Even if Brian Kleinschmidt and his wife, Mika Kleinschmidt, weren’t well-known from HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home, Brian might have found fame in another way. During a February 2024 interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, he revealed that he once auditioned for the same reality competition that launched Hudson’s career.
“We both auditioned for American Idol the same year—you just happened to get a little bit further than I did,” Brian shared with a laugh. “Just a little bit!”
When Hudson playfully asked, “So you sing too, huh?” he quipped that singing was how he won Mika over. When she followed up by asking how he transitioned from singing to HGTV, Brian humorously responded, “It was my backup plan.
No, really—I’ve always loved singing, but my passion for volunteering with Habitat for Humanity sparked my love for new construction and helping people.”
The couple also recounted their charming first meeting: in chorus class, where Brian was mistakenly placed in the girls’ section.
“I sing a little lower than Brian,” Mika said, explaining she was an alto. “But we both love music and theater, and that’s one of our shared passions when we’re not filming.”
They even enjoy singing together while working on homes, though those moments don’t make it into the show.
Brian Reportedly Sang To Mika On Her Birthday
Before their interview with Jennifer Hudson, where Brian Kleinschmidt joked that his singing played a role in winning over Mika, he shared a story from their high school days.
In a January 2024 conversation with Tampa Bay Parenting, the couple reminisced about their teenage years at Riverview High.
Brian admitted to having an unrequited crush on Mika back then.
“I used to anchor the school morning show, and I remember singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mika and giving her a Backstreet Boys t-shirt, which she still has to this day,”
Brian recalled.
When asked what made her realize Brian was the right partner, Mika didn’t point to his singing. Instead, it was their shared sense of family that solidified their bond.
“When we started dating, [my daughter] Jade was only 18 months old, so it was essential for me to find someone who would accept not just me, but my daughter, and put her first. Brian has done that from day one,” Mika shared.
Brian added that his love for singing continues at home, where he enjoys serenading Jade with “Goodnight, Sweetheart” at bedtime.
After his American Idol Season 3 audition, Brian Kleinschmidt’s journey took an unexpected turn. He was married to Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004, and together, they competed in The Amazing Race Season 15, finishing in third place.
In an interview with People following their season, Brian and Ericka reflected on the challenges they faced during the competition.
Both agreed that their experience on The Amazing Race ultimately strengthened their relationship.
However, a few years after their time on the show, Brian and Ericka divorced. The pair remained cordial enough to attend the wedding of their co-stars Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney, who had won that season.
Years later, fate intervened through an email mix-up, giving Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt a second chance at love and eventually leading them to their successful career on HGTV.