Although Aaron Kelly, the 17-year-old singer from Sonestown, PA, was voted off "American Idol" on May 5, his presence on the popular reality-show television series is good news for Disney fans. After all, Kelly’s success with the competition began at The American Idol Experience, a Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction.
Beyond being a lot of fun for participants and audience members, The American Idol Experience at Disney really does live up to the promise “where dreams come true.” At least, that seems to be what Kelly believes.
During February 2009, Kelly received the most votes from audience members at The American Idol Experience singer. His performances not only garnered attention during the attraction’s performances but provided him with a “Dream Ticket” to the show’s regional auditions. This front-of-the-line ticket, much like the golden ticket of both "American Idol" and "Willy Wonka" fame, guaranteed Kelly an auditioning spot.
Kelly’s performance at that audition – he choose the Orlando location – has kick-started Kelly’s singing career, which he plans to continue as a country singer along the lines of Rascal Flatts.
In Thursday’s American Idol post-elimination interviews with the media, Kelly praised Disney’s version of the show.
“Doing The American Idol Experience, it's a great way to get a feel for what this competition is really like,” Kelly said. “You go through a set of audition processes and the audience actually votes you through.”
Kelly also speculated on a career working with Disney: “I see myself as more interacting with Disney. I know that Rascal Flatts have done some recordings for Disney, like 'Life Is a Highway.'”
While Kelly’s success suggests good things for the young singer, it’s also a boon for the credibility of The American Idol Experience. With Kelly, the youngest "American Idol" participant to reach the top 5, Disney has established that its them park attraction also works to prepare contestants for the "American Idol" auditioning process and televised competition. 
The publicity surrounding Kelly’s start on "American Idol," and his success there, is likely to attract attention from singers who might now see as a legitimate stepping stone to the television show – especially with its “Dream Ticket”* acting as a version of FASTPASS to "American Idol" auditions. Guests are now more likely to see The American Idol Experience as both a fun karaoke experience, which it is, and as a real opportunity, which it might be.
There’s good news in this development for Disney guests as well. With the increased attention The American Idol Experience receives, audiences at the attraction might very well see – and hear – an increase in the overall quality of the attraction’s performances, which are subject to a pre-screening and audition process.
© Gene Duncan / Disney.
And Kelly’s success is good news for Walt Disney World. Beyond his prerequisite praise for the company that provided him with the chance to appear on "American Idol," Kelly’s success helps add longevity to The American Idol Experience. Already popular, the attraction’s real-world effects can be expected to extend its shelf life so long as the television show remains viable.
*Note: To qualify for the “Dream Ticket,” participants in The American Idol Experience must meet the American Idol eligibility requirements. These requirements are different from those to participate the attraction. Recipients of a "Dream Ticket" are not provided with travel, meals, lodging or other expenses.
Click the link to read more articles on Disney Travel news, deals, and advice. You may also sign up for a free subscription to this column.
Comments