He met Brian McKnight who gave him the opportunity to open for McKnight and New Edition. He auditioned for American Idol in Denver and was eliminated #7. In 2006 he was named one of the “Hottest Bachelors” by People Magazine. He toured with the American Idol Top 10 tour and put together a band. He wrote the chorus for “It’s Not Over” by Daughtry, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. He has been named a Celebrity Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. His 2008 album Ace Young produced the single “Addicted”. Young is married to another American Idol contestant Diana DeGarmo.