We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 66°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Video: American Idol's Aaron Kelly makes 'The Climb' to Hollywood

miley cyrus the climb aaron kelly american idol video
American Idol contestant Aaron Kelly scored his ticket to Hollywood by singing 'The Climb' by
Miley Cyrus.  (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
 
American Idol contestant Aaron Kelly scored his ticket to Hollywood on Wednesday's night's broadcaset by auditioning with the Miley Cyrus hit 'The Climb'.

 
Aaron Kelly, a 16-year-old contestant from Orlando, Florida, is already prompting comparisons to Season 7 American Idol runner-up David Archuleta.  Aaron got four yeses from the American Idol judges including one from guest judge Kristen Chenoweth.

"I thought it was a good choice of song for you," said Simon Cowell of Kelly's Miley Cyrus pick, showing a twinge of a smile through his characteristic sneer.  "I think the moms will love you."

American Idol 'Footprints in the Sand' audition makes Cowell blush

Randy Jackson was more effusive in his praise:

 
"Dude, I think it was a great audition.  I love everything about you.  I love the fact that you're 16, you're shy and that voice comes out of somebody that shy--which is cooler to me and more endearing."

Video: 'Pants on the Ground' Larry Platt takes 'The View' by storm

 
Of course, no American Idol audition would be complete without Fox producers extracting a traumatic story from the contestant's childhood to contextualize his pain.  Aaron Kelly told American Idol confessional cameras that he was nearly placed in foster care as a baby due to parental neglect, but was then adopted by an aunt and uncle that he now refers to as "mom" and "dad".  Aaron Kelly also said that he hopes to be "a role model some day to kids everywhere."

Howard Stern thinks Ryan Seacrest has 'sexual problems'

Aaron Kelly and 180 other contestants selected from more than 100,000 hopefuls now travel to Hollywood, California to compete for a spot in American Idol's Season 9 Top 12


Check out Aaron Kelly's American Idol audition with 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus below.


Follow the LA Music Industry Examiner on Twitter

Advertisement

, LA Music Industry Examiner

Gregory Roberts is a lifelong musician, professional music educator and sometimes cultural relativist. He is interested in examining the music industry from both current and historical perspectives and once spent an evening lost in the catacombs of the Anaheim Pond with Mark Mothersbaugh and...

Comments

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...