Simon Cowell may not have liked Chikezie Eze when he was on “American Idol,” but EC chorale director Joanna Nachef gladly welcomes him back.

Highlighting EC’s Chorale production Nov. 2, “American Idol” top 10 finalist and former student Chikezie Eze, 22, will perform solo songs and join the ensemble in many selections during the concert at 7 p.m. at Marsee Auditorium.

Chikezie (who goes by his first name only), was a student here from spring 2006 to spring 2007.

“Back when I met Chikezie, he was a bit too shy to share his talent at the beginning of the semester.But one day, the students in Chorale told me that I should ask him to sing a solo in one of the gospel pieces which requires improvising,” Nachef said. “Boy, did he blow our socks off! He was superb! Right then, I knew that he had a bright future.”

Profits from the ticket sales will be shared with Chikezie and the Chorale Club.

“Chikezie will highlight along with the members of the ECC Chorale, who will perform solos, duets, trios and ensemble numbers of varied styles, from pop Broadway, jazz, gospel and movie themes,” Nachef said.

Before getting on “American Idol” last spring, Chikezie auditioned for the previous season and made it into the Hollywood Round, where he was cut before the top 40.

Chikezie successfully auditioned again for the seventh season of “American Idol” and made the top 24 and then the top 12.

He was eliminated from “American Idol” on March 26, coming in tenth place.

Nachef said Chikezie’s voice is amazing, rich and versatile and that he was an eager and a diligent student as well as respectful and responsive.

Chizekie recently completed an “Idol” concert tour that traveled to more than 40 cities across the country this summer. He is currently working on an album.

“God willing, I’ll have the album out in 2009. I don’t have a name for the album yet. I would love to work with John Legend or Stevie Wonder,” Chikezie said. “‘American Idol’ gave me a better awareness of myself as an artist and as a performer.If I had never done ‘Idol,’ I would not be recording.”

Chikezie was born in Inglewood to Richard and Chika Eze, who emigrated from Nigeria.

“My parents showed me what hard work meant because my parents worked their entire lives to provide and never had time to enjoy life,” Chikezie said.

Chikezie is an R&B and soul singer who said he is inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway and John Legend.

“If I could only hear one song for the rest of my life it would be ‘Love, Love, Love’ by Donnie Hathaway,” Chikezie said. “Music gives words life. Words would be meaningless without music.”

Chizekie said he has had dreams of being a singer since he was a 13-year-old.

As a student, he attended Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES), rated one of the top public schools in the nation.

“Chikezie surely stands out with his range, musicality and skill to sell a song,” said Nachef. “I see him as a successful solo artist with a CD of his own and sought after by the music industry.”

The tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the concert at the door.

For more information, interested persons may call 1-800-832-ARTS. Parking will be free.