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American Idol

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Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’ Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’
Backstreet Boy’s Son Shines On ‘American Idol’ Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys legend Brian Littrell, took a major step in his music career Sunday night, March 9, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood on ‘American Idol.’ The 21-year-old from Atlanta, GA, performed an original song before judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie during the season premiere on FOX. “Something about you looks familiar,” Underwood told Littrell during his audition. Littrell, who grew up surrounded by music, said he hopes to “do his dad justice” with his talent. “I guess you can say music runs in our family,” he said. Despite his musica…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
'American Idol' Zoom Auditions Come To NJ — As Long As You Were Born Between These Dates 'American Idol' Zoom Auditions Come To NJ — As Long As You Were Born Between These Dates
'American Idol' Zoom Auditions Come To NJ — As Long As You Were Born Between These Dates Are you the next "American Idol?" The popular ABC singing competition is holding virtual auditions for the upcoming season this month and next. As long as you are of a certain age (scroll down for audition dates). According to the "American Idol" casting application website, contestants must be born between June 2, 1995 and Feb. 15, 2010.  Additionally, contestants must be legal U.S. residents authorized to participate in the entire competition. Auditions for residents in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania via Zoom will be Wednesday, Aug. 21.  Virginia re…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
College Student From NJ On 'American Idol': Did Conall Gorman Score Ticket To Hollywood? College Student From NJ On 'American Idol': Did Conall Gorman Score Ticket To Hollywood?
College Student From NJ On 'American Idol': Did Conall Gorman Score Ticket To Hollywood? When Conall Gorman's songwriting professor at Belmont University in Nashville, TV began promoting "American Idol" auditions, he went for it. Gorman, 19, watched the singing competition for years growing up in Montclair. Conall Gorman on "American Idol." "American Idol" Clip courtesy of FremantleMedia North America Inc. and 19TV LTD And now, he's on it. Gorman's performance of his own song "Backseat" for Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan air Sunday, March 17. Bryan said he was pulled into the "Conall vortex" with the very first note, Perry adding that he's on the road to being …

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
Is Hailey Mia Going To Hollywood? Watch Clifton Teen's 'American Idol' Audition Is Hailey Mia Going To Hollywood? Watch Clifton Teen's 'American Idol' Audition
Is Hailey Mia Going To Hollywood? Watch Clifton Teen's 'American Idol' Audition A New Jersey teen who finished fourth on NBC's "The Voice" in 2021 will have a second shot at fame Sunday, Feb. 25. ** WARNING: The following news story contains spoilers ** Hailey Mia, 16, of Clifton, serenaded "American Idol" judge Katy Perry with her own song, "Rise" — as well as Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — for her audition. Anyways, Hailey's going to Hollywood. View this post on Instagram A post shared by hailey mia 🧚‍♀️ (@officialhaileymia) Katy called the performance inspiring, saying she has full body chills "even in places I've b…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
Ryan Seacrest To Replace Pat Sajak As 'Wheel Of Fortune' host Ryan Seacrest To Replace Pat Sajak As 'Wheel Of Fortune' host
Ryan Seacrest To Replace Pat Sajak As 'Wheel Of Fortune' host Sajak out, Seacrest in. Hollywood has spoken, and it will be Ryan Seacrest taking over as host for Maryland native Pat Sajak when he retires from his role at the head of Wheel of Fortune at the end of the year. Earlier this month, the 76-year-old Anne Arundel native announced that he would be stepping away from the show after more than four decades at the helm of the show, making him the Guinness World Record hold for having the longest career as a game show host. In mid-June, Sajak announced that the 41st season, which begins in September, would be his last alongside longtime sidekick Va…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
NJ's Wé Ani, 'American Idol' Finalist Releasing New Single NJ's Wé Ani, 'American Idol' Finalist Releasing New Single
NJ's Wé Ani, 'American Idol' Finalist Releasing New Single Wé Ani, a Paterson native, isn't letting her elimination from "American Idol" stop her from chasing her dreams. Ani announced on Instagram on Monday, May 15, she is releasing a new single "175 Lbs." on Friday, May 19 and even offered fans a sneak peak. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wé Ani (@we_ani) On Sunday, May 15, Ani was controversially eliminated from "American Idol", failing to enter the top three, despite acclaimed performances of "The Climb," and "The Unknown." Many fans took to social media and claimed her elimination…

