WILL MAKAR

Eighteen-year-old Will Makar may still be a high school senior, but his experience as a performer is well beyond his years. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Will is currently wrapping up the recording his first album and has just released his debut single "I Won't Make It Out."

During his sophomore year in high school, he auditioned for American Idol’s fifth season in August of 2005 and quickly became one of America’s favorites. Once the season began airing, Will moved on through the auditions, making it through Hollywood week and to the top 24! 

Will appeared before more than 30 million viewers on American Idol three times a week until he was eliminated from the show on March 9, 2006. He finished as the eighth male vocalist out of tens of thousands who auditioned that season. Upon elimination, Simon Cowell said “You handled yourself like a gentleman. What ever you go into, you’re going to do well. I like you.” Will told Fox News "Music is what I love to do, I love everything about music. That's what I''m gonna do, I'm gonna pursue it."

Will Makar was a member of the Houston Children’s Chorus from 1996-2003. His HCC singing experiences took him around the world, and included performances at the 1997 Economic Summit, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and the American/Japanese Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. Will also had the opportunity to perform for three US Presidents (George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush), and to perform as a backup singer for Celine Dion during her 1999 "Let's Talk About Love" tour. He has studied voice with Tom McKinney (Beyonce) and was named to the 2006 Texas All State Choir.

Since returning from Idol, Will has made literally hundreds of personal and concert appearances. In the past year he has performed the National Anthem for the Houston Astros, Dynamos, and Texans, The Greenbay Packers at Lambeau Field, and at the Westside Men’s Clay Court Finals. He was guest soloist with the Houston Symphony’s Star Spangled Salute on July 4th, 2006, appeared on The Super Idol Tour in October, 2006.

Will is currently in the process of completing his first CD in New York with Double Deal Brand Records. Will has co-written many of the tracks for his album, with other songs being written by Gordon Kennedy (Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks), Wayne Kirkpatrick (Babyface, Bonnie Raitt), Billy Mann (Teddy Geiger, Pink) and Benny Mardones. The album is being produced by Jim McGregor (Ayla Brown) and Peter Moshay (Hall & Oates, Mariah Carey.)

His debut album is due in stores in early 2008 on Double Deal Brand Records. The label features American Idol Season 5 finalist Ayla Brown, Kansas City Celtic-rock legends The Elders, and Nashville's Brother Henry, featuring producer David Henry. The releases are available at all national retail stores and at all digital stores online.

Will's debut single "I Won't Make It Out" was co-written by Will and New York singer/ songwriter Scott Harris, leader of The Scott Harris Project. It is currently available at itunes and all other digital stores online.