Alexis Cohen, Former American Idol Contestant, Found Dead

Yet another dead “joke” auditioner. Obviously we don’t know the circumstances but will AI ever get the memo that it is tasteless and exploitive to put these obviously unstable people through to the tv rounds? It feeds into their worst needs(for attention, validation, etc)and sets them up.

I remember her. Not surprised.

A death is always sad. Rest in peace to her and condolences to the people she left behind.

Poor girl. Too young to die. I do remember her.

What!?!?! No! I liked her. I was hoping to see her again next year.

I really really hope she this isn’t what it looks like. I think it’s time for the ‘joke’ auditions to be retired. The joke isn’t funny anymore.

She was a colorful person who actually was not a bad artist. Hopefully she is at peace and has found the love she was looking for in the afterlife and is being accepted for her unique strange differences and not being belittled because of them.

I do my part. I refuse to watch any of the preliminary rounds of American Idol and have for several years. It’s just not entertaining to watch sad people make fools of themselves.

Thoughts go out to the poor woman’s friends and family.

No, she wasn’t a terrible singer at all. But they made fun of her eccentricities, and her circumstances.

I don’t think she was expecting to be treated like a joke. And, the second year, I think she was sincerely trying to change her image so they’d take her seriously.

That’s so terribly sad, she was so young . Her poor mother…
My condolences to her family and friends.

RIP. She seems like a pretty normal girl to me who has an okay voice but is not good enough for the show. Except for the cursing (which I think she did to be famous or to be memorable or to be funny), she’s okay. I don’t get the “unstable” or “joke” part. I don’t think she has mental issues and I won’t assume she died because of anything related to that.

I don’t think she was expecting to be treated like a joke. And, the second year, I think she was sincerely trying to change her image so they’d take her seriously.

I agree 100%. I remember seeing her the second year and feeling really upset with Idol producers because she really was giving it her all and trying to do her best. I also agree her voice was fairly good.

Alexis must have known what auditions were like and what could happen being one of the bad auditions (and she was awful imo). It’s sad that she died but we don’t know the cause of her death. I don’t know why everyone is already blaming AI for her death.

I must disagree that Idol set her up as a “joke” contestant to be ridiculed. She actually had a fairly decent rock voice, and I think the producers thought she deserved a shot. But she made herself a joke with her OTT reaction to being rejected. And with that, she ruined her chances of ever being taken seriously upon her return.

Anyway, RIP.

wow…..so young It’s very sad, my prayers go out to her friends and family. I remember her and remembered thinking that she didn’t have a terrible voice, nowhere near what some of the other joke auditioners sound like.

A nonentity. Wasting my time once more. Twice it was Simon’s fault. Now it is my own. But truth: these are the ones I most mourn. Laughed at. Scorned. Those as Alexis seem to trudge uphill a lifetime before finding peace – then only in death. A prayer that this simple being lived a happy, peaceful moment or two on this Earth. And, that Hereafter, she sings with a chorus of Angels.

This is so sad and I feel very sorry for her mother, I assume they must have been quite close.

I did not start to watch the show until Top 13 this year. I haven’t decided if I will start watching it earlier this season, probably not, as I don’t enjoy humor based on mocking people, especially very vulnerable ones like Alexis. I had read somewhere that there was less of that now than in earlier years, I don’t know if that is true or not. But perhaps this sad event will help to influence the approach for this year, I hope so anyway. ETA: I say that assuming that her death was somehow related to her mental condition but of course none of us know.

Stop the “joke” auditions.

And yet, I know, they will not stop the joke auditions.

“But she made herself a joke with her OTT reaction to being rejected. And with that, she ruined her chances of ever being taken seriously upon her return.”

They aired it, however. Hence, they made it a national, international joke. If no audience had seen it, it would not have been a joke, just an error.

Poor woman. She didn’t have a bad voice – and I think the judges’ suggestions in her first audition were on target. She could front a cover band, but she’d never make it as a solo singer.

