By Mike Mitchell Naperville Sun
It’s a good thing Gina Glocksen wasn’t all by herself.
She had “American Idol” judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and an energetic audience on her side, telling her they were impressed with her courageous performance Wednesday night in the first round of the semi-finals.
It was Glocksen’s first full solo performance on national TV, singing the 1997 hit single “All by Myself” by Celine Dion. It was a daring song choice, the judges said, since it requires a wide vocal range.
The 22-year-old Naperville native, who donned a small leather jacket and black hair with dark red streaks, even impressed herself. When asked by show host Ryan Seacrest what her confidence level was before her performance, she gauged it at a “6.” But she said her performance was worth a “12.”
Of course, one person disagreed.
“There’s a different side to you ... but I don’t think you hit that right note,” said judge Simon Cowell, who was less than impressed by Glocksen. “I just don’t think you hit it.”
Glocksen met some impressive competition Wednesday night, where the women scored much better with the panel than the men who competed Tuesday night. That’s particularly important for Glocksen since two women and two men will be eliminated by voters at 7 p.m. today on Fox.
It’s hard to gauge how the TV audience will react to the performances. But based on Jackson and Abdul’s reaction, Glocksen might be safe from elimination for now.
“I loved what you did, Gina,” said Jackson, who was smiling after her solo. “That was a big song to go with your big old voice. I was surprised.”
Though the song starts out soft and involves little fan interaction – unlike other performances earlier in the night – Glocksen came to a dramatic finish, capping off a high note with the audience roaring. The bold song matched Glocksen’s flamboyant personality.
“It was the right song for you,” Abdul said.
Even Glocksen showed a little frustration with Cowell’s analysis, whom she claimed to have a crush on in earlier episodes.
“Whether I was off or on, I think I did good,” she said in response to Seacrest’s questions.
Regardless, Glocksen’s fate is in the hands of voters. An estimated 30 million viewers watched Tuesday’s episode and the ratings should be similar for Wednesday. Glocksen, a dental assistant in Worth, said in an interview with The Sun on Friday that she is more comfortable with the audience’s judgment than the panel’s.
“Because only a few people are making the decision,” she said. “It’s much better now.”
Feb. 22, 2007
We at the Sun wish Gina the best in her quest for stardom!
Gina is hot!
She's got the voice, and now she's getting the camera time. I think she should do fine at the beginning of the competition.
She is awesome! All she needs now is a Naperville girl shirt to compliment her style!!!!
So let me get this straight: Glocksen grew up in Tinley Park, attended Andrew High School and works in Worth, but is somehow a Naperville native? What, did she just happen to be born at Edward Hospital?
Talk about stretching to make something newsworthy.
Wow, Gina is more than just a high shcool musical singer. Your doing a great job and I hope you go all the way. Just remeber to take the negative comments in stride and learn from them. If you want to be a real star you have to remember that there is always room for improvement so don't take the comments so personal. Best wishes on this journey!
Now, she lives in Naperville now. What's the stretch. It even says it when she's on the show.
How far does she have to get to get offered a spot on one of the Idol tours? Top 12 overall? Top 10?
She needs to watch tapes of two years ago and get some "sweet" points from Carrie Underwood...Too much attitude won't get many votes
Gina use to sing with Cat Fight. She seemed more comfortable with a group than singing on her own. Hopefully she will find her niche soon and run with it.
I go to Stagg High School, which is in the same school district as Andrew (the school Gina attended) and we are all rooting for her!! I remember her being a dental assistant cause she was working with my dentist when I had to go in. I guess that means I met her but it was way before American Idol. And now shes a star! So weird how someone can go from an everyday average person to a rock star! Go Gina!
Wow I think Gina knows what she is doing!!! She is awesome!