A.J. Tabaldo, who grew up in Santa Maria, is steadily making his way toward fame.

The former “American Idol” contestant was one of the Top 10 male contestants during the 2006 season. He has recently released three of his original songs on a compilation CD of “American Idol” finalists.

“Curtain Call: New Songs from Past American Idol Finalists” features Tabaldo on “Let You Go,” “So Glad” and “Tell Me,” which were composed and recorded two or three years ago and produced by Lompoc producer William Fabing. The songs were re-recorded for the CD, and feature a smooth, R&B style.

Tabaldo was approached with the offer to record the music for the compilation CD right after the 2006 show ended. He had first auditioned in August 2006.

Since August 2007, he has been singing at private events and recording a solo album, which he hopes will be released in early summer. He hopes to travel overseas to the Philippines, Japan and Europe to promote the CD, which he hopes will be finished before he leaves.

Tabaldo, now 23, attended St. Mary’s of the Assumption School and St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria. He then received his associate’s degree at Hancock College, and was preparing to transfer to California State University, Northridge, when he tried out for “American Idol.”

Tabaldo said appearing on the show was a great asset to his music career. “I think “American Idol” has been the biggest thing I’ve done in my life,” he said. “It’s something I can tell my grandchildren about.”

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Tabaldo wants to start a family later on in life, as well as complete his education. He plans to apply to different schools but will most likely finish up at CSU Northridge, and get the same degree he was going to get originally: a bachelor’s in business with an emphasis on the music industry.

“Music is something I’ll never give up,” he said. “But I do want to get my degree.”

His friends and family have been supportive throughout his career, even before his “Idol” days.

“I have good parents who support me and help me out on my rough days,” he said. “The same thing with my friends … they were on phone two hours voting (for me) thousands of times” during his last round on “American Idol.”

St. Joseph and St. Mary’s put up bulletins and signs encouraging passers-by to vote for him, and he visited later to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

“It was good to see how much support I had from my hometown,” he said.

With all the attention he’s getting, fans may want to know: Who’s his Idol?

Tabaldo said that musically, he looks up to Luther Vandross, which is why he performed one of his songs for the three “Idol” judges.

“If I could emulate his career, I would,” said Tabaldo. “He was more about the music and the vocal ability, versus what’s going on today … Vandross is my idol and always has been.”

His idol in general?

His parents, he said.

“I had a very good, healthy household growing up,” said Tabaldo.

He has since been adjusting to fans wanting his autograph, as well as going from studying and working at UPS in his pre-“Idol” days to focusing 100 percent on music.

“That was a big deal for me, because I was scared to do that,” said Tabaldo.

His dream is to get a “really good” record deal and “be an international superstar.”

“I’ve set so many goals for myself in my life,” he said. “And I plan on achieving every single one of them.”