I really detest the auditions they show on television. I haven’t watched them in years. I missed the Top 36 this season (and semi-finals previous seasons) because there are always some straggling people that just aren’t very talented.

This woman clearly didn’t have an easy life. A very sad end to her story.

Whatever Alexis’ situation, I doubt very much that the auditions for AI were helpful for her (who knows?) But I am uncomfortable every year with the joke auditions and also feel bad for the people trying out, who do have a ligitimate chance but aren’t screened in because of a quota for the auditions that aren’t serious. It all seems wrong to me.

Alexis’ death is very sad… My condolences to her family.

So sad for such a young life to end. I actually liked her auditions. But yeah, it sucked the way the set her up in season 7. They made her think she was a shoe in for Hollywood, then just dismissed her as a weirdo. That’s why she freaked out (as I’m sure the knew she would). Read the fine print future auditioners. They can portray you any way they want.

Wow. Very sad. She was so young.

Once again, proof the “joke” auditions can be harmful. I also do my part to boycott them, refusing to watch until Hollywood week is over.

Very sad end to what seems to have been a difficult life from what we were shown. I really wish she had been “victorious” in some way. RIP, Alexis.

I do remember her, and sensing her vulnerability. Maybe they should screen auditioners for psychological state or offer some general counsel… dunno, the process can be too brutal for some frail souls. Not saying that her AI experience had anything to do with her death, just that some auditions leave you feeling their very public desolation.
Not gonna watch auditions next season.

Just sad.

This is very sad and I really hope this isn’t connected to idol. Was she seeking out attention (other than the auditions), before this happened?

Regardless of what happened this is just sad and tragic.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. May she RIP.

I am shocked by this. I never liked her one bit but would never wish any harm to her.

hey MJ,
on Ryan Seacrest’s facebook, there is actually a video showing Alexis wanted to try out for Season 9 and she was denied at the entrance

So sad.

I actually liked Alexis…I thought she was better than Amanda Overmyer (who made Top 12 in Season 7). I thought Alexis had a grittier rock voice.

Did not like her audition in Season 8 though, although I sorta think she knew it was a joke audition. The kinder, gentler Alexis…well it did not suit her. And I think she knew it.

RIP, Alexis.

To alexis’ mother if u ever read this i send my love to you i know how u and alexis were very close i am still in the state of shock that she is gone. she was one of my best friends in high school always creative very out spoken and she will remain that way forever her thoughts on life and what we have today always will stay with me i will miss you my dear friend always and forever say hi to janis for me haha love you angle Missy B from east stroudsburg high

this is to all who crack jokes about AI u dont know her u dont know how she handles things this was nothing to do with ai and the rejection she would always try harder to accomplish anything and thats what she wanted to do alexis would take rejection as a though to become better and she was always happy where she was in life she knew her talent and accepted that others did not understand the brilliance of her and for them im ashamed they have no idea the potential she had

OK, the question I’m about to post doesn’t matter in the least, but why Allentown PA to Toms River, NJ? That’s over 100 miles with many many hospitals in between.

answered my own question. She was found in Seaside, NJ, not Allentown, PA

she was in seaside nj not allentown she is from allentown and ppl r making stuff up and dont know what they r talking about i asked the same thing but i know her she was in seaside

Terrible

How sad…..death of a young person is always sad. My condolences to her loved ones.

Mar, they do get rid of people with mental issues. AI is a grueling, high stress competition for people who have no issues, I think they cannot take a chance on anyone who might “crack”. I remember one year a girl named Melody? Melanie? who was bipolar was eliminated-everyone said she was one of the best singers ever to audition, but she was very honest about being bipolar and she was cut.

This is just sad. When I saw clips of her first audition I thought “this has to be set-up by A.I.” It was just too weird. Then her second audition when she had “cleaned up” she seemed to be taking things quite seriously. Then she was denied entrance for the third? Sad. Condolences to her family. RIP Alexis.

I think I am not going to watch the auditions in the future.

Just a baby really. It breaks my heart any time someone so young dies, no matter why. At 25, it was before her time; I just hope it was an accident and painless.

