Raquel Houghton | Dane Cook’s Former Girlfriend on American Idol

New American Idol Contestant Raquel Houghton

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gamerscore/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Raquel Houghton is making headlines today and it’s not because she was Dane Cook’s girlfriend for several long years. It’s because she’s kicking things up a notch and working hard to be the next American Idol.

Interestingly, Houghton is not a stranger to Hollywood. Apparently, the 28-year-old beauty reportedly earned some quick cash and recognition for her television commercial appearances for “Trollz”, “The Power Girls”, and a couple others. Houghton lives in Los Angeles and works as a bartender and a waitress.

Raquel Houghton, Dane Cook

Raquel Houghton and comedian Dane Cook were first spotted together at the 2006 premiere of the movie ‘Employee of the Month,’ starring Dane Cook with Jessica Simpson and Dax Shepard. Dane was quoted as saying, “We’ve been invited to other functions, but this is our first event of this caliber. This is my baby. ..[She is] independent and funny – two things I like in a woman.”

Dane Cook is not only a brilliant comedian, but he makes quite a decent actor as well. Some of my favorite Dane Cook movies include: ‘My Best Friend’s Girl,’ ‘Good Luck Chuck,’ and ‘Dan in Real Life.’

Raquel Houghton – The Next Big Thing?

I’m not sure how well the girl can sing. From what I’ve been able to dig up, she is the lead singer of a band called “The Valli Girls.” I haven’t had the chance to listen to any of her cuts, but the group’s MySpace profile says:

Raquel Houghton is our fearless lead singer who always brings the funk when we’re jamming. Plus she has the best reflexes of anyone in the Valley.

Houghton sang “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield during her audition for American Idol. I’ve been looking all over YouTube for a video of her singing, but so far I haven’t stumbled upon any luck. Nonetheless, I wish Raquel Houghton the best of luck and success in the world.