IdolPhenomena

IdolPhenomena followers, I recently had the privilege do some correspondence with American Idol Season 10 contestant Tiffany Rios. For those of you who don’t remember Tiffany she auditioned this year in East Rutherford, NJ and was one of the 50 or so contestants that earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood from NJ. She was also a featured auditioner through much of the process, most people recognize her as the girl with the star bikini top. However she is more than that, she is a girl with a dream to be a star. She had an amazing Idol journey and is excited for what the future has in store. The following is my interview with her. I hope you enjoy it. I know I enjoyed hearing from her.

Q. What made you Audition for Idol this Season?

A. This was my forth time auditioning. I first auditioned when I was 16 in NJ wearing jeans and I T-Shirt. I was very young and loved getting to know people and loved to atmosphere and told myself I would never stop. My second audition was in Philly because they did not do NJ auditions that year. The third audition was in NJ and I made it past the arena round then through two producers rounds during the week but did not get through to the Judges round to go to Hollywood. Then I skipped a year in 2009 because they did not have any Tri-State auditions. The closest was Boston l would have gone but I was playing Maureen in the musical RENT at a local theater and the dates were too consecutive to leave. This year was my fourth time and I auditioned only because I told myself at 16 I would never stop as long as the show was on... It was just absolute luck that my childhood idol and the reason I ever started singing (Jennifer Lopez) was a Judge. I had made it past the first couple of rounds and onto to Judges round before she was even hired for the job. Every day I could not believe I was going to meet her let alone sing and be judged by her. Hence me breaking down and crying at the sight of her! I’m sure most people before the Hollywood audition were practicing and getting ready while I just watched re-runs of "The Backup Plan" to prepare myself for who I was going to meet.

Q. How did you feel after making it through all the preliminary rounds to finally be able to earn a chance to audition for the Judges?

A. It was really weird going into to Judges round because even though nothing is a sure thing my previous auditions this year were perfect and I had nothing but yeses the whole way through. So going into the Judge’s room I was not nervous at all to sing. I knew I went there to sing and had a job to do so I stayed very focused.

Q. How has the overall audition affected your life and music today?
A. The entire experience has taught me many lessons and meeting so many talented people was a blessing. We would have breakfast every morning and lunch in Hollywood and my role in any party is to put a smile on people’s faces. We were always laughing and I was always there to be a shoulder to cry on. Although it may have seemed that people did not want me in their group it was not because of anything I had ever said rather than their groups were set already with the max amount of people. There were many groups that wanted to work with me but could not due to audition day restrictions and the amount of people we wanted in the group. Everyone was so kind and truly passionate about their talents and what they feel they have to offer to our music industry. Idol has brought me much notoriety and many people stop me daily to take a picture and talk. I have been invited to sing at many events and have many offers coming my way. Right now I am currently working on my first single which should hit iTunes this April and have appearances scheduled as well. Idol really does make dreams come true in all aspects of life and I am happy to be have been a part of it.

Q. What can you tell me about the single you will be releasing soon?
A. My single is so much fun! It will definitely be upbeat but as always I have a huge heart and found a song that feel most people could relate to at least once in their life but could still dance and smile at the same time.

Q. What is it like to be just regular Tiffany one day and seemingly overnight be recognized by strangers as Tiffany Rios from American Idol?
A. It is such a blessing to be recognized but I have to say my favorite part is meeting the children who saw the first episode. They all say "OMG YOUR THE GIRL WITH THE STARS". I love the attention being recognized for my talents and personality. So many people loved the Power of Love song and that just brings such joy to my heart because that song meant so much to me. I had always planned on singing that song and had told someone I go to the gym with. She told me she had loved that song but mainly loved it because her brother that had passed away a couple years ago had loved that song. So not only did I sing a song that Celine Dion one of my vocal idols made famous but sang a song that meant a lot to other people as well.

Q. Do you have a notable memory to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?
A. One of my favorite memories was after my solo audition in Hollywood when I sang All I Could Do Was Cry written by Billy Davis and made famous by Etta James. I saw Jennifer nudge Randy with her shoulder on his shoulder and pursed her lips together while smiling. It was so beautiful to see her move because of something I sang and is something I will never forget.. Hence my celebration dance and kiss I blew to her after I had been put through to the next round.

