American Idol

Elliott Yamin may be one of the hardest working “American Idol” finalists out there. Calm down, Kelly, Clay and Carrie fans. I haven’t forgotten about your favorites.

Yamin, a Season 5 “Idol” finalist, has been busy touring behind his successful debut. And now the singer is stepping up to support a cause that’s particularly important to him — diabetes awareness.

The pop singer, who has type 1 diabetes, is serving as a Global Ambassador to promote the Diabetes Creative Expression Competition, an international contest looking for submissions from those with diabetes, as well as their family and friends, to express what diabetes means to them.

In addition to promoting the contest, Yamin will help judge U.S. entries. The singer even has agreed to donate a prize of concert tickets and backstage passes to those winners.

“I’m thrilled to be joining this important campaign to help children with diabetes around the world,” Yamin, 29, said in a press release. The singer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 16. “Children in developing nations often lack the medicines, supplies, education and basic care they need to survive and thrive. Even here in the U.S., there are kids who want to attend a diabetes camp but can’t afford it. By participating in the Inspired by Diabetes contest and expressing how diabetes affects you, you can have a direct impact on a child’s life.”

Submissions, which are encouraged through art, essays, poetry, photography and music, are being accepted until Jan. 31. Entries are being accepted in these categories:

— Short essay or poem – 500 words or less
— Photograph(s) – Up to three prints
— Original drawing or painting – no larger than 43cm x 66cm (17” x 26”)
— Music – Original composition, up to three minutes in length (instrumental and lyric)

The Inspired By Diabetes contest categories are:

— Children (age sub-groups 5-6, 7-8, 9-12, 13-17 years old; includes children with diabetes or family members or friends under 18
— Adult with diabetes (ages 18 and older)
— Family member or friend of a person with diabetes
— Health care professional

To learn more about the Inspired by Diabetes or to download an entry form to enter the competition, visit www.inspiredbydiabetes.com.

Elliott Yamin, Inspired By Diabetes, American Idol