Alan Ritchson may be one of the biggest action stars but his path to the top started with a massive rejection.
Most fans know him as the unstoppable force in Reacher yet his career almost took a completely different turn on the American Idol stage. Failing to become a pop star was actually the best thing that ever happened to him.
If he had won that singing contract he might have been stuck in the music industry for years. Instead he took that “no” and turned it into a legendary acting career that has now made him a household name.
Fun Fact:
Action Ready: Alan actually played Aquaman in the hit series Smallville years before the DCEU version.
Watch the moment that changed everything for this Hollywood powerhouse below!
Alan Ritchson’s Forgotten American Idol Audition!
Back in 2004 a young and lean Alan Ritchson walked into the audition room to serenade the judges. He sang a smooth version of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and he directed the entire performance at Paula Abdul.
The move worked like a charm and left Paula completely flustered by the 20 year old hopeful. Even though he had the looks and the talent the judges warned him to chill on the vocal runs.
He made it to the Hollywood rounds but was cut before the final stage of the competition. While it felt like a blow at the time it cleared the way for him to move into major acting roles.
He traded the microphone for a script and landed iconic parts in Smallville and Blue Mountain State. These roles proved he had the physical presence and the charisma to lead a massive production.
‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Auditioned For American Idol
Alan eventually moved from TV roles to becoming the definitive version of Jack Reacher for fans everywhere. His career switch benefited him because it allowed him to become a bankable movie star with staying power.
He found a level of success that very few reality singing contestants ever achieve in the long run. He is proof that your biggest failure is often the foundation for your greatest win.