Christopher Dean Rene (born December 25, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter from Santa Cruz, California who finished in 3rd place on season 1 of X Factor USA, mentored by LA Reid. He first wowed the judges at his audition in Seattle with an original song that he wrote called "Young Homie" and continued to wow both the judges and the public ever since. Rene admitted he became addicted to drugs and alcohol very early on in his life.