Chris Rene (born May 19, 1983) (28) is a trash collector from Santa Cruz, California, where he currently lives. During his audition, Rene admitted to have just gotten out of rehabilitation and sang his original song, "Young Homie."His sister Gina auditioned for the show in the over 30's category but did not make it through to the judges houses round.

Chris is known for his soulful and smooth blend of R&B and Hip-Hop during his performances on X-Factor USA. He is one of the final 17 contestants in the running for a $5 million recording contract on the show. He impressed judge L.A. Reid and pop superstar Rihanna enough that they agreed to allow him to go forward in the competition.

Chris has become a YouTube sensation and his long lost son has learned that the X-Factor talent is his biological father.
The rising star had made it through the first round after receiving four yes votes from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger. But both Reid and Cowell told Chris he needed to remain on the 'right track'.

He also announced on Facebook that he has reunited with his six-year-old son.Chris wrote: 'I am so happy i can't express my joy with words!!! I feel a new song coming though. So Blessed.'
Chris's son, who lives in foster care is named Elijah.But for the first two years of Elijah's life, Chris didn't know he had fathered the child.

Elijah's foster parents have since allowed Chris to spend time with him, but they have always told the child that Chris is a close family friend, until recently.

Chris has another son who is three-years-old, who is likely savouring in his father's success after the singer shot to stardom on YouTube with his  X Factor audition racked up 1.7 million hits on the website in just three days.

The singer currently makes a living by hauling rubbish, but after becoming an overnight celebrity, probably not for much longer. (dailymail&Fox)