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
“I was 10 when I first sang in public. I cried on stage, and then I started laughing at myself. I realized how lame I was being, but I also realized how awesome it was to stand on stage and share music,” writes Jess Meuse, American Idol, Top 31 contestant on her Facebook page. “After that, I knew music was all I wanted to do in life.”
The Texas native moved to Slapout, Alabama in the 7th grade. She played local shows in the area and joined the Montgomery Youth Orchestra, where she eventually became 2nd violin. “Being in the MYO was one of the most awesome experiences of my life,” writes Jess, “and it greatly shaped my discipline and values as a musician.”
She wrote her first song at 18. “It was a man-hatin’ song,” writes Jess. “What’s So Hard About Bein’ A Man?” became the title track to her first studio CD, that was scheduled to be released in 2011 (I couldn’t find it on iTunes.) when she wrote those words on her Facebook. (check out her Twitter)
But since then, she has continued to work at her craft, writing a slew of songs, uploaded to her YouTube Channel, and Reverb Nation. She’s also been written up at AL.com and the Examiner. She plays regular gigs around the Birmingham area, developing a fan base.
“Songwriting to me, it really did start with anger,” Jess told AL.com in an interview last October. “Most people write about lovey-dovey stuff, and I only have two lovey-dovey songs out of maybe 60.”
Jess’s style is bluesy, alt/country/Americana. Her voice is raspy and raw. It will be interesting to see how her intense style translates to Idol. But so far, I like what I hear. Here’s a sampling from her YouTube Channel, but check it out, there’s a lot of music posted there.
The Birmingham Sessions – AL.com- Blue Eyed Lie
Sick & Tired (Original Song)
Done (Original Song
My Hell (I Can’t Make You Stay)
Rust
Your Song – Elton John/Ellie Goulding Cover
Jessica Meuse – American Idol XIII – Atlanta Audition
Jessica Meuse – American Idol XIII – Road to Hollywood
This is Real
Hollywood Week Group – Single Ladies by Beyonce
After leaving her original group, Jessica teamed up with Nica Neshae, Stephanie Hanvey and Cara Watson to perform “Single Ladies,” where Jessica famously clashed with Stephanie’s mom.
Final Judgement – Done (original song)
Jessica faced final judgement with Jesse Roach. Jesse was eliminated, Jessica got through based on her final solo performance of “Done”.
Rush Week – Drink a Beer by Luke Bryan
Top 13 – The Crow and the Butterfly by Shinedown
Top 12 – White Flag by Dido
Top 11 – Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkle
Top 10 – Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People
Top 9 – Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac
