Jared Cotter - American Idol's Hit Songwriter

I interviewed American Idol Season 6 hottie Jared Cotter last week while he was recording at the Elektracraft Studio in New York. I was very happy because I've been a fan of Jared since he first appeared on my TV set, and to finally talk to him about his recent success was very gratifying.

Jared made it to the Top 24 on the show, but was eliminated right before the Top 12. Since then, Jared worked as a host on Fuse TV, a runway model, become a Hot Bachelor for Cosmopolitan Magazine and is a frequent guest on Good Day New York for Idol coverage. Today he is a successful and in-demand songwriter. He co-wrote the hit song "Down" with Jay Sean (feat. Lil Wayne) which sold 1 million copies so far and reached #2 on the Billboard chart.

I've never been to a studio where "they record the hits", so this experience was very exciting. I asked Jared what he was doing there and he said he was recording a demo track for Toni Braxton. Since the success of "Down" more offers have come his way. He said his publishing deal enables him to reach artists easier. In fact, toward the end of our conversation he said: "I'm even writing my first rock song now." "For who?" I asked. "Kris Allen."

Though it is not guaranteed that Jared's songs will be recorded by Toni or Kris, but the fact that they are scheduled to listen to Jared's music is quite an achievement. I asked him if Fox/American Idol has ever approached him with something for the show but he said "No," because "maybe I didn't make it to the Top 10."

Jared co-wrote 10 songs for Jay SeanImage: 's latest album which will come out on Nov. 24. He has been collaborating with Jay for almost 2 years. Last year, Jay Sean released "Stuck in the Middle" featuring Jared in the UK.

When I asked him how it is careerwise to be a hit songwriter, he said "it is exremely lucrative." Wow. I think I need to stop looking at Twitter all day and get into songwriting.

Looking back at all the non-Top 12 contestants over the years, only a handful stand out for me. I like how Frenchie Davis took a single audition (and subsequent disqualification) and turned it into a Broadway career. Josiah Leming also took controversy to get him signed to a record deal (which unfortunately has yet to produce a hit). And Mario Vazquez got signed by a major label after he quit the show before the Top 12 started.

Jared however had no notoriety behind him and got to where he is now by just plain working hard. And quite frankly, he is more successful now than a lot of contestants who made it to the Top 10. Is Jared Cotter the most successful Idol contestant not to make it to the Top 10? Yes he is. Looking forward to his next hit!

You can follow Jared on Twitter at @jaredcotter. (Tell him @rickey sent you.)