An ‘Idol’ welcome home for Jena Irene
Thousands celebrated the homecoming of “American Idol” finalist, Jena Irene (Asciutto) of Farmington Hills on Saturday. As one of the three remaining contestants, the show arranged a special day for the 17-year-old which included a parade down 13 Mile Rd. to her high school, North Farmington, followed by a concert. After three months in Hollywood, Irene returned home a contender to become the next “American Idol,” complete with an “Idol” camera crews and producers in tow. Each of the remaining finalists were also given what the show called a homecoming reunion.
Irene’s day began with a raucus visit to “Hercules Coney Island” at 12 Mile Rd and Farmington Rd, where she once worked as a waitress. Every hug, kiss and cheer was recorded by the “Idol” team to be presented to America on the program next week. Irene put on an apron, lit a flaming cheese with ease, and chatted with old friends and customers.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Irene. “I’m trying to take it all in and it’s impossible. It’s not even noon yet and this is the best day of my life.”
Also handing out hugs at the restaurant, were Irene’s brother, Nick Asciutto and mother, Julie Asciutto, who have shared Irene’s “Idol” experience. Since Irene is a minor, the program required her mother to stay with her in Hollywood, while her brother flew back and forth between Michigan and California. With her eyes filled tears, Julie Asciutto summed up her daughter’s rise to stardom as “a dream. I’m so proud.” Her brother adding that they all knew Irene would do something big, and are thrilled to watch her dream come true. Standing with the family, Dr. Sheri Jaffurs, Irene’s high school choir teacher, said she knew Jena Irene had something special.
“Jena used to sit at the piano and sing after class. The kids were drawn to her and were quiet, just listening.” said Jaffurs. “There was a quiet energy about her.” Irene later surprised Jaffurs with tickets to the season finale.
As the crowd cheered, Jena, Jena, Jena, Irene hugged everyone within reach and flashed her signature, huge, warm smile. Before heading out, Irene savored a bowl of Lemon Chicken Rice Soup heavy on the Tabasco sauce she added, like a real teenager.
Swelling crowds greeted Irene’s white limousine as she waved to the screeching crowd along 13 mile road. The paraded ended at North Farmington HIgh School. Long-time Jena Irene fans Kaitlyn Bashford and Sandi Spires drove from Riverview to join the celebration.
“I’m going to tattoo “I am my own person” on my arm. It’s line from a song she wrote called “Unbreakable Me.”,” said Bashford “We love her in Riverview and there are signs up everywhere to vote for her.”
Inside the school football stadium the “Idol” producers energized the crowd with a Jena chant. Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson predicted Irene will be the next American Idol, calling it a “slam dunk.”
A massive scream erupted and Jena appeared on stage, asking “What’s going on? Before I start my set, I want to thank you so, so much. I’m going to try and win this for you.”
North Farmington HIgh School voted on what song she perform and Irene cut loose with “Creep” by Radiohead. In the front row Katelyn Perrett cheered her former band-member from the teen group “Infinity Hour.”
“The girl I wrote songs with in my basement and made fortune cookies with is now on national TV. It’s insane. I’m so excited for her.” said Perrett.
Irene performed “I can’t help falling in love with you,” by Elvis,” Decode” by Paramore and an original song, “Unbreakable Me.” A sea of cell phone recorded the concert.
Irene left the stage with thunderous applause, a key to the City of Farmington Hills and an official day declared in her honor.
A viewing party will be held at the Maple Theater in Birmingham on Wednesday, May 14. Supporters gathered that night will hope to see another incredible performance that will move Irene into the final two, leading into the season finale May 21.
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