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by Sam Barron
Lifestyle
NJ's Wé Ani One Step Closer To Becoming Next 'American Idol' NJ's Wé Ani One Step Closer To Becoming Next 'American Idol'
NJ's Wé Ani One Step Closer To Becoming Next 'American Idol' Wé Ani is singing her way to the top. The New Jersey native secured a spot in the Top 24 during the Sunday, April 9 episode of "American Idol." Ani, of Paterson, performed her rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Ain’t No Way." "I've always thought trying to cut good singers is difficult," Lionel Richie tells the 24-year-old vocalist. "Trying to cut a great singer, that's impossible. You are a great singer." That's when Richie broke the news: Ani is heading to the Top 24. Ani previously made it to the top three on Season 11 of "The Voice," and got a standing ovation from all three "American I…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
NJ 'American Idol' Contestant Sounds Like Two Different People NJ 'American Idol' Contestant Sounds Like Two Different People
NJ 'American Idol' Contestant Sounds Like Two Different People We Ani's speaking voice may be high and squeaky, but her singing voice is nothing short of deep and soulful.  The New Jersey native who once turned chairs on "The Voice" auditioned on Sunday night's episode of "American Idol," where judges questioned her on the science of her voice. Ani, of Paterson said she doesn't understand the contrast between her speaking and singing voices. All she knows is that she's got talent. The 23-year-old vocalist, who made it to the top three on Season 11 of "The Voice" as We McDonald, sang "Anyone" by Demi Lovato on Idol. She got a standing ovation from all…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
These NJ Celebs Named To 'Dancing With The Stars' Cast These NJ Celebs Named To 'Dancing With The Stars' Cast
These NJ Celebs Named To 'Dancing With The Stars' Cast Some New Jersey celebrities are putting on their dancing shoes. Cast members with Garden State ties include: "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice with Pasha Pashkov. "Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino with Koko Iwasaki. Bergen County's Val Chmerkovskiy with recent Bachelorette Gabby Windey. "American Idol" winner and Ridgewood native Jordin Sparks with Brandon Armstrong. Other stars competing this season include Wayne Brady, Charli D'Amelio, Jessie James Decker and more. The show is set to premier Sept. 19. Click here for the complete rundown from P…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
'American Idol' Virtual Auditions Hit NJ 'American Idol' Virtual Auditions Hit NJ
'American Idol' Virtual Auditions Hit NJ Are you the next "American Idol?" Auditions for New Jersey residents are being held virtually all day Friday, Aug. 12.  The auditions are being held as part of "Idol Across America," the groundbreaking virtual tour. Click here to book your spot.

