2008 Woodie Awards
Student traveled Louisville in hopes of graduating from Murray Idol to American Idol
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: Features
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Contributing writer
Chrissy Renick is no stranger to the Idol stage.
Last year, Renick, sophomore from Cape Girardeau, Mo., competed and won White Idol, advancing to the Murray Idol competition. She finished second but set her sights on a larger stage.
During the summer, Renick auditioned for hit TV show"American Idol."
"I wanted to pursue singing, to live the American dream," Renick said, "I honestly don't know why I did it."
"American Idol" kicked off its eighth season auditions July 17. On July 21 the bus rolled up to Freedom Hall Auditorium in Louisville, Ky., where Renick auditioned.
Though initially she wasn't nervous, she had to change her song at the last minute, which caused some hesitation.
After waiting nearly 14 hours, Renick along with 15 other Idol hopefuls sang a 10-15 second selection in front of a panel of judges. Those who passed the first audition were forwarded to Randy, Paula and Simon.
Renick sang "Home," originally a country song by Marc Broussard, with her own stylistic influences including Fiona Apple, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson.
"I sang it more soulful," said Renick. "I am not a country girl."
Renick, however, did not advance in the competition.
"I expected it," Renick said. "I wasn't prepared for that much talent, but I definitely view this as a learning experience."
Although Renick did not advance, she did get to experience some light-hearted fun. She said she witnessed some of the notoriously awful singers Idol frequently makes stars.
"One man sang 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston, at the top of his voice; this guy was terrible, and he made it through," Renick said.
Although she didn't move on, in the competition this year, Renick said she looks forward to auditioning next season.
"I will work much harder next season," Renick said. "I'll be better prepared."
Renick, who began performing in front of crowds as a middle school student, stresses dedication, preparation, time management and passion as the keys to preparing and competing in "American Idol."
"You need to be able to go in there and wow the judges because everyone around you can sing, you need to be able to stand out from the crowd," Renick said.
In addition to singing, Renick is the athletic director for White College and part of White Residential College Council. She is also actively involved in the Newman House Campus Catholic Ministry Organization. Renick also works at Thoroughbrewed Cafe in Regents College.
Ashley Cobb can be reached at ashley.cobb@murraystate.
edu.
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