Q. Knowing that all RealityTV shows tend to embellish real events that they capture was group day really as hectic as they made it seem?
A. Like, I said before RealityTV can defiantly be edited and was. Were there some groups that did not want me?... sure the four they show on TV.... Were there groups I did not want t o be in?... absolutely but I met Jessa soon after and her group wanted to be with me and be a group of six. Due to number restrictions that was not possible. So we decided to work with each other and then were told to ask for more people even though we were perfectly happy being a duo.... then since everyone was already situated and comfortable I do not blame them for staying put where they were. I mean you couldn't honestly think people would just leave where they felt cozy to go with two people just to be an extra head?!! I think the producers knew that but just had us ask any way to make sure everything was done properly which is completely understandable. As for the other dramatic acts that had occurred I really focused on Jessa and I. Overall I think Group Day is defiantly tough and besides a couple of instances that were dragged out to be more dramatic than they actually were Group Day is rough and many people do find themselves very stressed out just as shown.

Q. Social Networking has allowed many of the Idol contestants to stay in contact, is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?
A. Pia Toscano was my roommate in Hollywood and although she was shy she was an absolute doll!! Out of the many people there I still keep in contact with Jessica Cunningham, Paris Tassin, and Phoenix Rainbow who is the sweetest person ever and whom I talk to weekly. We met the first day in Hollywood and she got cut two days later during solo round and we have not stopped talking since! If I make it big she will def be a roadie :) she even made me go out at 10 at night to get lip gloss!!!! lip gloss?! she needed it to sing?! hah love it and that night while shopping for her gloss I found a catholic cross rhinestone necklace which I wore the day of solo round and still wear today.

Q. What type of advice would you give someone that wants to try out of Idol?
A. Make sure you know who you are and be able to show your personality no matter what it may be! Whether it’s portrayed through your voice, a special song, how you dress, or your hair.. JUST BE YOU AND DO NOT HOLD ANYTHING BACK!

Q. Who is your “musical” role model and how have they inspired you?
A. I have many people who have inspired me musically but the people who have really shaped me as an artist are;
Michael Jackson- for his dance ability and creativity
Britney Spears- the ability to bring performances to life
Celine Dion- for her vocal abilities and showing 110% of real emotion behind whatever she does.

Q. What current Idols are playing on your MP3 player?
A. Considering that I just got an iPod this year I don’t have much music... I love oldies and listen to Audrey O'day and Etta James. When it comes to now music I love anything that will make me dance or bring a tear to my eye. I do not really relate to the type of music that the past Idols have made but must say I would never tune the radio to another station if Kelly or Carrie were on. <3>

Q. Any other additional insights or comments?
A. Idol has been a wonderful journey and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Below see Tiffany’s performance @ a 2011 Project Ladybug Event of Can’t Help Falling Love by Elvis Presley

For more Tiffany Check out the Links below…

[YouTube]

It’s officially the start of a new Idol Season well at least it is on Cable programming.-LOL This year’s new season brings a new panel of judges. Still on board is the “Dawg” himself Randy Jackson, the amazingly talented triple threat of Jennifer Lopez and lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler. Each had a few thoughts before they rolled on with the auditions in Jersey. J.Lo wants to totally change someone’s life by finding someone who has the potential to be a superstar. Steven Tyler wants someone who sings well that can win the heart of 40Million people, or be the Janis Joplin of this era. – Does this comment foreshadow a girl winning this year? Only time will tell. While Randy is excited to get started, “It’s a different table but it’s HOT.” Is how he described this year’s judging panel. Along with new judging panel is Jimmy Iovine of Interscope records who’s responsible for the careers of artists such as the Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga. With his help they hope to find the next superstar.

First audition to air tonight is that of Rachel Zevita of NY,NY. Zevita is no stranger to Idol, she auditioned back in Season 6 only to be cut Day 1 in Hollywood. This year she’s determined to make it and she’s not going to give up. This evening sing Hallelujah written by Leonard Cohen. For me I was not impressed by her audition. Rachel has a good voice but I felt like she was holding back. Fortunately for Rachel J.Lo remembered her from Season 6 and she remembers her being a lot better than this audition. Steven wanted her to sing with the same fire she expressed when she walked into the room. While Randy feels she deserves another shot. That’s three yes’ and Rachel becomes the first off to Hollywood.

