Who Is Casey James?

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Texas-born heart-throb Casey James, 27, won over the female judges, including guest judge Victoria Beckham, when he stripped down for his "American Idol" audition in Denver, Colo.

While his bluesy rendition of "I Don't Need No Doctor," going shirtless, and his casual good looks initially helped land him a ticket to Hollywood, he impressed the judging panel so much he made it into the Top 24 on season nine.

But the golden boy's criminal past didn't go under the radar. What many people don't know is that, according to RadarOnline.com , James has spent some time behind bars for reckless behavior eight years ago.

When James was 18 and 19-years-old, he served time in county jail in Texas for driving while intoxicated, driving with an invalid license and for reckless driving.

But, according to Yahoo.com , the negative publicity may not hurt the Fort Worth, Texas native's chances on the TV talent search: "His arrest record will probably just help build some bad-boy vibes."

According to his Facebook fan page, before "Idol" James was the lead singer and guitarist for the Casey James Band along with his brother Bill and friend Jacy.

James, who is an animal lover and has two basset hounds, told " American Idol " interviewers that he got a little nudge from his mother to audition for the reality series.

And the Fort Worth Weekly newspaper is certainly proud the "young cat with a cool voice" has made it through to the next round.

James made it clear that he will do just about anything to make it to the top, following through on a dare Randy Jackson made for him to take his shirt off in his first audition: "I'm willing to do anything that I need to do."

"American Idol" Season Nine Contestant Profiles:

Didi Benami | Lacey Brown | Crystal Bowersox | Michelle Delamor | Lee DeWyze | Katelyn Epperly | Andrew Garcia | Tyler Grady | Todrick Hall | Casey James | Aaron Kelly | Alex Lambert | Michael Lynche | Siobhan Magnus | Paige Miles | Jose Munoz | John Park | Ashley Rodriguez | Lilly Scott | Jermaine Sellers | Katie Stevens | Tim Urban | Haeley Vaughn | Janell Wheeler