![Casey James – Then and Now](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2012/04/CASEY-JAMES.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Casey James – Then and Now
Season 9 contestant Casey James came closer to winning 'American Idol' than many people realize. The Texan finished third behind Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, but one could argue that with the release of his debut album, his future is the brightest of the three. James jokes that if fans didn't already know him as a long haired blond, he'd cut his curly locks and grow a thick beard, but that doesn't seem likely anytime soon. In the two years since the show ended he has kept a similar look, but is now a little less tan. He also seems to have groomed his chest hair some and taken a razor to his face.
More From Taste of Country
![7 ‘American Idol’ Favorites Who Seemingly Vanished!](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/04/attachment-idol-stars.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Texas Hill Aren’t Just Three Guys From TV](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2020/09/texas-hill.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Casey James, Craig Wayne Boyd, Adam Wakefield Create New Country Group Texas Hill](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2020/06/texas-hill-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Where Are the ‘American Idol’ Country Finalists Now?](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2016/02/Carrie-Underwood-Scotty-McCreery-Idols.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Casey James Welcomes a Son](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2017/06/casey-james-baby-no-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Baby No. 2 on the Way for Casey James](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2017/06/casey-james-baby-no-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![6 Unforgettable ‘American Idol’ Auditions](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2016/01/Unforgettable-Idol-FP.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Casey James Welcomes Baby Girl, Shares Adorable Photo](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2016/02/casey-james-new-daughter-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Casey James Splits From Sony Nashville](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2015/07/Casey-James.jpg?w=980&q=75)