Just heard on Fox news Alexis was the victim of a hit and run. How sad.

Deleted.

“on Ryan Seacrest’s facebook, there is actually a video showing Alexis wanted to try out for Season 9 and she was denied at the entrance”

If I recall correctly, VFTW said that she was invited by the producers to come back to the auditions this year, but showed up late, so they denied her entry.

stormy who is your sister????

She and my sister were friends years back. I don’t know what to say.

i went to high school with alexis

@babycakesgoddess

I prefer to keep personal information off the board, but if MJ doesn’t mind me posting this, you can e-mail me at passivevoices at yahoo dot com.

My sister knew Alexis when we lived in Pennsylvania, so it was over ten years ago. We lived in Hawley, about 30 minutes outside Stroudsburg.

thats understandable i just wish ppl would stop with the blogs and the things they say its making my stomach turn they dont know her the way she she they dont know her kind heart and how she would do anything for a friend evem if it was to just smile to make them smile or say something totally out of character to get them to laugh it kills me to know she is gone now

read this

http://www.zimbio.com/Alexis+Cohen/articles/5/EXCLUSIVE+Alexis+Cohen+Reveals+Inside+Look

Oh my gosh! This is shocking and sad. Poor Alexis…

and the greatest part of that link thats the truth right from her god bless u alexis im out for the night r.i.p. angel say hi to sean for me i know hes waiting for you mwahs

read this

http://www.zimbio.com/Alexis+Cohen/articles/5/EXCLUSIVE+Alexis+Cohen+Reveals+Inside+Look

Thanks for that link. What an articulate, pretty girl she was. Man what an editing job AI did on her, huh?
RIP Alexis Cohen

This is one of the reasons why I hate watching the initial phase of auditioning in Hollywood…sometimes the judges–particularly Simon–can be so mean to people who have been sent through by producers who knew fully well they had no chance of moving forward…..like what Alexis said, like a minnow…

I have always that that maybe the really ridiculous ones who audition have probably been some sort of professional actors getting paid to look ridiculous on national TV….but in instances like these…..I’m beginning to think otherwise…

It’s sad and ironic that a show that asks its audience to be emotionally invested in the contestants (going to the extent of playing on the viewers’ heartstrings to promote some back stories, i.e. Scott, Lil, Danny) could show little empathy and heart to poor free spirits like Alexis in the name of ratings…so sad…

Alexis must have known what auditions were like and what could happen being one of the bad auditions (and she was awful imo). It’s sad that she died but we don’t know the cause of her death. I don’t know why everyone is already blaming AI for her death.

yep.

I’m wondering why the title of this is called “American Idol” found dead. She only made it to tryouts, right??

Also, it seems that many people come to auditions with a gimmick. They are hoping for some screen time. That’s what I got from this girl.

Alexis must have known what auditions were like and what could happen being one of the bad auditions (and she was awful imo). It’s sad that she died but we don’t know the cause of her death. I don’t know why everyone is already blaming AI for her death.

yep.

I’m wondering why the title of this is called ‘American Idol’  found dead. She only made it to tryouts, right??

Also, it seems that many people come to auditions with a gimmick. They are hoping for some screen time. That’s what I got from this girl.

I totally agree with you. This is very sad, but the only thing it has to do with AI is that she audtioned in the past. The show had nothing to do with he death and is not responsible. People sign up for the show and by now should know that they can and will be exploited. RIP Alexis.

edit: dial it back. If you’re that emotional about it, you shouldn’t be reading

I totally agree with you. This is very sad, but the only thing it has to
do with AI is that she audtioned in the past. The show had nothing to do with he death and is not responsible. People sign up for the show and by now should know that they can and will be exploited. RIP Alexis.

I don’t think that people are accusing AI of causing her death.I think this incident-whether suicide or not-called attention to the fact that the people who were portrayed as a sort of comic relief in the show are, in fact, normal people who have aspirations just like everybody else and that they can also feel hurt and feel disillusioned…just like anybody else(refer to the link below).

