on-set tutor. Her mother had to accompany her with the other contestants to the special American Idol house, where they all lived during the competition. She also became close friends with season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken. After her elimination, she went on to appear in numerous shows promoting American Idol and she appeared on the last episode of the second season singing with the other finalists. Rasmusen also appeared on the American Idol Season 2: All-Time Classic American Love Songs singing "How Do I Live" by LeAnn Rimes. In June 2008, Rasmusen starred as one of the headliners for a live music show in Branson, MO, called America's Favorite Finalists. The show featured six top 12 American Idol Finalists performing their own music, cover songs and group numbers. The show ran at the Grand Palace. Performances Wildcards - "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes Top 12 (Motown) - "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes Top 11 (Movies) - "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Olivia Newton-John Top 10 (Country Rock) - "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride Top 8 (Disco) - "Turn the Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson (Bottom 2) Top 8 (Billboard Number One Hits) - "Call Me" by Blondie Top 7 (Billy Joel's Music) - "And So It Goes" (Bottom 2) Top 6 (Diane Warren's Music) - "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne (Eliminated) Due to Corey Clark's disqualification, the Top 9 performances became Top 8 when no one was eliminated. Music career Carmen Her first EP, Carmen, was self-released and included her first single, Photograph. Nothin' Like the Summer Rasmusen is signed with Lofton Creek Records. Her debut album, Nothin' Like the Summer was released on August 28, 2007, and the first single, "Nothin' Like the Summer", debuted in the United States on April 24, 2007 and also debuted in Shanghai, Australia and United Kingdom. The song was written by Rasmusen, Victoria Shaw and Jason Deere, who also produced both the song and her album. Rasmusen did a radio tour in support of the album; she participated in shows at 30 radio stations and 10 television shows including Fox, MSNBC, Today, and Geraldo. She also opened concerts for Tracy Byrd and Jason Michael Carroll. As part of her tour, she started a new program called "Hitching a Ride" where fans can hitch a ride and hang on her tour bus. Acting career Rasmusen made