Justin Brown becomes a different person when he gets on stage to sing.
“I don’t get nervous,” said the 21-year-old UTC junior. “When I get on stage, there’s someone else performing, not me.”
For Dutchess Ware, 18, of LaFayette, Ga., it’s not so easy.
“I can sing,” she said, “But I’m the type of person who gets so nervous.”
Both, however, got onstage Friday in the Fine Arts Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and gave it their all, hoping to be America’s next singing idol.
Resounding voices – both spot-on and off-key – along with clenched fists and jittery feet filled the center as about 200 hopefuls took part in Chattanooga Idol, one of the many audition roads that twist and turn across the country, eventually winding up on TV’s “American Idol.”
“It’s a great chance to see what Chattanooga has to offer,” explained Rebecca Frank, creative services director with WDSI-Fox61, which hosted the event with WDOD-FM. “There is a lot of talent in Chattanooga people should know about.”
The prize for Friday’s event – a highly coveted audition with “American Idol” producers in Nashville on July 17 – went to Josh Isaac, 28, of Murfreesboro, whose final song was Travis McCoy’s “I Want to Be a Billionaire.”
This is Chattanooga Idol’s ninth year, according to Ms. Frank, but the competition isn’t make-or-break for the contestants.
“Everyone can still try out in Nashville, but the person who wins today basically gets to bypass the huge line there.”
But for many it’s still one more step toward achieving a dream they’ve nursed for years. This is, after all, the generation that’s grown up on weekly doses of “American Idol” since 2002.
“I’m just going to do what I have to do and sing with all I’ve got,” Ms. Ware said.
She succeeded in putting worries aside as she belted soulful renditions of the hymn “Because of Who You Are” and India Arie’s “Beautiful Surprise” in front of the eight judges.
Mr. Brown, who has tried out for “Chattanooga Idol” in the past, started singing years ago.
“My mama and grandmama were tired of hearing me sing badly around the house when I was little, so they got me singing lessons,” he said.
This is the first year “American Idol” is allowing 15-year-olds to try out, and Ansley Phelps, of Cleveland, Tenn., who turned 15 on July 4, jumped at the unexpected opportunity to compete.
“I promised her we would take her to try out as soon as she was old enough,” said Ansley’s mother, Marie Gilley. “She has always wanted to do this, and it’s a good stepping stone for her.”
Those who didn’t make the final cut can still try out for “American Idol 10” at the show’s auditions in larger cities next Saturday.
Ms. Ware didn’t make it into the final rounds but said she still plans to head to Nashville next week.
“I will be more prepared this time,” she said.
Continue reading by following these links to related stories:
Column: Phillips: It’s time to wish upon a falling star