“Interview” with Alexis posted below regarding her 1st idol experience:
http://www.zimbio.com/Alexis Cohen/articles/5/EXCLUSIVE Alexis Cohen Reveals Inside Look

I mean even if they do know that everybody has a chance of being ridiculed on national TV before signing up for this gig…and in spite of this still audition…doesn’t make it right or doesn’t show any sensitivity on the part of the producers….because it really does seem that they put through people who have no chance in hell to make it through to become-in Alexis’ words-minnows or fodder for the cheap laughs.I actually think it’s kind of a high school type of bullying.

I’m wondering why the title of this is called ‘American Idol’  found dead. She only made it to tryouts, right??

She made it to the third round, just shy of Hollywood, and she made the TV show. It’s not like she didn’t make it past the cattle call.

I read her take on the audition – and what she says happened was pretty much what I’d expected. I remember that ‘home visit’ – the heartfelt focus on her mother and how badly I felt when they ditched her like so much trash. I assumed the producers had noted a hint of instability and decided to play it up for the camera. This is the part of Idol I hate – the manipulation and exploitation of people for sport. And it IS like bullying in high school – with Simon cast as the head asshole. That they turned Alexis away again this year after encouraging her to audition once again was criminal. Whatever she might have been – Alexis had dreams whose fires they stoked – unfairly, it would seem. She never would have made the top ten – and they knew it.

I’m sorry she’s dead. I think of her mother – how bad it must be now that her daughter (and means of support) is gone. All in all a terrible circumstance. Knowing this – I rather doubt I’ll watch the audition process next year. In fact – I’ve really been on the fence about watching Idol at all, to be frank. It kinda jumped the shark for me this year. Watching next season would be like viewing community theatre after years of attending Broadway shows. It might be entertaining – but not really razzle dazzle great. RIP Alexis. You deserved better. I only hope they don’t make an issue of her death next season by showing the edited tapes. That would be adding insult to already grievous injury.

After reading this, I will not be watching auditions again. Vulnerable people are not put on Earth for our amusement.

ITA Circe!

I’m sorry she’s dead. I think of her mother – how bad it must be now that her daughter (and means of support) is gone.

My daughter told me she read on Alexis’ MySpace that she had 72 cents in her pocket. Sad. I’m not blaming A.I. but it is sad that Simon and company have multi-millions and this poor wannabe had less than a dollar.

I never cared for the audition process and barely tolerate Hollywood weekend. I usually start watching after the top 10 selection. If there is someone I like I go back and watch the history on them. The audition week makes me not like the show.

Being this invested now is really strange for me, last season is usually forgotten at this point, or barely on my radar.

She was a colorful person who actually was not a bad artist. Hopefully she is at peace and has found the love she was looking for in the afterlife and is being accepted for her unique strange differences and not being belittled because of them.

This.

I liked the way she sang, and will definitely be raising a glass to her.
Sure she was unstable but these “joke” auditions take these people and run with them without thought of consequence. While Idol cannot be blamed for her issues it is certainly clear to me that they don’t give two shits about people as long as their pockets get lined. It’s no better than pointing and laughing at retarded people.

We still use the word “actressing” around here and I will never forget her.
Be at peace.

There was a YT video of her at one of the Season 9 auditions. She said she was turned away because she was late.

They pulled the youtube video.

She always seemed unstable despite the acting for the camera. She was definitely interesting. Very sad.

What a shame. Clearly the girl was pretty disturbed, and her problems most likely preceded her time on AI. But, public humiliation on TV sure can’t help. I wish they’d be a little more careful about not televising the mentally fragile people.

Ocean City and Seaside are kind of quiet little beach towns. Unlike the rest of NJ, they have even more archaic rules about alchohol than PA does. You can’t even buy booze in Ocean City, and in either place you will be ticketed for a holding a beer in your hand anywhere but on private property. So, it’s not really the type of place you’d expect to find someone dead on the street at 4 am. Ah – so the hit and run thing explains that I guess.

