One of American Idol's Season 11 contestants currently living and serving his faith in Polk County is stepping back into the music world with a new album and a new focus: Christian music.

  • Jeremy "Jer-Bear" Rosado finished 12th in "Idol" competition
  • Rosado struggled to find his place in mainstream music
  • Rosado crowdfunding to help release second album, entitled "Rewind"

Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, a judge during Idol's 11th season, referred to Jeremy Rosado, 25, as “Jer-Bear” on the show. He has a picture of "J-Lo" mentoring him on the show on a shelf in his office.
 
“And this is probably one of my most proud possessions," Rosado said, holding the framed photo. "Jennifer Lopez, the love of my life, who saved me on Idol."
 
Rosado went on that season to finish in 12th place. Currently, he’s working as a worship leader at Free Life Chapel and promoting his new Christian album, "Rewind," which he described as “pop music with a great message.”
 
“Where I’m at right now is probably the best season of my life," Rosado said. "And being able to be full time here at Free Life and also being able to travel -- you know I do Christian music, so I minister -- and for me, just being able to juggle both worlds and make them intertwine is awesome."
 
The early preview of “Rewind” was released on June 23. That day, he held a release party at Free Life, and the album rose to number 9 on the Christian album list on iTunes.
 
“It’s definitely the biggest debut I’ve had,” said Rosado.
 
The album's title track talks about mistakes in the past. Rosado told us one of them related to American Idol.
 
“Honestly one of things I wish I could rewind time is go back to American Idol and learn how to dress," said Rosado. "And ... maybe just had a little more stage presence."
 
Rosado was only 18 when he started filming on the show. He said he’s more mature now, and has grown as an artist.
 
The elimination was a trying time for him, however. He said he went on and performed for more than 400 shows over four years, but struggled to find his place in the music industry.
 
“I had a moment where I wasn’t a hundred percent sure which direction I wanted to pursue mainstream," Rosado recalled. "And because all of these offers came through as mainstream stuff, that’s what you take and the money is there. But I wasn’t fulfilled and there was something missing.”
 
He said that’s what ultimately led him to pursue Christian music, where he heart was. It made perfect sense, considering he had been leading worship since he was a teen.
 
Rosado is crowdfunding to finish raising the money to release the entire “Rewind” album in November. The preview album currently available on iTunes includes five songs.