Jermaine Purifory says his musical journey is just beginning, even though 20 million viewers who tuned in to “American Idol” Tuesday night saw the Cleveland, Tenn., resident eliminated.
Mr. Purifory, a Lee University student, returned to campus Thursday from California, where he has been since “AI” taped the Hollywood auditions in early January.
Of more than 100,000 hopefuls who auditioned for Season 9 of Fox TV’s reality talent show, 181 advanced to Los Angeles. Mr. Purifory made it to the top 71 contestants before being cut.
“I had a great experience,” Mr. Purifory said. “I would do it all over again. Being there reminded me of why I wanted to sing. I just really know now that music is what I want to do.”
Although judges him voted off the show, Mr. Purifory said he wouldn’t change anything about his performances in the auditions.
“Sure, it’s disappointing, but 100,000 people would have killed to be standing where I was,” he said.
Mr. Purifory is the third Lee student in four years to win a coveted “golden ticket” for the Hollywood round. Chase Guyton made it in Season 7 and Phil Stacey was one of the top 12 finalists of Season 6.
Dr. Paul Conn, Lee University president, said such repeat success never loses its excitement on campus.
“It’s always enjoyable to see a Lee student in the pressure-cooker environment of big-time television,” Dr. Conn said.
“We watched for Jermaine on every show from the audition when he was chosen,” he said. “I’m certainly not an objective viewer, but I honestly thought there was nobody better than Jermaine on-screen this year.”
Mr. Purifory said his goal now is “artist development.” He said he’s learned it takes a lot to set yourself apart.
“Now the real work begins. This is not just a phase I went through to come home and go back to being normal. I feel like now I have to work even harder, find where I fit in this industry,” he said.
“I believe I have a place, it’s all about finding where that is. It’s like my journey is just beginning.”