I’ll be posting several American Idol Top 31 contestants previews every day in the run up to the American Idol XIII premiere on January 15.
Click for the FULL list of the American Idol XIII Top 31
When Detroit native, Jena Irene Asciutto, was a mere 12 years old, she joined an alternative rock band called Infinity Hour. Lead singer, Jena’s, alterna-vibe was compared to Haley Williams of Paramore, by some of the locals who had come to know them.
“Despite their youth, all five members have been playing music for years,” reads the band’s Facebook bio, “and their current mix of bright pop hooks and moody alternative rock is proof they’ve come of age.”
The band made appearances on FOX 2 Detroit, local festivals and won battle of the bands contests. The opened for acts like Buck Cherry, Smash Mouth and Ingrid Michaelson. They released some music on iTunes, and worked with local producers. Management was working to get their music used in TV and Films. An original song “Time of My Life” was played on local radio. They appeared to be amassing a local following.
Besides singing lead, Jenna played keyboards and co-wrote songs with her band members. In the group bio, Jenna talked about what inspires her writing.
“In the past, I’ve written a lot about young love and heartbreak. Sometimes I like to write from another person’s point of view, but I’ve also written about real life experiences, like my parents’ divorce, and I think a lot of people can relate to that. But it’s not all dark and sad. I can be inspired by watching a movie, or just by being happy and loving life.”
The singer went on further to describe her hopes for the band:
“My dream would just be touring and having the world listening to our music and knowing all the words to our songs. And helping people through their problems, because music is definitely a healing process for me and millions of others.”
Infinity Hour’s Facebook page hasn’t been updated since early 2013, at which point, remaining members had begun another band. It’s safe to say Jenna parted ways with the group. With so much going for them, what could have caused a split? Maybe be this, as described by the band’s bass player, Brad Rule:
“Everyone in this band has different taste in music. And I think that makes us better songwriters, because we end up writing lots of different types of songs – heavier songs, ballads, songs that are more pop-driven.”
The following summer, Idol came to Detroit, and Jena auditioned, she sang in front of the judges and survived Hollywood. The young singer has definitely gone solo.
Check out the band’s Facebook, You Tube Channel. Download their 5 song EP, Infinite Stars of Mine, released January 2012, HERE. Jenna has a solo You Tube Channel.
Check out a few videos from Infinity Hour. This band is solid. Mostly a poppy sound. “Press Down” has a classic rock vibe, and is a little more adventurous.
Original Song Immaculate
Original Song Unbreakable Me
Original Song – Press Down
She Finally Knows – Music Video
This video is 3 years old. The band was really poppy at this point, and there was another female band member who isn’t in more recent videos.
Cover mashup of When You Were Young/Somebody That I used to Know
Solo Original – Unbreakable Me
Jena performing a song she wrote, solo.
Jena Irene Asciutto – American Idol XIII – Detroit Audition
Jena Irene Asciutto – American Idol XIII – Road to Hollywood
This is Real
Hollywood Week – Video Games by Lana Del Rey
Hollywood Week Groups – Clarity
Jena and her group barely survive the drama to perform “Too Close” by Alex Clare
Final Judgement – “Unbreakable Me”
Jena sang an original song “Unbreakable Me” as her final solo.
Rush Week – Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones
Rush Week – Wild Card Performance
Jena performed an original song “Unbreakable Me” to earn a spot in the Top 13
Top 13 – The Scientist by Coldplay
Top 12 – Suddenly I See by KT Turnstull
Top 11 – Decode by Paramore
Top 10 – Clarity by Zedd
Top 9 – Bring Me to Life by Evanescence
