Could she be the next 'Idol'?
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on January 17, 2014 1:46 PM
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Rochelle Majesty York
American Idol 2014 has a contestant from Goldsboro.
But if you aren't a fan of spoilers, read no further.
The Internet is swirling with all sorts of "inside information," including who made it to Hollywood Week and a list of the Top 31. And yes, the girl from Goldsboro has accomplished both.
Rochelle Majesty York, 21, a 2010 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, is reportedly among the Top 16 girls who have made the cut.
The 13th season of the popular singing contest that produced such divas as Kelly Clarkson, the first year's winner, and Carrie Underwood, began airing on Fox TV Wednesday night. North Carolina has been well-represented over the years, since the second season when Clay Aiken came in second place in the finale, Fantasia Barrino of High Point won in 2004, and when Scotty McCreery of Garner won in 2011.
But this appears to be the first time Goldsboro has the potential to be represented in a big way, if online sources are to be believed.
According to AmericanIdol.net, "Hollywood Week is officially over and we have the names of the Top 31 contestants who will be moving on to the next round."
In addition to a list of those moving on, a short synopsis of each can be found.
"American Idol 2014 contestant Rochelle Majesty York sometimes goes by the name Majesty York, like on her ExploreTalent.com profile, or by Rochelle York as on her Facebook page," the site said. "Whichever name she decides to go by, when she auditions for American Idol Season 13, her voice is certainly regal!"
Blogger Jimmy Boyd, on YouTube Video, released several spoilers he attributed to "The Idol Pad." In a Dec. 27 post, he promised to add Majesty's audition video for the show once it has aired on "American Idol." He also noted that he could not guarantee information from "The Idol Pad" was accurate or whether those in the Top 31 would perform on the live show.
Despite all the buzz circulating, Miss York herself has not commented publicly about her status with the show. In general, contestants on reality shows are prohibited from speaking about the outcome before episodes have aired or they face being eliminated.
Miss York's friends and relatives describe her as a "dedicated Christian" and "very talented young lady" who attends the Bridge Church.
Lee Stowe, a guitarist with the Matt Bartlett Band, based at the Bridge, said he has known Majesty for a while and that they have performed together at the church. She was also a guest performer with the band when it won a trip to play at Busch Gardens as opening act for the Christian group Third Day in August 2012.
He said Wednesday night that he has been in contact with Miss York over the past few days and confirmed that she was not allowed to do media interviews in advance of the show's airing. He added that he was proud of the local singer and hopes to see her do well in the competition.
"I have enjoyed playing with her everywhere," he said. "I have done outreach with her (at other churches and for the God Is In Our City event). She's got a great heart. Her style of music is awesome. Her vocals are unique."
Her parents are Phill and Lori Grant.
This year's season of "American Idol" kicked off with the premiere that featured auditions from Boston and Austin. Instead of the typical sob stories of earnest citizens rising from the ashes to sing a new song, or tone-deaf wannabes causing the judges to force back laughter, this year promises some changes in format.
Stay tuned. Or if you can't wait to see it unfold, go online and check out the spoilers.