I actually DO in fact know Eben. His mother, Steph, (Stephanie Phillips Franckewitz) and her older brother, Scotty (Scott) and their parents, Larry and Leah Phillips, moved next door to my family (in Zanesville, Ohio) when I was not yet even one yrs of age. My parents and Larry and Leah (Eben’s grandparents) became very dear friends of my family, and we have always remained extremely close. We vacationed every year together growing up (myrtle beach always and once clearwater,florida) despite the fact that they had moved to Gauley Bridge, WVA, and lived there for several yrs, until Steph and Scotty graduated. Both Steph and Scott attended WVU, and then Eben’s mom, Stephanie-actually lived in Pittsburgh while she was obtaining her MBA. Stephanie and Joe (Eben’s father) met and got married in Baltimore, MD, and a few yrs later moved to the suburbs of Cinci. Steph and I were pregnant about one yr apart. She had Eben on June 13th 1996, and I had Madeline on Feb. 13th 1997. Eben is and always has been the panultimate sweetheart. He was such a nice and considerate little boy. Always a little beyond his years, even back then. (And SUCH an ADORABLE baby! Those killer dimples!) Asa, Eben’s little brother, was also born on the 13th as well-of July. (I’d be watching out for Asa too, in a few yrs! Mark my words.) Talent is something that runs in the family. Eben’s mom-Steph, has a good singing voice, as we would sing along to various artists on our long road trip to the beach every summer. She can hear 2 & 3 part harmonies, and we would sing along to The Carpenter’s. Joe, Eben’s dad, is a musician, and can play the drums, guitar, and has a great voice as well. He has played in several bands, though not professionally. Eben’s audition did NOT even BEGIN to showcase the true talent that boy possess. I would indeed liken his voice to more of Greyson Chance than to Justin Beiber. He used to have several singing videos on Youtube, but alas, he had to “hide” those. He is THE REAL DEAL as far as his maturity, humility, talent, compassion, and just overall-in being a good salt of the earth human being goes. What you see is what you get with Eben. He is just a good all around kid. Does very well in school, sports, extra-curriculars, and is liked and respected by his peers-& adults as well. His mom, Steph is extremely supportive of BOTH her boys in whatever they CHOOSE to do. She IS NOT a stage mom, and does not believe in “pushing” her boys to do anything that they do not truly like/love. She is a true testament to being a great, supportive and loving mother. She is very involved in whatever Eben and Asa choose to do. She is at heart, a very passionate being to boot, and I think that that really was evidenced via the snipet of the family going to the p-burgh auditions. Eben is/has been raised in a very supportive and healthy family dynamic and I think that has been one of the most important ingredients for his getting as far as he has-thus far in the infancy of his success. That boy WILL go places, no doubt!
I just wanted to comment on who Eben intrinsically is as a person, and the amazing person that he already is. And also to the naysayers who clearly do not know him on a personal level, and believe that he is trying or “wants” to become the next Justin Bieber, that that is NOT what he is about. He is (again) truly humble, and just loves to perform, and share his talent with those around him that love music and to be entertained. JUST because Randy Jackson commented on the fact that Eben does somewhat resemble JB, does not mean that Eben wants to try and replace Justin. What 15 yr old boy wouldn’t be overjoyed to be compared to the likes of an already stratospheric and proven talent like Justin?! It would be such an honor to have your name even remotely linked to an artist of that magnitude. For people to just comment and be that HATEFULL of Eben already, for the sheer and simple fact that Randy commented on his phycial likeness of JB, just truly floors me. People are soooo hyper critical and just love to hate. So what?!!- if you already love JB? Good for you. Does that not mean that there’s not anymore room for other talented young people out there? Jeez people, get a LIFE! Seriously! But to just outright automatically hate on an innocent fifteen yr old boy, who’s just doing what he loves, (and who clearly has an apptitude for singing) who’s making himself vulnerable to others for criticism by auditioning/singing, just does not make any sense to me. (yes, I know that opinions and criticism is par for the course in this arena) Then YOU put yourself out there people, and let’s see if YOU can do any better. If just never fails to amaze me how quick others are to judge, despite not even knowing half the story or even a modicum of it. We all should just sit back and watch what happens in this season of AI. Alot of times, I know that my opinions have changed about someone, after I am more informed on several different levels regarding their talent and personality and where exactly they are coming from. I am far from perfect, but I do try really hard to not be prematurally judgemental.
That being said, I do apologize for the dissertation. lol! I just wanted people to know a little more about Eben Franckewitz, the “boy next door”, an american sweetheart with both a heart and voice of gold.

I MET HIM HE IS SOO HOTT AND HAS AMAZING TALENT!

I love Eben, he’s one of my fave. Cute face, great voice, sincere personality, the perfect combination. Wishing he could go far to the top. Go for it, Eben! Unfortunately I’m not able to vote coz I’m not in the US :(