This is the seventh in a series of mini-profiles of "American Idol" Top 36 contestants.

Kai Kalama

Age: 26 | Hometown: San Clemente, Calif. | Job: Musician, care-giver

His first audition appearance was accompanied by a piece about how he takes care of his sick mother in the daytime and performs at night. He made it through to the Top 36 despite weak vocals toward the end of the Hollywood round. He's of Hawaiian heritage. Judge Simon Cowell said he has the personality of a cruise-ship singer.

Official introduction video | Youtube clips | Fan site

Brent Keith

Age: 29 | Hometown: Blanchester, Ohio | Job: Traveling musician

Brent is another of the borderline "ringer" contestants. He finished sixth on "Nashville Star," the country version of "American Idol." He has a song called "Looking For The Road" on the "Dale" soundtrack (a movie about racer-car driver Dale Earnhardt Sr). He reportedly had a record deal with the Nashville label Combustion Music, but nothing apparently came of it. He will bring in votes from the country crowd.

Official introduction video | Youtube clips

Adam Lambert

Age: 26 | Hometown: Los Angeles | Job: Singer, performer

Big-time buzz on this guy. Adam tends to be heavy into musical theater -- he's recently appeared in "Wicked" -- and it will be interesting to see how this affects his "Idol" performances. He's made it clear he's not afraid to take on some challenging songs, including Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody" and Cher's "Believe." He's originally from San Diego.

Official introduction video | Youtube clips | Fan site

(Photo credits: all FOX)