song "Superstition".[26] However Ho also considered Helton less attention-grabbing than some of the other finalists from American Idol's first season.[9] While Kevin D. Thompson of The Palm Beach Post expressed admiration for Helton's ability to rise above Simon Cowell's criticism, he concurred with Ho a few weeks into the finals that Helton was likely to be overshadowed by some of the other competitors.[27] By the Top 6 round, Zap2It called Helton one of the "longshots" to win the competition.[28] Richard L. Eldredge of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution considered Helton's elimination from the series a "surprise", noting that Helton's performance during Top 5 week had been well-received.[21] Ho disagreed, expressing the view that Helton was an underdog who had "lasted longer than many expected".[24]

During his time on American Idol, Sharon Waxman of The Ottawa Citizen called Helton a "heartthrob",[29] while Carla Hay of Billboard described him as a "singer with teen Idol looks".[30] An article published by Northwest Florida Daily News at the time likened Helton to The Backstreet Boys.[31] Further boyband comparisons came from Dana Gee of The Province, who wrote that Helton had that "cross between Joey Fatone and Lance Bass thing going on",[32] Julie Hinds of the Detroit Free Press, who wrote that Helton possessed "the peppy personality of a boy-band star",[33] and Jessica Shaw of Entertainment Weekly, who upon Helton's elimination from the competition wrote, "I'm sure there are a few prayer-loving teens who are weeping their eyes out, but the rest of us know what Simon knew all along: This guy was barely good enough to be a boy-band understudy."[34] Tom Conroy of US Weekly compared Helton instead to Jon Secada, writing that the two singers shared "the same endearing humility, brimming passion and sturdy-but-not-flashy vocal style."[35]

Performances[edit]

Week Theme Song Original artist Result
Semi-Final Group 3 Free Choice "I'll Be There" The Jackson 5 Wild Card
Wild Card Free Choice "Lately" Stevie Wonder Advanced
Top 10 Motown "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" Four Tops Safe
Top 8 1960s "Under the Boardwalk" The Drifters Safe
Top 7 1970s "Superstition" Stevie Wonder Safe
Top 6 Big Band "I Won't Dance" Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Bottom 2
Top 5 Burt Bacharach Love Songs "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" Christopher Cross Eliminated

Music career[edit]

Helton returned to American Idol shortly after his fifth place finish on the series to perform a group medley during the season one finale.[36][37] Through October and November 2002, he joined his fellow finalists from that season of the series as a performer on the American Idols Live! Tour.[38][39][40][41][42] During the tour, he reprised his performance of the Stevie Wonder song "Lately",[43] which he had performed on American Idol during the Wild Card round.[9][17] Helton also recorded "Lately" for the compilation album, American Idol: Greatest Moments,[44][45] which charted at #4 on the Billboard 200.[46][47] Shortly before the 2002 American Idol tour, The St. Petersburg Times reported that Helton was "talking to record labels" and pursuing a career in Christian music.[48]

On November 28, 2002, Helton performed during the lighting of Macy's Great Tree at the Rich's department store in Atlanta's Lenox Square. Also performing at the event were Charlotte Church, Usher, Jaci Velasquez, Francine Reed, the Georgia Mass Choir, and B5.[49][50] By the end of 2002, Helton had established a deal to appear alongside other American Idol finalists in commercials for Old Navy.[51][52][53]

During his time on American Idol, Helton said that he would likely title a debut album I'm Real.[10] He expressed satisfaction with his fifth place finish on the series, saying that he was glad to avoid the restrictive contract offered to the winner.[7] Helton turned down record deals offered by secular labels, instead choosing to sign with B-Rite Music, the pop music imprint of Christian music label GospoCentric Records. His decision was largely driven by a desire to be on the same label as Kirk Franklin.[6][7] Helton described Franklin as an inspiration, calling Franklin someone "who broke down so many walls [between the mainstream and Christian markets]".[7]

Helton released his album, Real Life, on March 23, 2004.[54][55][56][57] It had initially been scheduled for release on March 9 of that year.[58] The album charted on Billboard, peaking at #14 on the Christian Albums chart[1] and at #19 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.[citation needed]

