Long before Alan Ritchson hit it big with Reacher on Amazon Prime Video, he made Paula Abdul sweat during an audition for American Idol . (Watch the video below.)
It was several years and slabs of muscle ago, but Ritchson showed decent singing chops in his tryout, which aired in 2004.
Thats not what grabs the attention, though, as the audition footage has recently resurfaced to the surprise of many fans who didnt realize he was on the talent show.
The sizzle is the over-the-top moments with Abdul. When fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson realize that Abdul is smitten, they leave the room so Ritchson can audition solo for the Forever Your Girl star.
Im a professional and it didnt sway my decision ... much, Abdul says.
Ritchson serenades Abdul up-close with a serviceable You Are the Sunshine of My LIfe. He kneels in front of her and they caress each other as he croons. They hug, and she doesnt let him go as Jackson and Cowell pry him away.
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You guys are just jealous! Ritchson yells.
Sure, its cheesy and it feels contrived.
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