Community Auditions would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to former contestant Erika Van Pelt! Last night, Van Pelt was chosen from American Idol’s wild card round to compete in the final 13. We hope that as fans of the show, you will go out and show support for Erika.
When Erika was on the show we had the pleasure of getting to know her. Here are some questions we asked her:
How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“Both of my parents are musicians – I come from a long line of musicians. So, in part, I feel like I was destined to be a musician myself. I was brought up on everything from old Broadway musicals to jazz greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and others. My parents exposed me to motown and funk bands from the 70′s, and I grew up in the 80′s and 90′s learning to appreciate every genre of music. It’s in my blood. I love it more than anything.”
Where have you performed?
“I play weekly on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. I have played at Showcase Live in Foxboro, MA, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and have also performed frequently at well known local spots like the Hi-Hat in Providence and the Newport Blues Cafe. I have also performed in places like Dallas, TX with my band where Sheena Easton opened the night and another gig in Dallas where we opened at a private party where Maroon 5 also performed, the House of Blues Boston with the band Animotion for a V66 reunion show, as well as public and private gigs in Miami and Palm Beach, FL.”
What kinds of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“My favorite kinds of music are probably R&B and soul. I love singers like Aretha Franklin, gospel singer Kim Burrell, India Arie, Jill Scott, and others. I’m also heavily influenced by pop greats like Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“I love to golf, shoot pool, go bowling, biking, running, and swimming. I also just love to go out and see a great live band play.”
Who would you say has most inspired you?
“In my life, my mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. She is the strongest woman I know and I think I’ve carried that strength into my performing. Musically, my entire family has inspired me – my dad, my sister Sarah, and my brother Collin, all musicians themselves. I draw inspiration from them everyday.”
Break a leg Erika, we know you can do it! Be sure to vote for her next week on American Idol!