In 2009, Helton performed in "Idolized", a Las Vegas-based group concert, featuring, in addition to Helton, American Idol finalists Nikki McKibbin, Mikalah Gordon, and Jasmine Trias.[59]

Personal life[edit]

He said on a radio show that he was gay, in 2006.[60][61]

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions[62]
US
Chr 		US
Heat
Real Life
  • Released: March 23, 2004
  • Label: GospoCentric
  • CD, digital download
 14 19

Compilation appearances[edit]

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
American Idol: Greatest Moments
  • Released October 1, 2002
  • Label: RCA

Credited on the following tracks:

4

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Carpenter, Bil (2005). "R.J. Helton". Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 188. ISBN 9780879308414. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  2. ^ Joey Guerra (April 5, 2016). "Houston singers who competed on 'American Idol'". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  3. ^ "CBS 6 to 5". American Idol Rewind. Season 1. Episode 17. March 24, 2007. Fox.
  4. ^ a b Richard L. Eldredge (August 21, 2002). "'Lunchtime' Previews 'Noise/Funk'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  5. ^ Sharon Waxman (July 28, 2002). "Song and Dance and Derision". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "RJ Helton Bio". RJHelton.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2004.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Mineo, Robert (March 1, 2004). "American Dreams". CCM Magazine. 26 (9): 42–3. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  8. ^ Tim Clodfelter (December 3, 2002). "Woman a Semifinalist for Show Tobaccoville Resident Aims for Spot on American Idol". Winston-Salem Journal.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Rodney Ho (July 16, 2002). "Trio of Locals Going for Big Break as 'Idol' Finalists". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  10. ^ a b ""American Idol: Season 1 Contestants – R. J. Helton"". americanidol.com. Archived from the original on July 20, 2006.
  11. ^ Rodney Ho (October 28, 2002). "Atlanta's 'Idol 2' Auditions Draw Mile-Long Line".
  12. ^ Allan Johnson (July 5, 2002). "'Oh, don't give me that America rubbish, Paula'". Chicago Tribune.
  13. ^ Richard L. Eldredge (July 12, 2002). "Her 'Home Cooking' travels well". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  14. ^ James Endrst (July 16, 2002). "One of these 10 will win the 'American Idol' prize". USA Today.
  15. ^ a b Rushfield, Richard (January 18, 2011). American Idol: The Untold Story. New York City: Hachette Books. ISBN 9781401396527.
  16. ^ "Miller ending series". The St. Petersburg Times. July 11, 2002.
  17. ^ a b Richard L. Eldredge (July 12, 2002). "Her 'Home Cooking' Travels Well". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  18. ^ Rodney Ho (August 23, 2002). "For Tamyra, Tomorrow's Another Day". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  19. ^ a b "Montreux to Live On at Chastain". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. July 18, 2002.
  20. ^ Rodney Ho (August 13, 2002). "'Idol' Watch". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  21. ^ a b c Richard L. Eldredge (August 15, 2002). "Cinderella and Her Prince Get Hitched". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  22. ^ Naomi Kim (August 15, 2002). "Doylestown contestant still in the running; Justin Guarini is one of five finalists on Fox's "American Idol.'". The Morning Call.
  23. ^ "Cumming's Ditched 'Idol' Lived a Dream". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. August 17, 2002.
  24. ^ a b Rodney Ho (August 20, 2002). "'Idol' Watch: Guarini, Gray Hold Own, Head Into Final Four". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  25. ^ Richard L. Eldredge (August 22, 2002). "Houston Sings for Her Supper in Buckhead". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  26. ^ Rodney Ho (August 6, 2002). "'Idol Watch': Local Trio Survives with Two Hits, One Near-Miss". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  27. ^ Kevin D. Thompson (July 30, 2002). "Singing Songs & Slinging Insults". The Palm Beach Post.
  28. ^ "Television News Brief". Zap2It. August 12, 2002.
  29. ^ Sharon Waxman (July 30, 2002). "American Idol hits jackpot for Fox: Chance of public humiliation doesn't stop would-be stars". The Ottawa Citizen.
