[3][4] He began writing songs, singing, and taking voice lessons at age 9, and was soon performing at recreation centers[5] and shopping malls.

[3] He performed at various venues in Colorado and other western states, including singing the National Anthem at The Pepsi Center in Denver.

After Young graduated from high school he wrote a song called "Reason I Live" that was featured on the soundtrack of the 2000 film The Little Vampire.

[7] After over four years in Los Angeles without a record deal, Young auditioned for American Idol in Denver, Colorado.

Young made it through Hollywood week and sang George Michael's song, "Father Figure" for his live Top 24 performance.

American Idol's editing of Young's pre-performance package made it appear as if he had offended Brian May and the rest of the band by suggesting a change in the arrangement of "We Will Rock You."

May came to Young's defense a few days later when he wrote a blog clarifying he and the band felt their mentoring session was a productive exchange of ideas for the arrangement of the song.

[10] He spent the summer of 2006 on the annual American Idol Top 10 tour, after which he released his first single, "Scattered," (co-written with Elvio Fernandes) as a digital download on iTunes.

Young performed at the 2006 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade along with fellow idol finalists Paris Bennett, Kevin Covais, and Mandisa.

He worked with Bon Jovi producer Desmond Child on his self-titled and self-funded debut album, releasing it independently in July 2008.

[16] On May 12, 2008 he appeared on the Fox series Bones alongside season-six American Idol contestant Brandon Rogers.

[21][22] In November 2011, he appeared on the twelfth episode of the second season of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

They got engaged on the May 23, 2012, American Idol season finale when Young surprised DeGarmo with an on-air marriage proposal.