American Idol fame
She’s an
American
Girl
In so many facets of life, second chances are far too rare. After all, we never get a second chance to make a first impression. When Jasmine Murray was eliminated from this past season of American Idol after the second semifinal round, her second chance was up to the notorious Idol judges.
When she was invited back for the Wild Card round, Jasmine took advantage of her second chance, determined to leave the right impression the second time around. Performing “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera, Jasmine was selected as a finalist, rounding out the show’s Top 13. Despite being the first finalist eliminated, the 17-year old former Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen has used her experience on television’s most popular show to establish a promising young career in entertainment.
Pageantry magazine: When you first auditioned for American Idol, did you have any idea that you’d eventually wind up as a finalist?
Jasmine Murray: Oh no, I had no idea. Of course I wanted to make it and I was thinking about everything long term. I thought a lot about just getting through each level and just make it as far as I could. I was praying and my family was there supporting me, and I was just hoping to make it far.
PM: What was the overall experience like for you? Did you ever really have a chance to enjoy the ride or was it nonstop stress and excitement?
JM: I enjoyed it. It’s a lot of hard work, of course, but I enjoyed every moment of it. It’s definitely challenging for everybody, and it makes you realize if this is what you want to do. This is what I want to do, to have a singing career more than anything in the world. It was a great experience and I definitely enjoyed it the whole way. It wasn’t just all work and no play. But the moment of truth, being on stage, was the really fun part for me because I love being on stage.
PM: You were originally eliminated after the second semifinal, what was your reaction like when that happened? JM: I was sad, but I was just hoping that I would be chosen for the Wild Card. I was really looking forward to that and I never quit practicing, because I wanted to be prepared just in case it did happen.
PM: Then you were brought back through the Wild Card round and the judges selected you to be a finalist. How exciting was that, and how did it make you feel to receive that kind of endorsement?
JM: It was amazing, because you have to be on your game at every moment. It’s great because it shows that the song selection was good and it paid off. You never know what’s going to happen at any point and you just have to be prepared.
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