Long before Alan Ritchson debuted as the vagrant protagonist in Amazon Prime Video's Reacher, he tried his luck at singing on American Idol Season 3. The beloved singing reality series, which has rewarded us with talents like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, was once graced by Ritchson's presence.The actor tried his luck in the third season of American Idol and managed to impress judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson in the audition round. However, Ritchson's musical journey was short-lived and he was eliminated in the Hollywood round. While the Reacher star couldn't find success on American Idol, the show changed his career forever.In a recent interview with Collider, Ritchson recalls that experience with fondness:''I think I had to go through the musical gauntlet of uh Paula and Simon. I think that was the thing that brought me to LA for the first time. I was searching for what to do with my life and a lot of friends told me to audition for that show. When I was flown out to LA, I kind of loved the energy of the people.''More on Reacher star Alan Ritchson's journey in our story.How American Idol kick-started Reacher star Alan Ritchson's careerSoon after Alan Ritchson's breakthrough role in Amazon Prime Video's hit series, his American Idol audition started making rounds on the Internet. The actor's new fanbase was surprised to discover that their favorite protagonist from Reacher once tried his luck in singing on the popular singing reality show.While Ritchson's time on American Idol was short, it brought him to LA and one year later, he landed the role of Aquaman in Smallville. In his recent interview with Collider, he calls his short-lived stint with American Idol a 'stepping stone' that launched his career in the industry.Reflecting on his time with the reality TV show, the Reacher star said:''It's the reason I moved out after my time on the show. I was like, I think I'm going to go try things out there, just be around artists that are hungry and see what that's like. Um but yeah, that is what brought me to LA.''In a now viral audition clip from American Idol, Ritchson charmed judge Paula Abdul with his good looks. Abdul's co-judges, Cowell and Jackson, even stepped back for her to enjoy a private performance by Ritchson, who sang Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" with impressive dance moves for Abdul. While the Reacher star's good looks worked in the audition round, he couldn't impress the judges in the Hollywood round, where he had to compete against other artists.Ritchson's take on George Benson's 'On Broadway' didn't gain him entry into American Idol, but his career got a head start.Alan Ritchson's journey: From American Idol to Reacher View this post on Instagram Instagram PostAlan Ritchson's failed stint on American Idol proves that failing moments teach the best life lessons. Despite his botched singing career, the actor was impressed with LA's creative energy and decided to stay back to try his luck in acting.A year after his American Idol audition, Ritchson landed the role of Arthur Curry a.k.a. Aquaman in The CW's series Smallville. He also had brief roles in shows like Starz's Head Case and CSI: Miami, before starring in the lead role of Thad Castle in Spike TV's Blue Mountain State. Recently, the actor has played the lead character in the Syfy series Blood Drive and the recurring role of Hank Hall / Hawk in Titans.After a career spanning two decades, Ritchson finally got his big break as Jack Reacher in Prime Video's critically acclaimed thriller series, an adaptation of Lee Child's series of books. The actor will soon return as this titular character in Reacher Season 4, which will adapt Child's Gone Tomorrow (2009).For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.