Rejected four times for American Idol in season 11, it would have been easy for Jeremy Rosado to quit. But the 19-year-old kept his focus on what he believed God had planned for his life. He auditioned a fifth time, was selected as a wild card by Jennifer Lopez, and finished in the final 13.

Post-Idol, Jeremy has chosen to use his platform to help others better understand that God is in control of their lives. He also uses his music to minister to those in physical need through his association with Project HOPE. Partial proceeds from Jeremy’s new single benefit Project HOPE.

At what point in your life did you realize music was to be your calling?

I was really young when I realized singing was ‘it’ for me, and growing up in ministry it gave me an outlet for music. Leading worship really showed me what God had called me to do. I am a singer-worshiper, and this gives me the opportunity to use my gift to bring people to Jesus.

Detours, while unplanned, are often God working in our lives. Your road to American Idol was filled with four big stop signs. Was there also a “divine detour” or two along the way?

I had four huge stop signs that definitely tested my faith. Those stop signs were four passes by the American Idol judges and I was almost ready to give up on my dream, but something inside didn’t let me. Someone asked me, ‘If it doesn’t happen will you still love God?’ Of course my answer was yes! That was a divine detour and a test to see if I would still trust God, because on the fifth Idol tryout I was chosen as a contestant.

Let’s talk about Hope For Tomorrow, the first single from your upcoming CD, No Ordinary Moments (AIC Records). Please tell us about the song and the CD.

The first single from the new album is called Hope For Tomorrow and is already being played on Christian radio. It is a song that speaks life into people with the promise of hope, through our faith, even during our darkest hours.

I am so excited for No Ordinary Moments to be released this spring. Aaron Rice was producer on the project, and he has delivered a wonderful sound that I hope, combined with the Christian lyrics, will bless, inspire, encourage, and change lives. It’s an upbeat album and it contains the message I want to share with the world.

Downloads of Hope For Tomorrow are helping minister to people in the Philippines. Please tell us about that.

A portion of the proceeds will be sent to Project HOPE and will be used for relief efforts in the Philippines, as the area is still struggling after the devastating typhoon last fall. Project HOPE is a wonderful organization I have teamed up with because of the successful work they have already done in the area. I have had so much support from fans in the Philippines, beginning with my American Idol appearances, and I wanted to give back in some way to help with the continued recovery efforts over there. Since my calling is music, that’s the best way I could do it.

You have made it a mission in life to encourage others. How do you stay encouraged?

It really is the small things that can make me happy. For example, I love seeing a smile on someone’s face. It makes me joyful and it’s why I love what I do. I get the opportunity to meet so many wonderful fans around the country, so while God is using me to encourage others, they encourage me at the same time. That’s what keeps me going!

A few fun questions…

What is your favorite comfort food and why?

I really love orange sorbet but I am not too sure why.

What was the last GREAT book you read?

The book Jesus Calling. It’s a daily devotional that keeps me inspired.

In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?

I’m definitely the child in an adult’s body. I am a kid at heart and cartoons are my thing.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

I have a dog named Maximillian Buddy Rosado. It’s a huge name for a seven-pound Maltese!

Thank you, Jeremy! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

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For information about Project HOPE and/or to donate, visit the organization’s website. To learn more about Jeremy, visit his website.

To purchase Hope For Tomorrow with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Project HOPE, logon to: