Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Amber Holcomb said she was inspired to audition for American Idol in Galveston this year because she had watched and admired as Fantasia, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks ascended to the Idol crown growing up.

The 17-year-old first-time auditioner not only earned a golden ticket to Hollywood, she advanced all the way to the Vegas round before being eliminated Thursday night after her group sang “Blue Suede Shoes.”

Amber is 17 and a student at Shepherd High School in Texas.

She says she won the first competition her parents entered her in growing up.  She also took best of show honors last January in the Shepherd school district’s annual talent show with a performance of Alicia Keys’ “Falling In and Out of Love.”

At Shepherd High, Amber is also a member of the Pirate Pride Drill Team, runs track and field and was a member of the 2011 Homecoming court.

She’s also youth president at Temple Faith Church in the Shepherd area.

In her golden ticket interview, Amber said she thinks her outgoing personality helps set her apart.

As for why she might have had a chance to become the next American Idol?

“Not only do I have the drive and personality, but I also have the talent, and I think America will love me,” she said with a smile.

Of course, she didn’t reach a point in the competition where America had a say.

And I’m not sure America got to hear her sing on the show.

So I’ve embedded a couple of her cover songs below.  You can head to her YouTube channel to hear more.

And I won’t be surprised if we hear more from Amber on a future season of  Idol.

Editor’s Note: My profiles of American Idol contestants omitted five Vegas contestants, Amber Holcomb, Molly Hunt, Marissa Pontecorvo, Josh Sanders and Tenna Torres. They’ve now been added. Follow the link for profiles of all the Idol contestants who made it to Vegas or who were featured in audition episodes during Season 11.

“Knock You Down”

“Teenage Love Affair”