Washington-born singer-songwriter Allen Stone has joined American Idol as a mentor for the contestants as they enter the next stage of the competition. Stone, who launched his music career playing gigs up and down the West Coast in his 1987 Buick, shot to fame with his 2011 single "Unaware". A live recording from his mother's living room that showcases his impressive vocal range, the track has now been viewed more than 15 million times on YouTube. Stone, the son of a pastor, has released five albums in total, with two produced by Capitol Records. The 36-year-old will also be supporting country musician Chris Stapleton on his US tour later this year. In an interview with Inlander last year, Stone said: "If I can get everybody to sing along or everybody to participate, that's when it becomes like a high. That's what I'm going for."