SEBASTIAN – American Idol has seen the last of Indian River County’s own superstar, Kristen O’Connor, but the rest of the world has not.
The total national vote count for the final 13 contestants was north of 71 million, but O’Connor clocked in at last place.
Though clearly disappointed, O’Connor fought through emotion to deliver one last stunning vocal performance, singing Adele’s “Turning Tables” to a live audience who was vying for the judges to save her.
Though Idol judge Jennifer Lopez was brought to tears over O’Connor’s departure from the competition, fellow judge Harry Connick Jr. announced that the judges could collectively only save one singer throughout the duration of the competition and the decision would have to be unanimous.
“The decision was not unanimous,” Connick said.
So America had to say goodbye to Sebastian’s hometown sweetheart, at least as far as the FOX reality show is concerned. But her fans and her community feel otherwise.
Tweets from O’Connor’s supporters began appearing immediately, declaring eternal support even after her elimination from the show.
“I’m so sad that you went home, I will forever support you I love you Kristen,” one fan said.
“Keep your head up and keep following your dream,” another supporter said.
During her farewell speech, O’Connor expressed her sincere gratitude to the judges and coaches for all the lessons learned on her American Idol journey.
O’Connor said she has listened to all of the feedback the professionals gave to both her and her competitors, advice she plans on taking with her as she continues to follow her dream and passion.
Thursday was not the first time O’Connor found herself battling to remain on the show. The previous week, she was chosen by the judges as a “wildcard” pick, a performer who was deemed talented enough to continue in the competition according to the industry’s professionals, but not reflected by the vote of the public.
“I was sitting next to a bunch of talented people, I knew any one of us deserved a chance to sing,” O’Connor said. “I was really hopeful the judges would call me based on the last performance. I was just trying to perform for them, I wasn’t even looking at the cameras.”
If there was one thing that was consistent, it was the continuous support and positive feedback from the judges who believe she has what it takes to make it as an artist.
Earlier in the competition, Jennifer Lopez said she could see O’Connor as someone who could start recording “tomorrow.”
Though her shot at becoming the next American Idol has come to an end, the general consensus among her community and fans is that the national level of exposure and attention generated for the performer is just what O’Connor needs to propel her forward.
After all, her fans know her as “KO” or “Knock Out,” and it takes a lot more than a televised popularity contest to hold back someone who is known for being a fighter.
