A multitalented trailblazer and indelible LGBTQ+ icon, Jim Verraros continues to break new ground.

Jim first became a household name as a fan favorite on the inaugural season of American Idol, where he memorably performed his audition song, Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall in Love,” in American Sign Language as a tribute to his Deaf parents. Jim’s easygoing charisma and mammoth vocal talents won the hearts of millions of viewers, ultimately earning him a spot in the Top 10. But Jim’s biggest impact was still to come: Shortly after the show wrapped, Jim came out as a gay man during the show’s 2002 live tour, marking a major milestone in LGBTQ+ history and pop culture. The disclosure made him the first former American Idol to publicly acknowledge their sexuality, as well as one of the few out LGBTQ+ public figures in the music industry at all. For his immense courage, Jim was awarded a spot on Out magazine’s influential “Out 100” list the same year, alongside queer superstars like Ian McKellen and Margaret Cho. (He would later grace the cover of Out Twice, along with being named to its “Most Intriguing People” list, in 2002 and 2006.)

Using American Idol as his launching pad, Jim has steadily built a diverse and accomplished résume both in the music industry and film. Following the successful release of an independent demo in 2004, Jim debuted his first studio album a year later: Rollercoaster, which blended pop rock with his emerging interest in techno, dance, and house music. Critics ranging from The Advocate and Out to TV Guide hailed the acclaimed LP “assured," “subversive,” and "unrelentingly catchy,” comparing it to the work of George Michael, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake’s early records with The Neptunes. The album’s critical success spawned several chart hits, including “You Turn It On,” a top-40 dance club smash. During that same era of his career, Jim made his film debut in Eating Out, the first in a watershed series noteworthy for its bold, unapologetic depiction of queer sexuality. (He also returned for a 2006 landmark follow-up, widely believed to be the first sequel to a queer-themed film in history.) Jim’s performance in Eating Out was lauded, with The New York Times remarking that he exuded a “scrappy energy that sets him apart.” He would take an extended hiatus from music following the long-delayed release of his 2011 sophomore record, Do Not Disturb.

Despite the challenges and obstacles Jim had faced as a queer artist unafraid to live his truth, the break rejuvenated his creative spirits. In 2023, he returned to music with a bang, releasing the club-focused singles “Take My Bow” and “Pyramid.” Marking his most assured, confident material yet, both songs proved major successes on the U.K. dance charts, peaking at no. 5 and no. 6, respectively. Critics took notice of Jim’s increased self-possession, with the publications Instinct and Yahoo! praising “Take My Bow” as “a certified bop” and “a sexy new gay anthem.” The LGBTQ+ news site Queerty was particularly complimentary of “Pyramid,” calling it “sultry” and “infectious” while remarking that Jim has “still got all it takes to be a superstar.” The outlet predicted that the single would be a “staple on your Pride playlists this summer.” His continuing impact on the entertainment industry has won him numerous accolades over the years, including recognition in Windy City Times’ “30 Under 30” list, and a sustained queer cult following. The Chicago Sun-Times has repeatedly praised Jim as a “gay icon,” while the Washington Examiner proclaimed him a “gay sex symbol.”

The best, though, remains to come. August 2025 will see the exciting debut of four new songs as part of Jim’s much-anticipated EP “Explicit,” his first major release in nearly 15 years. The hypnotic earworms “Move/On,” “Good Boy,” “Blow,” and “Scandal” will be accompanied by high-energy remixes of “Take My Bow” and “Pyramid,” a perfect complement to the sweaty dog days of summer. And with renewed interest in Jim’s oeuvre following the release of a bombshell 2024 Rolling Stone exposé on abuses behind the scenes of Idol, Jim is ready to reclaim his time in the spotlight. The future is looking brighter than ever.