We have waited five long months to see him back on stage. Filipino immigrant Renaldo Lapuz was the only “idol reject” who came back on stage armed with a marching band from the University of Southern California. His original song Brothers Forever filled the entire Nokia Theatre for around 5 to 10 minutes.

People roared with laughter. Without doubt, Lapuz has just claimed his seat as the king of American Idol Season 7 rejects.

Randy, Paula and Ryan joined Lapuz on stage as he paid tribute to his favorite Idol judge, Simon Cowell.

Renaldo Lapuz, 45, used to be a tricycle driver in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. In 2004, he was petitioned by his mother to live in the United States. He worked at Wal-Mart and Greyhound Bus. His friends encouraged him to attend the audition in Texas last January.