Ian Bernardo

Ian Bernardo, born in Bronx, New York, in November 29, 1980, gained popularity after appearing on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance as a contestant. Ian later appeared on TV shows like Extra, Access Hollywood and starred on his own special episode of The Millionaire Matchmaker. Bernardo also appeared regularly on Good Day New York for his outspoken behavior.
Biography
Ian was born in the Riverdale section of Bronx in New York in November 29, 1980. He studied at LaGuardia High School for Music and Art and SUNY Geneseo, majoring in Sociology. One year after beginning his studies, he traveled to Israel at the age of 18 for 6 years, serving three years in the Israeli army. Bernardo has American-Israeli citizenship, is totally fluent in Hebrew and Spanish, and his parents are Sephardic Jews from Turkey and Israel.
Bernardo's first appearance on television was on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance? in 2007. Criticized by the judging panel he did not make it further and was told “you’re wasting our time” by judge Nigel Lythgoe. He tried again on the 6th season of American Idol, performing Gloria at the casting. Simon Cowell defined his performance as “rubbish”. Bernardo confronted Simon afterwards. He was later called to appear on the finale, where he grabbed the mic to confront Simon Cowell. The Huffington Post reported it as a “Kanye Moment” Because of this Ian released an EP, Gloria, including that song and “Better Than You”. After this, Ian was interviewed on Larry King Live and was interviewed as an exclusive on American Idol: The Search for a Superstar.
Ian is the host of The Better and Bestest Show and has appeared on The Millionaire Matchmaker.
In 2010 Bernardo sued American Idol for $300 million stating that he was threatened by Dane Cook and the show had caused “emotional distress and loss of employment opportunities” according to the New York Daily News. Ian also stated that the show took advantage of his sexual orientation asking him to “gay it up”. The case was dismissed, Ian filled another lawsuit for $100, which was also dismissed. Finally, he filled a third lawsuit for $5 million in 2011.
In 2014 Ian appeared on the TV Show Millionaire Matchmaker episode The Trust Fund Brat & The Cliffdiver and co-hosted The Nick Cannon Show. Ian Bernardo also opened an art gallery in New York City.
Billboard included Ian on their lists of Viral Stars from American Idol and has an inheritance of over 80 million.

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