Is She The Next American Idol?
Written by Blair Townley, Photos and Video By Anthony Rao
In the “Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy was looking for the Yellow Brick Road. In “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Charlie was in the pursuit of the Golden Ticket.
On July 9, 2009, Orlando residents and people from all over the nation were after the statement uttered from judge Simon Cowell; “You’re going to Hollywood.” Hearing those words will let them know that their lives, just like Dorothy and Charlie, were about to be changed forever.
A Star in Lake County
In the midst of the thousands singing their hearts out for that ticket to Hollywood, California is 17-year-old Jennifer Dobson of Leesburg, a musical hopeful waiting for her chance to shine.
“I was really nervous this morning,” says Jennifer as she looks at the other performers waiting to enter Amway Arena where the auditions were held.
Performance nerves aren’t a problem though as Jennifer has previously sung the National Anthem at Amway Arena for local sporting events. She has also performed for several events in Lake County including the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s Banquet.
Though not sure at first what to sing, she finally decided on “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion to be the song she will sing in front of the famous American Idol judges.
“We really picked three songs but are concentrating on ‘My Heart Will Go On,’” Jennifer mentions.
The song has special meaning for Jennifer as her grandfather brought the Titanic soundtrack to her from Germany, which is also her birthplace. She recalls that she listened to the album so much that she knew the words to the ballad in no time.
This love of the song seemed to come out when Jennifer sang the song to her vocal coach, local music producer Rob Padgett.
“Rob told me he felt I was telling the story [from Titanic] when I sang.” Jennifer says with a smile.
She considers the vocally-gifted Dion to be a musical influence as well as country stars Gretchen Wilson and American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood.
“She was definitely my favorite from the beginning,” says Jennifer of Carrie. “I remember watching all her performances and her audition and saw we are both blonde, small-town girls.”
Jennifer feels Carrie’s path into country music is the route she wants to take for her career, though a musical theatre background leaves her open to all avenues of music.
As for whether she will have the same confidence as Carrie to win over judges Paula, Randy, Kara and Simon, Jennifer believes just being herself will help her audition.
“I’m going to show my personality and just be friendly and bubbly,” Jennifer says. “I want to impress everyone, especially Simon as he really knows what he is talking about.”
One stanza and chorus of “My Heart Will Go On” and it is obvious Jennifer is someone who will make Lake County proud.
Behind the Scene
While Jennifer prepares herself in the crowds for her audition, cheers are let out as American Idol host Ryan Seacrest arrives via golf cart for taping the auditions.
He has come to tape the preliminary opening for the Orlando auditions segment and takes the time in between for picture shoots, sign autographs and talk with contestants.
Like a well-oiled machine, AI producers and camera crews quickly taped the crowds collectively shouting “Welcome to Orlando” and “I’m the Next American Idol” before Seacrest arrived for his introduction to the show.
Footage, debuting on television in January, will show contestants of all ages, races and attire that waited in line to await their musical fates once inside Amway Arena.
Some have been there days before the actual audition, bringing with them blankets, food and iPods for practice. Some brought signs that said how far they traveled on their journey to the auditions. Some have brought loved ones to the audition, like Jennifer who brought dad Jesse, that they hope to celebrate with after hearing, literally, music to their ears; “You’re Going to Hollywood.”
They may not be Dorothy following the Yellow Brick Road to home but Jennifer and her fellow AI contestants are hoping to get the Golden Ticket that will lead them to Hollywood and the career of their dreams.
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