  30. ^ Carla Hays (August 3, 2002). "'American Idol' weds reality TV and music". Billboard.
  31. ^ "'American Idol' odd mix of fun, agony". Northwest Florida Daily News. August 2, 2002.
  32. ^ Dana Gee (August 13, 2002). "Here's why R.J. is still on American Idol". The Province.
  33. ^ Julie Hinds (August 6, 2002). "IDOL CHATTER: THE ODDS ON THE FINAL 6". Detroit Free Press.
  34. ^ Jessica Shaw. "No big surprise: R.J. gets voted off American Idol". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  35. ^ Tom Conroy (August 12, 2002). "Stars of tomorrow?". US Weekly.
  36. ^ Rodney Ho (September 3, 2002). "'Idol' Watch". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  37. ^ Jessica Shaw (July 4, 2003). "She is the champion! Kelly wins American Idol". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  38. ^ Walt Belcher (August 19, 2002). "Tour to Keep Series Contestants from Being Idle". The Tampa Tribune.
  39. ^ Gil Kaufman (August 30, 2002). "'American Idol' Finalists Plan Arena Tour, Compilation Album". MTV. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  40. ^ Mark Guarino (October 15, 2002). "Like it or not, 'Idol' stars aren't going away". Daily Herald.
  41. ^ Rodney Ho (October 22, 2002). "Pop Review: 'Idol' Ensemble Offers Passable Entertainment". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  42. ^ Chris Riemenschneider (November 11, 2002). "Concert of 'American Idols' Lets Fans Appraise the Talent". Star Tribune.
  43. ^ Kevin C. Johnson (November 2, 2002). "Corny "American Idols" Showcases Almost-Knowns". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
  44. ^ Gary Susman (September 1, 2002). "Here's what you'll hear on the American Idol CD". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  45. ^ "RCA Records to Release American Idol: Greatest Moments on October 1" (PDF) (Press release). RCA Records. September 19, 2002. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  46. ^ Richard Harrington (November 1, 2002). "Future Looks Bright for Gray". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  47. ^ "50 Cent Holds Off 'Idol' To Return To No. 1". Billboard. May 7, 2003. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  48. ^ Sharon Fink (September 13, 2002). "Side Show". The St. Petersburg Times.
  49. ^ Richard L. Eldredge (November 22, 2002). "Quick Turnaround for Carter Book". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  50. ^ "Holiday Events". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. November 28, 2002.
  51. ^ "Step Inside For a Warmer Ride ... Old Navy has a Holiday Surprise for New York". PR Newswire. December 3, 2002.
  52. ^ Catherine Donaldson-Evans (January 9, 2003). "Reality Show Contestants: Rising Stars or Flameouts?". Fox News. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  53. ^ "'Idol' finalist gets a recording deal". Deseret News. May 31, 2003. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  54. ^ Ely, Gordon (April 3, 2004). Paoletta, Michael (ed.). "Album Reviews: Gospel; R.J. Helton – Real Life" (Print). Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 14. p. 47. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  55. ^ Jenison, David (June 1, 2002). "R.J. Helton: Real Life" (PDF). CCM Magazine. 26 (10): 50. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  56. ^ Breimeier, Russ (March 23, 2004). "Real Life". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on September 7, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  57. ^ Hames, Daniel (September 1, 2004). "Review: Real Life – RJ Helton". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  58. ^ CP Staff (January 8, 2004). "American Idol's RJ Helton to Release Gospel Album". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  59. ^ Jackie Brett (May 3, 2009). "Brett's Laughlin View: Riverside Gets 'Idolized' with 'American Idol' Talent". Las Vegas Leisure Guide. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  60. ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (October 20, 2006). "Former Idol Finalist Helton Says He's Gay". People. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  61. ^ Staff (April 14, 2010). "Former R.J. Helton's Emotional "Coming-Out" Performance". The Advocate. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  62. ^ "Real Life – RJ Helton : Awards". Billboard. AllMusic. Retrieved February 9, 2016.

External links[edit]

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