Alejandro Aranda grew up in Pomona, California, and was homeschooled. In 2017, the 24-year-old worked as a dishwasher in Southern California, aspiring to be an artist. Aranda didn't start pursuing music until he was 20, when he taught himself how to sing. Belting out tunes in the street and playing his guitar eventually helped Alejandro get over his fear of stage fright.

Aranda, who went by the stage name "Scary Pool Party" before coming on American Idol, was selected as the Artist of the Year in 2017 by Five of Five Entertainment and California State University at Northridge, according to California Rocker.

Aranda started out his music career by placing his original music on Spotify, which went on to become hits, including Out Loud, 10 Years, and Fading Away. When he tried out for American Idol, Aranda's audition video went viral. Entitled "Alejandro Aranda AMAZING Full Audition Leaves Judges Speechless", the video has amassed over 10.5 million views. A front-runner throughout the entirety of Season 17 of American Idol, Aranda finished in second place. After the airing of the final episode, Aranda embarked on a nationwide tour.

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