Umatilla County Fair officials announced Friday that American Idol Star Josh Gracin will perform at the fair on Thursday, Aug. 9.

According to a press release, Gracin “has a diverse and impressive set of skills. The most obvious is the voice that captured the attention of millions of American Idol fans during his season two run on what has become an American cultural phenomenon. His all-American good looks, earnest charm and passionate vocal style earned him a devoted legion of fans, but beyond the stage, Gracin possesses a poets heart and an ex-Marines discipline and work ethic. Its that potent combination of talent and tenacity that set Gracin apart and is fueling the newest chapter in his career.”

A Michigan native who grew up listening to country and R&B music, Gracin auditioned for Idol (placing fourth on season two) while serving in the Marine Corps. Following his run on American Idol and the completion of his military service, he signed with Lyric Street Records and released his self-titled debut album in June 2004. The album was RIAA-certified gold and spawned three top five singlesI Want to Live, Stay With Me (Brass Bed), and the No. 1 hit Nothin to Lose.

Gracins highly-anticipated sophomore effort, “We Werent Crazy,” was released in 2008 and delivered title track, We Werent Crazy, the ballad Unbelievable (Ann Marie), written solely by Gracin about his wife, and fan favorite Favorite State of Mind.

Gracin joins a lineup that now includes Charlie Daniels on Aug. 7, the Battle of the Bands on Aug. 8, Gracin on Aug. 9, Jo Dee Messina on Aug. 10 and Smash Mouth on Aug. 11.

Tickets are now on sale at the Umatilla County Fair Office in Hermiston.