For a 17-year-old, Jena Asciutto has already established herself as a performance veteran in metro Detroit area. Now, Asciutto has earned herself a top 30 spot on American Idol. She will perform live on Fox next Wednesday, Feb. 19. at 8 PM.
What’s been the most surprising part of your American Idol journey?
There are a couple things that I didn’t expect going into it. It’s such a long experience. I originally auditioned in July and it’s been going on since then. Then when I got to Hollywood week, I didn’t expect it to be as intense as it was. When you see it on TV they make it seem so dramatic and that’s how it actually is in real life. Everyone is so tired and rundown.
I also didn’t realize how many friends I would make. Everyone is so nice, even the production staff. I’ve never seen any favoritism. They treat us all equally and they’ve taught us how to work hard and stay humble.
What’s it like working with judges, Harry Connick Jr, Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban and have they given you any advice?
Being able to talk with and receive constructive criticism from three of the most successful people in the music business means a lot. I think the biggest point they’ve made is that I need to connect with whoever I’m playing to audience-wise. Obviously, I’m feeling the song when I’m performing but in order to stand out from other performers I have to make a connection and make the judges feel what I’m feeling.
During Hollywood week, you chose to sing one of your own songs instead of choosing one from the list that they provided you. What was your reasoning?
I remember I was so tired when they said we were going to do solos the next day. I was looking at the song list and there were a couple songs that I knew. At that point, the judges knew that everyone could sing so, it was about standing out. I think what made me confident enough to do my own song, though is that they’re my words and they’re from my own experiences. I thought the judges could relate to that.
Going forward, do you have a strategy for choosing songs?
I think just choosing songs that people normally wouldn’t choose. I want to go with what people wouldn’t expect me to sing or picking a song that people wouldn’t expect me know.
What’s been the best part so far?
When they cut us down to the top 30, the judges sat us down individually and told us whether we were in or not. I had to go up this elevator and then walk into this really long room. I remember [Harry Connick Jr.] saying: “There’ve been a lot of great competitors and you should be proud of how far you’ve made it.” I was really bummed because he made it seem like I didn’t make it and then he said, “I’m just going to give it to you straight. You’re in.” I was beaming.
Aside from becoming the next American Idol, what do you hope to achieve during your time on the show?
I think if I’ve gotten this far, there is an audience that does want to hear me whether it be through my voice or my songs or me speaking to them. My ultimate goal is to be a voice for that audience. I do want to put out an album and I want to write with whoever wants to write with me. I also would like to get into other genres like rock, alternative or even the electronic scene.
Follow Jena on Twitter @JenaAsciutto1
Photo Credit: Michael Becker / Fox. © 2014 Fox Broadcasting.