Up next is Caleb Hawley who’s also from NY, NY he has an incredible audition. He had such intense passion for what he does. He had an energy about him that helped him exude a phenomenal stage presence. He made singing seem like it was a piece of cake. Steven immediately got excited and started singing and banging along with Caleb. Jennifer asked if she was allowed to clap and Randy said that he was a good singer. Following Caleb was the first 15yr old of the night, Kenzi Palmer. Kenzi is a musical theater student in PA and like Caleb she had an amazing stage presence. She also has a beautiful voice. Steven wasn’t feeling the pizazz in her audition but Jennifer clearly disagreed with him. Randy like Tyler wanted more from her, for example more movement in her delivery. However, with that critique all three judges come to the same conclusion and give Kenzi a ticket to Hollywood. We are three contestants in to the night and all three of them have gotten three yes’ things are looking good for New Jersey.

Before they go into the first poor performance of the night there is a montage of other contestants that they put through to Hollywood as well. Those contestants included Aaron Sanders, Jessica Cunningham and Pia Toscano. Now we’ve all been waiting for it the first absurd audition of the evening. Achille Lovle from Bronx, NY stands on the Idol logo and delivers her song… Custom Made where??? I ask myself. I didn’t even know what this girl was singing and where her notes were. Tyler’s reaction was far from pleasant. He told her there were no notes and that the melody was all over the place. He wanted her to pull those wild horses in ;-) J.Lo told her it wasn’t her accent that was preventing her from singing well and Randy told her singing was not her thing. And that is collectively the first 30mins of the show.

I sat there asking myself is that all come on Fox give me something slightly more entertaining. So far Idol felt almost like I was biting into a nice juicy hamburger and all of a sudden it’s rare and I wanted it well done. – Disappointed yes. The biggest thing fueling my disappointment is all the amazingly talented people I myself met in East Rutherford, NJ. Oh yeah, the answer is yes reader I did audition for Idol this year. However, for me it’s all about the experience and meeting all the people that have a similar passion for music as I do. And to hopefully network enough that one potentially knows the Idol after the competition is done. However alas I do not know any of the contestants that made it through from Jersey. – :-( . I am definitely slightly more entertained by the commercials that have been airing tonight. :-).

Cue the window washer.

Up next is contestant Tiffany Rios who gives a nice demonstration of how to get “the jersey hair.” This dance instructor from Morris Plains, NJ is deeply inspired by Jennifer Lopez. It was her movie Selena that first set her on her musical journey. She starts of with an original song… which says things like you need me, they need, to higher ratings on tv etc…. hmmmm. And Steven Tyler’s answer to the flashy accessory on her shirt with there's jujubees on your ooh ooh bees.- whatever that means. – ;-). They ask her to sing another song, she then delivers Celine Dion’s Power of Love. I thought she over sang the song however the judges thought otherwise. Steven like’s her energy, Randy just LOOKED DOWN and therefore she gets a ticket to Hollywood as well. This is followed by a montage of No’s.

After Melkia Whitfeald makes the audience "run away" Robbie Rosen is the next contestant we are introduced to. At only 16 years of age we find that he has had a disease most of his early childhood which did not allow him to walk. However, now he is walking just fine and he no longer has any issues. He expresses to the panel that he’s been waiting to audition since he was 7.- Blah blah cheesy stories do they really get you more votes because this would be one of many to come. He sings Yesterday by the Beatles and I like the judges am blown away. He has an incredible tone to his voice that is very unique. His audition made singing look effortless. Randy said his audition was a breath of fresh air. Steven liked the arrangement and Jennifer commented on the tone of his voice and told him he was cute. Before they even get a chance to vote they tell him Hollywood goodbye. And that’s another contestant heading to California.

No we’ve officially hit the 45minute mark into the show I still don’t know how to feel about this season, or the judges. Before the break Steven Tyler asks a contestant if he ate paint chips as a child…. The contestant kind of nods and I’m like WTF? I don’t know if that just really happened but thank god I’m not the only person that’s not afraid to ask people that – ;-). But really?

