Bobby Bones

American radio and television personality Bobby Bones was born Bobby Estell on April 2, 1980 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Raised poor in the small town of Mountain Pine, Arkansas, Bones dreamed of escaping poverty with a career in radio. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in radio/television from Henderson State University in 2002, getting experience disc jockeying on the campus radio station. He was hired by KHFI-FM in Austin, Texas and began the "The Bobby Bones Show" regionally in the mornings. Bones spent a decade in Austin building the top-rated morning radio show. In 2012, the successful show moved to Nashville, switched up to a format which included more country music. In 2013 it became syndicated nationwide and was a major interview spot for country music stars. In addition to his success in radio, Bones broke into television appearing on an episode of "Nashville" (ABC, 2012-18) and guest hosting on "Live! with Regis and Kelly" (ABC, 1983- ). He joined "American Idol" (Fox, 2002-2016, ABC, 2018-) first as a guest mentor in 2018 and then as a regular mentor and occasional host. Also in 2018, Bobby Bones competed in the 27th season of "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005- ) and took first place with his dance partner Sharna Burgess.