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Highland teenager learns a lot from 'American Idol' experience May 13, 2018, 6:38 pmParrish was one of 300,000 people that tried out for "American Idol" in Provo last August. She sang 'You are My Sunshine' by Johnny Cash. "The talent scout cut me off about ten seconds into my song. She listened to about three songs from everyone else in my line. I was so nervous," said Parrish. "She told me not to be nervous and that she knew in the first ten seconds that she was going to put me through because she liked my style." After the audition, Parrish had a brief interview with the casting producers to tell them about herself and then they filmed her singing again. Since the producer liked her style and tone, she flew to Los Angeles to sing for them there too. According to Parrish they liked her style and taste in music, so then it was off to more auditions in New Orleans. This time she would audition in front of the celebrity judges: Lionel Ritchie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. She sang for them 'You Are My Sunshine.' "In the end, I left with three yesses! My whole family ran in and surrounded me, we were all super excited," said Parrish. After finding out she was advancing further, Lionel Ritchie came up to Parrish and put his hands on her shoulders and told her to never change. "He said that the industry will try and change me but to stay true to myself, my style, and my music," said Parrish. Soon she and her mother were on a plane to Hollywood for more rounds of auditions. The first song she performed when she first got there was 'Heaven' by Bryan Adams. She had only 45 seconds to show the judges her unique style and talent. After the solo round, she advanced to a group round. After singing 'Staying Alive' only three of the four singers in her group continued on, Parrish was one of them. The next round was a solo round again in which she performed with a band. "I performed 'Rhiannon' by Fleetwood Mac. It was awesome! Sadly I got cut that round but I was in the top 70. It was an awesome opportunity!" said Parrish. The biggest lesson that Parrish learned from this entire experience is to be true to yourself. "The music industry changes people fast; you can get caught up in the wrong things. They will try and effect what you think, sing, and act. It's important to stay true to your art," said Parrish. Even after the judges came into the room to tell her that she wasn't going to be going onto the next round, Parrish was still determined to follow her heart and fulfilling her dreams of being a professional musician. "My plans for the future is to share my music with the world. I'm going to be releasing an album soon," said Parrish. "If you want something you just have to go for it." The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2024 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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