Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2007, Page 19

Description:	ights, Camera, Action!South Students Tackle the Reality of Reality ShowsBy Catherine McGillivrayThis year, several Bloomington High School South students fought their way to a spot onnational TV. American Idol was by far the most popular of the shows that featured a South student.American Idolviewers were used to hearing judge Simon Cowell say things such as, That washideous, or You are by far the worst singer I have ever heard. However, when junior Trevor Wernerauditioned in front of the Idol judges, he wasnt just spared Simons wrath—he was actually lavishedwith praise. They were impressed and Simon said that he was amazed to see such control of a voice,said Werner. Although he didnt make it to the television performances, he said it was an experience of alifetime.Werners Tc/c/experience began at another singing competition called Rockfest. They toldme the details and places to audition. [My Idol audition] started in L. A. at the Rose Bowl Stadium,explained Werner. There is a lot more to what you see of the auditions. I went to pre-auditions, whichare usually a week before the actual auditions. Werner sang Unchained Melody in Spanish for his firstaudition. Based on the genre of music contestants specialized in, judges chose songs for them to sing.During his auditions, Werner saw a wide variety of talent. Some just wanted TV publicity...There were a few really good people with some great voices, but [a lot] could not sight read. Thisis where Werner had an advantage. He had been studying opera and taking voice lessons at IU JacobsSchool of Music for more than 10 years.Next up was Memphis, Tennessee, where Werner passed and got the invitation to Minneapolis,Minnesota. There were around 10,000 people there.. .1 sang Lonesome Road for Randy, Paulaand Simon. They put me through so I was on my way to Hollywood. In Hollywood, the judges wereviewing the people with the best vocals. It took about six hours just for me to sing. Then after I sang thejudges put me through to the next round, he said.After traveling to four different cities, auditioning in front of countless judges, and making itthrough 12 rounds, Werner was cut in Hollywood at the 36th spot. After I was cut on American IdolI was upset, if it wasnt meant to be then it wasnt, he said. However, that did not discourage his Idoldreams. He had such a great experience that he planned on auditioning again.Werner wasnt the only South student who experienced reality television first-hand. SeniorChelsey McKrill filmed a Made episode during the spring, and sophomore Lelia Brown competedon Endurance during the summer of 2006. Whether they are watching or starring, the students ofBloomington High School South are quite familiar with the reality of reality television.%P0^-Student Life
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/7543
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

Further information on this record can be found at its source.