Not quite an 'American Idol'
Danville student considers coming to Eastern, participates on show in meantime
Deirdre Sheahan/ Staff writer
Issue date: 3/2/05 Section: News
Some people may wait for hours, even days to try out for "American Idol," a reality television show aired on Fox that helps talented singers in furthering their careers.
For some who compete on the show, it may be about the fame, glory and even a record contract. But for Jared Yates, an 18-year-old senior at Schlarman Catholic High school in Danville who is considering coming to Eastern upon graduation, it was a different story.
On Jan. 2 Yates' house burnt down from a space heater catching fire to a wall. Because Yates has been performing in school plays, concerts and singing for the past four years, he decided to try out for "American Idol" in St. Louis.
His idea was to win and purchase a new house for his mother. Unfortunately, Yates was one of the first-four semifinalists to be eliminated on Feb. 23 after singing 'How Do I" by Marc Anthony, his favorite artist.
"I honestly was in shock when my name was called to leave the show," Yates said. "It was the worst night of my life, and I hope the other contestants prepare themselves for that."
Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul all agreed it was a poor choice of a song. Cowell was asked if he had any tips for Yates, and Simon simply said "no."
Yates also felt America would have voted differently if he received as much airtime as some of the other contestants.
Although Yates will not be the next "American Idol" this year, he is still confident in landing a record deal and has plans on continuing with acting and even auditioning for some sitcoms through Fox or MGM.
Yates said he feels that having the "American Idol" experience under his belt will be extremely helpful in accomplishing his dreams.
"Because of 'American Idol,' I already have my foot in the door, and this is not the end for me," Yates said.
Yates also said that "American Idol" was the experience of a lifetime, and he had no regrets.
He not only became friends with the other contestants, but he had the opportunity to meet Alice Cooper in the lounge of his hotel.
"He's a really cool guy, and it was awesome that I was able to take a picture with him and talk to him for a while," Yates said.
He also met the judges and Ryan Secrest, host of "American Idol."
Romana Murphy, Yates' aunt, was exceptionally proud of him throughout this entire process.
"This is only a stepping stone for Jared's future," Murphy said. "More good will come out of all this, and it will only make him stronger. This is truly a positive thing for Jared's life right now."
When Yates and his mom made their way home from the airport Saturday, they stopped at the local County Market grocery store. Little did he know he was in for a surprise from family, friends and the Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer for a small party.
"When I got there, there was tons and tons of people," he said. "It was crazy. I was really surprised."
For some who compete on the show, it may be about the fame, glory and even a record contract. But for Jared Yates, an 18-year-old senior at Schlarman Catholic High school in Danville who is considering coming to Eastern upon graduation, it was a different story.
On Jan. 2 Yates' house burnt down from a space heater catching fire to a wall. Because Yates has been performing in school plays, concerts and singing for the past four years, he decided to try out for "American Idol" in St. Louis.
His idea was to win and purchase a new house for his mother. Unfortunately, Yates was one of the first-four semifinalists to be eliminated on Feb. 23 after singing 'How Do I" by Marc Anthony, his favorite artist.
"I honestly was in shock when my name was called to leave the show," Yates said. "It was the worst night of my life, and I hope the other contestants prepare themselves for that."
Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul all agreed it was a poor choice of a song. Cowell was asked if he had any tips for Yates, and Simon simply said "no."
Yates also felt America would have voted differently if he received as much airtime as some of the other contestants.
Although Yates will not be the next "American Idol" this year, he is still confident in landing a record deal and has plans on continuing with acting and even auditioning for some sitcoms through Fox or MGM.
Yates said he feels that having the "American Idol" experience under his belt will be extremely helpful in accomplishing his dreams.
"Because of 'American Idol,' I already have my foot in the door, and this is not the end for me," Yates said.
Yates also said that "American Idol" was the experience of a lifetime, and he had no regrets.
He not only became friends with the other contestants, but he had the opportunity to meet Alice Cooper in the lounge of his hotel.
"He's a really cool guy, and it was awesome that I was able to take a picture with him and talk to him for a while," Yates said.
He also met the judges and Ryan Secrest, host of "American Idol."
Romana Murphy, Yates' aunt, was exceptionally proud of him throughout this entire process.
"This is only a stepping stone for Jared's future," Murphy said. "More good will come out of all this, and it will only make him stronger. This is truly a positive thing for Jared's life right now."
When Yates and his mom made their way home from the airport Saturday, they stopped at the local County Market grocery store. Little did he know he was in for a surprise from family, friends and the Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer for a small party.
"When I got there, there was tons and tons of people," he said. "It was crazy. I was really surprised."
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