Who Is Andrew Garcia?

MYFOX NATIONAL - With a huge social media following on Facebook and Twitter even before he performed on "American Idol," top 24 contender Andrew Garcia is already a fan favorite.

MTV.com reports the 24-year-old, who hails from Moreno Valley, Ca., was an early frontrunner when he chose the Maroon 5 song "Sunday Morning" for his audition which landed him a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Before Garcia auditioned for "Idol" he was part of a band called The Adrian William Project, TheHollywoodGossip.com reports.

According to Popeater.com , in a bold move the singer covered an acoustic version of former judge Paula Abdul's hit "Straight Up," on the first night of Hollywood Week, to the delight of judge Kara Dioguardi who said, "that was genius".

Winning "American Idol" would be a dream come true for the son of reformed gang members and a doting dad who hopes to give his own son, Caeland, a better life, according to the Seattle Times .

Meanwhile, a USA Today reports, the young father was the last to know that he got a spot in the top 24, with Ellen DeGeneres drawing out the verdict: "This is so hard, because there are only 24 people we have to put through."

He responded saying he was really enthusiastic about his week in Hollywood claiming he enjoys "messing" with songs.

"We like that, too," DeGeneres told him as she broke the good news that he'd be competing in the next round. Garcia was thrilled and told his parents watching back home, "Kiss my baby for me."

And if all bets are on, Realitytvworld.com reports that Garcia has been named the favorite to win the show's ninth season with 4-to-1 odds.

"American Idol" Season Nine Contestant Profiles:

Didi Benami | Lacey Brown | Crystal Bowersox | Michelle Delamor | Lee DeWyze | Katelyn Epperly | Andrew Garcia | Tyler Grady | Todrick Hall | Casey James | Aaron Kelly | Alex Lambert | Michael Lynche | Siobhan Magnus | Paige Miles | Jose Munoz | John Park | Ashley Rodriguez | Lilly Scott | Jermaine Sellers | Katie Stevens | Tim Urban | Haeley Vaughn | Janell Wheeler