DeShawn Goncalves
Season 19 · Eliminated (8th–10th)
Where are they now
As of September 2021, DeShawn Goncalves was studying music at Jackson State University, playing sousaphone in the Sonic Boom of the South, and recording a debut album.
Career
- 2019
He graduated from East High School in Columbus in 2019 and took part in the Fort Hayes Paragon Project, where students write and record songs.
- 2021
American Idol, season 19
Eliminated (8th–10th)
- 2021
As of September 1, 2021, he was studying music technology and performance at Jackson State University on a full academic scholarship, playing sousaphone in the Sonic Boom of the South, and recording a debut album.
More milestones
- Date not documented
He began singing in a church choir at age 4, then played trumpet in sixth grade, piano in seventh grade, and drumline in eighth grade.
- Date not documented
He returned for the season finale and sang Sweet Thing with Chaka Khan.
Sources
- JSU Student Overcomes Personal Obstacles to Showcase Talent on American Idol — Mississippi Free Press, September 1, 2021.
- List of American Idol finalists — Wikipedia, June 10, 2026.
- American Idol season 19 — Wikipedia, July 21, 2026.
- Music Journeys: Deshawn Goncalves Shines on American Idol — WCBE, April 16, 2021.