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'American Idol's Aaron Kelly: The contestants are 'one big family'
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Aaron Kelly was sent home from "American Idol" after "Fly Me to the Moon," one of his best performances of the entire competition. He tells us about wanting to record country music, kind words from Simon Cowell, his "Idol" family and how much he appreciates his aunt and uncle who adopted him.
On the upcoming "American Idol" tour:
I'm really excited to be a part of it and interact with the fans and the supporters. It's going to be nice to connect with the fans and to be able to go out there and not have to worry about impressing the judges. It's going to be good, clean fun.
On how he grew in the competition:
I think the judges wanted to see a little more charisma. I got my confidence up and I was having a good time, I just needed to believe a little bit more. I felt the more I went into the competition, the more I was gaining ... I was still learning to add all the extra things to my performances.
On wanting to record country music:
Country music is what I've grown up listening to and it's what I feel I fit most comfortably. Simon said that country music is where I really shined. The people that inspire me most are Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban. They have such great, honest music. I have a great time performing country music and I see myself hopefully going down that road.
On his fellow contestants and Big Mike's parting words:
Mike was saying, "You made it this far and good things are going to come out for everybody." He said, "No worries, man, it's a good place to go and you're gonna do good things." I'm good friends with everybody on the show. It's one big family because we're all stuck in the "Idol" bubble. Contestants and the people behind the show are all we've got, so we stick together and we're all very close.
On his family and adopted mother who is actually his aunt:
My mom is a great support. She gave up so much to make sure all of her kids got what they wanted out of life and that we had a good life ahead of us. She's always encouraged us to follow our dreams. My dad as well. They both put out a lot for me to be able to do this so I'm very thankful for both of them. I love my mom very, very much for the things she's given up for me.
I've had a great life and I love getting to share all this with my family. My mom and dad put out a lot to make sure I have my dreams and I'm glad that it's my aunt and uncle who adopted me because if it hadn't been them, I wouldn't get to see any of my real mom and dad or any of that side of the family. They didn't want us getting taken away to some foster parents that would never let us see our real families, so I'm really glad to have that.
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After reading those comments, I just have to respect Aaron even more. He's very humble, thankful for what he's been given, and doesn't act like he's just a little too cool for the room. I'm not very much of a country fan, but I do like Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban quite a lot, so I think he and I would get along musicly, a little bit anyways! I'm a little more of a rocker but that's still ok too. and I must agree, this was one of his very best performances. Hey, if he had to go out, why not go on a positive note right? I see big things for Aaron in the future. Everyone keeps saying "he's only 17". Like that's a bad thing? It's fun to watch these guys develop and grow, and wwatching Aaron grow has been, and will continue to be, a real pleasure. He's a good kid and I sincerely wish him all the luck in the world!
Aaron is a good kid with a huge voice and along with Lee, Siobhan, and maybe Tim(as a TV actor, not singer) - has a shot at making it big someday. His arc as a singer is just starting. Siobhan mentioned Aaron in her exit interview as a marvelous talent and added that she honestly could not have sang and competed as well as Aaron did at his age, AND handled the full HS class load and homework Aaron was doing the whole time he was in the busy Idol schedule. He really impressed Siobhan Magnus, doubtless many others.
And Siobhan news?
For Siobhan fans.
1. She wrapped her media tour up Wednesday with by visiting the New York Presbyterian Hospital to sing and play the piano in recital for patients. Not sure if they recorded it. But NY newspapers said she sang beautifully and wondered why Idol never mentioned how good she was as a piano player.
2. She got back to Cape Cod last night.
3. Her Dad said she was happy to be back, but very tired, sick with a cold and not available for interviews.
4. NYC media loved her, and she was on fire in her appearances. It was a very successful Idol media tour. It included an exceptional performance of a new song for her, the R&B "Summertime" on BET's Wendy Williams on Tuesday. That showed off her jazz & R&B vocal improvisation skills, got a standing O and a "holy smokes" from the host.
Aaron did great. He is among the few - Lee and Siobhan - that are just beginning their arc as aspiring professional entertainers who are still "works in progress". He has a huge voice, and may well be a known country artist someday.
i like aaron, and will always like him.. i am sure, this is just the start, not the end, of his career.. go aaron!