FYI
• Jena Irene
• Farmington High School
• 12th grade
• 8-10 p.m. ET Wednesday performances
• 9-9:30 p.m. ET Thursday results
• Fox (WJBK-Channel 2 in Detroit)
• Vote for Jena Irene: 1 (855) 4 IDOL 08
• Onlinewww.americanidol.com/vote
As Jena Irene of Farmington Hills rose to one of the top six on the current season of “American Idol,” people at home got more excited.
This week, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson declared Wednesday, April 23, as “Jena Irene Asciutto Day in Oakland County.”
“Now that Jena Irene is in the top six, every vote counts — we want to help our hometown contestant make it to the finals,” Patterson said of Irene, who dropped her surname for the stage. “I honored Jena Irene with her own day to make sure our 1.2 million residents tune in to watch this remarkably talented young woman and vote for her.”
Irene, 17, a senior at North Farmington High School, is one of three contestants from Oakland County competing in “American Idol XIII.” Malaya Watson of Southfield was eliminated two weeks ago, but will tour with the others this summer. Sam Woolf, who was raised in West Bloomfield Township but now resides in Bradenton, Fla., is still in the running.
On the program last week, voice coach and former judge Randy Jackson described Irene as the one to beat. She shared her thoughts in an interview with The Oakland Press.
Q: Has the mood changed since Malaya left the program April 10, after receiving the lowest number of votes?
A: Yes the mood has changed! Malaya is the life of the party and has the best personality even when times are hard. It was hard to see her go only because her ability to connect with the audience through her amazing vocals is absolutely mesmerizing. She actually took the time to write individual notes to everyone after she had gotten home. I can’t wait to see her back at home! Since we live so close it will be easy for us to hang out.
Q: Do you feel greater tension now that there are only six contestants left?
A: I actually feel less tension between the other contestants at this point because we all want the same dream, and the exposure that everyone has received is a boost in the right direction. We now all have the ability to have a successful career in music — which is the goal for everyone.
Q: Last week’s show theme was “competitor’s choice.” That was the first time you sang a song that you did not select. Was that difficult for you?
A: I sang “Creep” (by) Radiohead ... which is the song Caleb (Johnson) picked for me. Everyone was very mindful when choosing songs for one another just because we know each other so well. It was interesting to see what my other competitors think I would excel in, and for the most part, I agree with what they came up with.
Q: What do you hear from home?
A: I hear only positive things from home — besides the snow ha ha! But everyone, including my friends and family, have been extremely supportive in this whole process. I might not have all the time in the world to talk on the phone, but everyone has been really understanding in the fact that we work seven days a week now.
Q: What can you tell us about the remaining weeks of the show?
A: I don’t have a lot of information on how the show will run in the remainder of the season, but I’m sure there will be more mentors and performances soon. More Ford shoots and amazing themes for us each week.
Q: How are you doing?
A: I’m doing great! I’m so grateful for every day I get to be a part of this wonderful experience not only to be with some of my amazingly talented new friends, but how amazing everyone from production is. They teach you to be nice to everyone who’s making your performance the best it can be. “American Idol” is also a great transition from the high school life I was used to, to this busy life where millions of people are watching!
7. What advice would you give to singers thinking about auditioning?
A: Just do it! I almost did not audition because I thought it was lame or didn’t think I could make it far, if anything at all. I was wrong. “American Idol” IS where dreams come true, and it teaches you how hard and challenging this business can be. In the end it’s all worth it, taking risks is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Q: What important lessons have you learned both professionally and personally?
A: Basically to always be humble, and to always be yourself, no matter how many people are watching. It sounds easy, but when 500 cameras are in front of you, it can be challenging! I’ve learned to channel my nerves into a positive energy … thank God.
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