I had no idea she was from Allentown before now. I’m originally from the great Lehigh Valley myself. Which of course, requires me to point out MJ that the Allentown newspaper is actually called the Morning Call. Since you’re from Pittsburgh, I’ll let it slide this time

Drug overdose, maybe?

No, she was hit by a car. See MJ’s new headline post.

I’m wondering why the title of this is called ‘American Idol’  found dead. She only made it to tryouts, right??

She made it to the third round, just shy of Hollywood, and she made the TV show. It’s not like she didn’t make it past the cattle call.

I wasn’t trying to down play her appearance on AI. I just thought “American Idol” referred to the #1 or at least was reserved to the top 13. I’m glad you added the word “contestant” to the title.

It’s not just the auditions alone that make this little story so heartbreaking.

That home visit! The footage of she and her mother in their tiny efficiency, one on the bed and one on the couch, the little pets, and the girl’s childish, whacky drawings that she feels are “art,” paired with her blue collar accent, her admission “I’ve never got to work with professionals before . . .”

We know the footage from home visits is edited and aired AFTER the producers know who’s been cut and who’s going on. When they put together Alexis’ package in the earlier of the two seasons, they already also had the footage of her audition: her grand ambitions, sad little voice, the judges’ laughing at her and her outburt afterward. So why show her home piece too?

So it’s like they put that together with the home visit to play up the very SADNESS of this show, and reality shows in general. Her narrow means, big hopes, and how futile they turn out to be. And then they let her back a second year just to play her one more time, and she went right with it, poor thing, with her budget attempt to dress up and be ladylike.

I think that they think that a subliminal level, our investment in the strong, talented, poised people who win or become hits off the show is deepened off of all these smashed, little pathetic hopes.

They may be right. But. Eeeeeeeeevil.

i read about alexis’s death in the headlines thread and was super shocked! i remember reading her name somewhere but when i found out it was Glitter Girl, i was pretty upset. she even tried this year but supposedly she was late and the producers wont let her try out.

anyway, i think the destiny for a lot of people whose dream is to sing on American Idol with go either way! either you get super lucky and end up like Kris Allen or get humiliated, waste a lot of time, and energy and ultimately get ridiculed at by Simon and his croonies. i wish i’m not that invested as i am in AI this year. its been pretty bittersweet

she def wasnt acting at all when she flipped him off thats how she always was when she got pissed trust me many of our teachers saw that face and heard the why do i fell like….

My boyfriend was one of the two men who found her dead in the middle of the street that early morning. She was found in the fetal position with scratches on her legs, and excessively bleeding from her head, and they tried to revive her by giving her CPR. Her ID, wallet, belongings, were sprawled out [meticulously] around her.

He did not know who she was, only that she was a girl that needed help. We both don’t watch American Idol, but these past days have been nervewracking and it pains me even more now to know that this girl is so well-known.

I asked my boyfriend what he thought – it was no hit and run accident.

RIP Alexis, and may God give her family strength to get through this.

My boyfriend was one of the two men who found her dead in the middle of the street that early morning. She was found in the fetal position with scratches on her legs, and excessively bleeding from her head, and they tried to revive her by giving her CPR. Her ID, wallet, belongings, were sprawled out [meticulously] around her.

He did not know who she was, only that she was a girl that needed help. We both don’t watch American Idol, but these past days have been nervewracking and it pains me even more now to know that this girl is so well-known.

I asked my boyfriend what he thought – it was no hit and run accident.

RIP Alexis, and may God give her family strength to get through this.

i hope to go and pray they find out the truth and who did this so we as her friends and family can actually grieve well enough thank you to your bf who tended to her

First Michael Jackson and now Alexis Cohen. Condolences to Alexis. She was a raging riot. Alexis Cohen, 25, was apparently struck and killed by a car in what authorities are calling an apparent homicide. If you are curious to know more about her I have collected some good sites and articles (more than 200 sites) that gives complete information (Latest News, Pics, Videos) about Alexis Cohen. Check the below if you are interested.
http://markthispage.blogspot.com/2009/07/latest-and-greatest-information-about.html