The inspiring and talented singer songwriter with the soulful voice, Wade Cota, is best known for making it to the Top 5 in season 17 of ABC’s hit reality TV show, American Idol. He successfully crowd-funded his independent debut album, Big Feet Baby Steps, in 2020, and was voted No.1 vocalist in Arizona shortly after its release. His second album is due for release in 2021.

Cota had a difficult, abusive upbringing, but found solace and escape through his love of music. He was 12-years-old when he got his first guitar, a skip find, that he cleaned-up, learned how to tune and then taught himself to play. In High School he joined various bands and the musical theater. Following graduation, he began working as a vocal coach, as well as performing around his native Phoenix, quickly making a name for himself, and drawing in crowds. He tried to enter American Idol in 2009, but didn’t make it through. However, ten years later, in 2019, he accompanied one of his students to an American Idol audition, and this time found himself trying out again. He made it this time, and went further than he dreamed, emerging as a finalist and earning the respect of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.

Cota regularly connects with his legions of dedicated fans and followers through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, posting about his life both in and out of the recording studio. He also has his own YouTube channel, Wade Cota, and an official website, wadecota.com.