CJ Mickens

Portland Oregon

Las Vegas, Nevada native CJ Mickens attended Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts. It was there he discovered his true passion for creating good music. Growing up in a family grounded in the church, he began to sing and perform on a weekly basis. At an early age he's had the opportunities to sing in various parts of the country and overseas. His solo pursuit began at age 15 after moving to the Pacific Northwest. He then got involved with the NAACP ACTSO Music Program winning Gold Medal 3 years in a row advancing to New York, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Even landing in Nashville to work in the Christian music scene for a stint. Family ties brought him back to the Pacific Northwest and the great live music scene in Portland Oregon. In 2002, CJ Mickens had the opportunity to appear on Season 2 of American Idol, followed by 'Showtime at the Apollo' in 2004. Since then CJ Mickens has taken the opportunity of redirecting his gift in singing to reaching out and inspiring others. His main goal is to show the love that God has given him whether Gay/Straight/or Bi God doesn’t make mistakes. In 2012 he was announced the winner of Portland Idol, starred in his own show Sunday Night Soul and won a national award with his acappella group Rezonate at the Pacific Northwest Harmony Sweepstakes. He currently performs with his own band as well as a popular featured vocalist with top groups in the Northwest, such as 5 Guys Named Moe and Blue Wave Band.