Next up is Boy Scout Chris Cadeiro with Sinatra’s My Way. Chris is currently working on his Eagle Scout project which is a PSA against texting while driving. Steven says he scared everyone in the room and Randy likes his shoes. I guess of you are just as flabbergasted as I was you need to comment on some inanimate object. So now we’re slightly over an hour into the show and I never thought I’d feel like this. But I’m starting to agree with the “witty” remarks of Rickey, Richard Rushfield and VFTW on Twitter. Yes they tend to be snide and tasteless but they are totally more entertaining than this show is. Up next is Paint Chips guy whose just plain horrible. After he butchers Proud Mary he proceeds to crucify I’m Here from the Color Purple. OMG! what did you just do to one of my favorite songs. Randy tells this contestant, Michael not to sing anywhere. Which I feel is great advice.-LOL.

Next is Ashley Sullivan who comes from Springfield, MA which just happens to be like 20mins north of where I live. Her idol is Britney Spears. She has chosen a song called Gimme Gimme to audition with. She definitely over performed the song but has the potential to sing very well. J.Lo feels her voice is good but that it’s more Broadway. However, Ashley wants to be the Liza Minnelli of American Idol. With that she gets another chance and a ticket to Hollywood. Ashley is followed by Victoria Huggins, who at 16yrs old a great energy about her and very good voice to match. Steven’s response is, “Lord Have Mercy.” Jennifer thinks she’s adorable and Randy likes her personality.

Up next we are introduced to Melinda Ademi from Yonkers, NY. Her family came to the U.S. as war refugees from Kosovo. Having started out with nothing, Melinda’s parents want their daughter to live her dream of being a singer. Melinda has an incredible voice and a very subtle stage presence. Tyler tells her she sings beautifully, J. Lo tells her to live her dream and Randy says yes. So Melinda is one step closer to realizing her dream of being a singer. With 30Mins left in tonight’s episode I have yet to have a "Wow" moment. Devyn Rush is up next. She is a singing waitress at the Stardust dinner in NYC. By the way I love the Stardust – :-). She has chosen to audition with God Bless The Child. She has an incredibly good voice, however I feel like she needs have a bit more energy about her when it comes to her delivery. Tyler says her performance is delicious. J.Lo Liked it because it was unexpected. Randy feels she has a good voice as well. They give her a golden ticket and out the door she goes. After she walks out the room Steven says someone is going to have to take her clothes shopping-LOL.

Jimmy Kennedy of Delaware next proceeds to butcher Hey There Delilah. While Genise sings I’m a Believer- which my response to is yes please yell at me more. They both get a no from the judges. – Thank You. My favorite no in that montage comes from Randy where he says, “I know, so NO.” This montage is followed by something even greater. Yoji “Pop” Asano who is a Michael Jackson impersonator. He has chosen to sing Party In The U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus which is clearly a song he has expressed dislike for. This is followed my the OMG a Party In The U.S.A. montage. Why Fox, Why? This is followed by another bunch of No’s which are sugar coated with comments like nice shorts.

We are down to the last two auditions of the evening the first is that of Brielle Von Hugel. Whose father has fought throat cancer and is in remission. She sings Endless Love which is exceptional. And for her young age there is a maturity in her vocal tone that ads to her presence. Tyler loves her attitude, J.Lo said she sounded beautiful and Randy says she has a good voice but there is some work she needs to do. The last audition of the night is that of Travis Orlando. He shares with us the troubles his family has had in the past and how they were living a shelter. He also expresses that this audition is to help his family. The first song he sings is Eleanor Rigby. I absolutely loved it. They truly saved the best for last. He also has a chance to sing I’m Yours by Jason Mraz which was very refreshing as he made it his own. Randy loves his singing voice. J. Lo love his unique tone while Tyler agrees by saying that he sings beautifully.

And that’s officially the end reader. The next audition city is New Orleans. Get ready for it. Because it airs in less than 18hrs – ;-). That’s a total of 51 contestants to Hollywood from New Jersey…. I will follow up with a list of who they are after this post. I do have some favorites both that were featured and not featured I'll denote those when I post my list.