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
NJ Singer Sheds Tears As 'American Idol' Run Ends NJ Singer Sheds Tears As 'American Idol' Run Ends
NJ Singer Sheds Tears As 'American Idol' Run Ends Cole Hallman's "American Idol" run has come to a tearful end. The 22-year-old Manasquan resident performed "How Sweet It Is" with Cadence Baker of Alabama as a duet in Sunday night's show. The judge's noticed Hallman was slightly hoarse and opined his performance was "underwhelming." “Cole, you have a tremendous amount of talent to build on," judge Luke Bryan said. "But for right now it’s the end of the road." American Idol on ABC | Season 5 | Hollywood Week 2 #AmericanIdol #TalentRecap #Audition Watch our weekly @Talent Recap Talent Recap Hallman shed some tears and reflected on…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
'Puberty Really Hit': Young Singer's Voice Is Dead Ringer For Johnny Cash On 'American Idol' 'Puberty Really Hit': Young Singer's Voice Is Dead Ringer For Johnny Cash On 'American Idol'
'Puberty Really Hit': Young Singer's Voice Is Dead Ringer For Johnny Cash On 'American Idol' One day Luke Taylor was 4'11" singing alto. The next he was 6'1" belting below bass. The 20-year-old Pennsylvania native explained his dramatic voice drop on a recent "American Idol" audition, stunning judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan (scroll for video). Taylor, a West Chester resident and Liberty University sophomore," described his voice drop as a "dramatic" one to host Ryan Seacrest. "Puberty really hit," Perry exclaims before Taylor sings his rendition of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." He then gave a last-minute performance of "Frosty the Snowman," at Bryan's request. Pe…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
NJ TikTokers Audition For 'American Idol' (VIDEO) NJ TikTokers Audition For 'American Idol' (VIDEO)
NJ TikTokers Audition For 'American Idol' (Video) A pair of young New Jersey natives left their first "American Idol" auditions with more than feedback from the judges. Camryn Champion, 16, of Lumberton, and Cole Hallman, 22, of Manasquan, have tickets to Hollywood. Hallman, accompanied by his sister with special needs, only recently started singing in the last five years. He performed "Lodi" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, before his sister, Katie, joined him to sing along. Champion received coaching during her rendition of "I Know I'm Not the Only One" by Sam Smith. Both Champion and Hallman showcase their vocals on TikTok. Watch the…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
New Jersey Woman In Family Of TikTok Singers Gets Shot At Solo Career On 'American Idol' New Jersey Woman In Family Of TikTok Singers Gets Shot At Solo Career On 'American Idol'
New Jersey Woman In Family Of TikTok Singers Gets Shot At Solo Career On 'American Idol' As much as Samantha Sharpe loves singing with her parents and three brothers, the New Jersey native is hoping for a solo career of her own. And thanks to "American Idol," that dream could soon be a reality: The 25-year-old Basking Ridge resident is going to Hollywood. Samantha was joined by her parents and three brothers -- known altogether as the "Sharpe Family Singers" -- on Sunday's episode of the ABC hit singing show. The Sharpe Family performed an a cappella version of "Into the Unknown" before judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Then, Sam performed her rendition of "Ti…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
WATCH: NJ's Claudia Conway Heading To Hollywood After 'American Idol' Audition WATCH: NJ's Claudia Conway Heading To Hollywood After 'American Idol' Audition
Watch: NJ's Claudia Conway Heading To Hollywood After 'American Idol' Audition New Jersey's Claudia Conway is going to Hollywood. The 16-year-old's mom is former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, and her dad is anti-Trump lawyer George Conway. Claudia went viral last year for exposing political differences within her family's Alpine home. During her "American Idol" audition, the teen admit music has been there for her during dark times incited in part by negativity online. "When life is going downhill, I have my music," she told the judges. "I'm a singer, and this is what I want to do." Claudia began with a rendition of "Love on the Brain" by Rihanna, but swi…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
Kellyanne Conway's Teen NJ Daughter Teases 'American Idol' Audition Kellyanne Conway's Teen NJ Daughter Teases 'American Idol' Audition
Kellyanne Conway's Teen NJ Daughter Teases 'American Idol' Audition Will Kellyanne Conway's teen New Jersey daughter be the next American Idol? Alpine native Claudia Conway, 16, posted a TikTok video of herself in the show's confessional studio with a film crew Sunday, hinting that she'll be competing on the upcoming season, set to premier Feb. 14 on ABC. Judges will be Lion Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, with longtime host Ryan Seacrest. The teen, whose mom served as the counselor to President Trump's, sent shockwaves through the internet in June, when she took TikTok to share her anti-Trump views. “Believe it or not, you can have your own opini…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
New Year's Eve: North Jersey's Best Places To Throw Down New Year's Eve: North Jersey's Best Places To Throw Down
New Year's Eve: North Jersey's Best Places To Throw Down Whether you're celebrating that 2018 was great or that it's over, there's no shortage of New Year's Eve parties in Bergen and Passaic counties. Here are the hottest places to throw down. Midland Brew House, Saddle Brook: Hosted By 103.5 KTU's Bartel, live music by Z100s DJ DRAMOS & KTU DJ Raphael Valentino; $75 for open bar, dinner buffet, champagne toast and more. Click here for tickets The Hill, Closter: Live music by American Idol's Constantine Maroulis, five-course tasting menu by Chef Ben Pollinger; midnight champagne toast; admission is $190. Tickets Biagio's, Par…

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by Cecilia Levine
Lifestyle
Puberty Mattered For Wyckoff Kid Actor Who Stunned Judges On 'The Voice' Puberty Mattered For Wyckoff Kid Actor Who Stunned Judges On 'The Voice'
Puberty Mattered For Wyckoff Kid Actor Who Stunned Judges On 'The Voice' Kelly Clarkson was the only judge to turn her chair around for Wyckoff native Dylan Hartigan on NBC's "The Voice" during blind auditions. Still, the 21-year-old earned accolades from all the celebrities, progressing to the next round on the show. "Yo man, you're great. I love that song it's a classic," Maroon 5's Adam Levine said after Hartigan's rendition of "Danny's Song" by Kenny Loggins. Hartigan started as an actor when he was three years old in a 1-800-FLOWERS commercial.  "Then I picked it up when I hit puberty," he told the judges. "Th…

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by Cecilia Levine