American Idol Journey: Book I

Chapter 20 - Jax: Audition

Dedication: to Jax's dad for his heroic actions during 9/11 and to all of those who rescued others, as well as the victims

My mom, my dad, and my brother came to support me during my audition. My brother is like a giant because he is so tall. My dad was a firefighter during 9/11, but he was injured and retired. He lost some close friends that day. My singing was a way of helping him heal.

My number was called to go into the room and audition. I walked into the room and saw the judges. It felt so surreal.

"Are you excited to sing?" Harry asked me.

"Yeah," I replied smiling even though I was very nervous.

"I see a piano behind you. Does that mean we'll get to hear you play sometime?" Harry questioned me again.

"Oh yeah! God it's stressful playing for you," I replied to Harry knowing that he is a phenomenal pianist.

I walked around behind the piano and sat down. I played and sang I Want To Hold Your Hand for the judges.

When I finished, I stood up and went back in front of the judges to get their critiques.

"When did you decide to audition?" Harry asked.

"Well, I grew up on the show watching it. Ever since I was very little I was a fan. I voted for you," I said pointing to Adam.

"Aw, thank you," he replied.

I added, "Not to kiss butt."

"I can promise you one thing: there isn't anybody that we've heard that sounds remotely like you. I thought it was really strong. You are lovely, sweet, and talented," Harry told me.

"You are like shy and confident," Jennifer told me.

"Shonfident!" Harry exclaimed combining the words.

"I'm shonfident!" I repeated laughing.

"It's an attractive quality. You know what I mean? You know what you're doing, and you know you're good at it but there's still this thing that makes it very internal which draws me in and makes me what to know and hear more. It was really good. He's right we haven't heard anybody that sounds like you. You feel like the real thing," Jennifer told me.

"I was drawn in immediately. I think that you have like the "it" thing. I think you're interesting. And, your energy is warm and grounded and earthy, and you're adorable," Adam told me.

"And you're 18?" Jennifer asked questioning me.

"Yeah," I said giggling.

"That's a good thing," Jennifer replied.

"Do you write music?" asked Adam.

"I do, all the time," I replied.

"This is a good thing. We're going to vote," Jennifer told me.

I got an "absolutely Jax" from Harry, an "absolute yes" from Jennifer, and a "100 percent yes" from Adam. I earned the golden ticket to Hollywood Week.

Ryan walked with me back to the holding room to give my family the exciting news.

"I made it to Hollywood!" I exclaimed when I got back into the holding room. My dad picked me up when I ran to them. I was so happy!