Celebrity status 'weird,' but she's loving it
Gina Glocksen describes what life is like now that she's a star
By MIKE MITCHELL Naperville
A year ago, Gina Glocksen knew about five people in Naperville.
On Wednesday, in front of a thousand screaming fans, the "American Idol" finalist was awarded a key to the city at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall. Mayor George Pradel proclaimed a citywide holiday: Gina Glocksen Day. She called the city her second home.
"It's so weird, I feel like a president," Glocksen said.
What a difference a year makes.
After auditioning three times for "American Idol," the 22-year-old Naperville resident was about to give up, until her family encouraged her to try again. She dashed to the finals, making the top nine, and now returns to the city as one of its biggest stars.
She stood on stage barely able to speak Wednesday as she was awarded a framed March 9 cover of The Sun. She couldn't hide her zeal as she proudly held the print that reads, "A star is born," along with a cutout picture of her singing on "Idol."
It was the first issue after she had advanced to the finals, making her a national icon. Glocksen said it was around that time she realized her celebrity was for real.
"I think it was when I saw myself on the cover of People, that was pretty intense," Glocksen said of the April 6 issue. "I didn't even know - I was walking down the street with my stylist, and I was like, 'Oh that's me, I look thin, PhotoShop works.'"
As she gazed Wednesday on the framed cover of The Sun, her family stood at her side and hundreds of squealing girls shouted, "We love you, Gina." It was a warm welcome for the 22-year-old who wore a black tank top, black jeans, heels and her patented fiery red-streaked hair.
Young girls waved large banners along with a cutout of the Wednesday edition of The Sun, which also was dedicated to the rocker.
She said she felt at home in Naperville, a place she has lived for about two years since moving from her hometown of Tinley Park.
"It's very exciting for me, very overwhelming to know that before I auditioned for 'Idol,' I lived in Naperville for two years and nobody knew my name," she said. "And now I have people coming here wanting to meet me and see me in person. I am so honored to be here."
She appeared gracious and enthusiastic.
One girl screamed through the silence, "I love you, Gina!"
Glocksen tilted her head back, looking at the ceiling, with a wide a smile and shouted, "I love you!"
Mayor George Pradel, who appeared in a tuxedo, said Glocksen was a credit to Naperville.
But her stay in the western suburb might come to an end soon, Glocksen said. She plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue a singing career after she finishes the "American Idol" Summer Tour, which is slated for the beginning of July.
For now, however, she was basking in her success. She smiled, blew kisses at the crowd and even joked with the mayor and audience. It was the first time Glocksen had taken a shot at another contestant on the show.
"I think Sanjaya (Malakar) will win," said Glocksen, in response to whom she thought would take top prize in this year's competition. The audience laughed at her sarcasm. Malakar has been labeled the worst finalist in the history of the competition by many show critics, and his popularity has caused better talents such as Glocksen to be ousted from the show.
Still, Glocksen said Wednesday's event was part of a dream come true.
"It's weird, because I'm a resident of Naperville now, but it's not my hometown. So it's cool," she said. "I didn't know who anyone was, and now I have media in front of me, and people in auditoriums chanting my name. I love it, now I'm glad to be home."
April 12, 2007
Gina, this may seem odd, but I have a 16 year old daughter who has been receiving remarks from strangers that she looks very much like you. I think all she needs is that hint of red in her air. In addition, once you weren't asked to return, I swore that I would never watch Idol again. Their so-called method of choosing an idol is very flawed. If they were really looking for someone with the "it" factor, then you would be it, the American Idol. Good luck with your future and I hope to buy one of your CDs soon.