New York native Julia Gargano was the lucky winner of the Live with Kelly and Ryan American Idol Encore contest. Fans voted for the Top 7 finalist to perform her original song “Growing Pains” via Skype for co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest on the show.
The singer admitted that she actually felt more comfortable competing on American Idol from the comfort of her living room, as her musical experience so far has been songwriting and performing in intimate venues. Nevertheless, she describes the coronavirus shutdown that forced singing shows like American Idol to continue remotely a real “curveball.” She wasn’t expecting to be her own camera, lighting and sound person. But thankfully, family members were on hand to help.
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Julia is also proud that fellow New Yorker, Just Sam won American Idol 2020. Kelly, also a New Yorker, said, “I am proud of all these New York woman that did so well on this season of American Idol! It really is extraordinary.”
Congratulations to Julia for beating out Top 5 contestants Francisco Martin, Dillon James and Jonny West. I wonder if hailing from New York, the home of Live with Kelly and Ryan, helped. The rest of her competition are all Californians.
Watch Julia Gargano perform “Growing Pains” below. The only caveat: The remote skype connection’s audio quality could be better.
