Viewers don't see everything that goes down on "American Idol." The singing competition show is now returning for its 23rd season ... could not walk more than 10 feet without getting stopped ...

Meet the "Idol" finalists who lost, but went on to win Academy Awards, earn millions of record sales, and tour with legendary rock bands.

Despite looking older than he is, 21-year-old Kam'Ron Smith is a sprinkler installer and farmer from Rocky Mount, Virginia.