By Andrea McCann
Washington Times-Herald
WASHINGTON — Washington High School sophomore Keinon Delph won’t reach “American Idol” status through the popular Fox TV show, but his mom said he’ll continue to pursue a singing career through other channels. The 15-year-old auditioned for “Idol,” July 17 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., taking along a contingent of family and friends. According to the show’s website, 16,000 people showed up in Nashville to show off their talent. This is the show’s 10th season and the first time 15-year-olds were included. “Although Keinon did not make it to the next round of auditions, we learned a lot,” said his mom, Jennifer Henry-Webster. “First, ‘American Idol’ is definitely, for the reality part, not so much for the most talented. They had a certain type of person they were looking for, and they even said that before the auditions began.” However, Keinon and crew did end up being taped for the show, she said, and their picture is on the “American Idol” website. The young man also was interviewed and photographed by various media. “Keinon was very lucky as far as getting a lot of attention,” Henry-Webster said. “When we got there to line up for our tickets and bracelets, it was 4 a.m. and a very long wait. We were probably about 2,000 people back in line. Keinon was interviewed by the local radio station, and he was also the only individual featured in The Tennessean newspaper. If you go to the tennessean.com you can put his name in and pull up his picture. We also are on The Associated Press website.” Besides the media attention, Delph drew the notice of locals and visitors to the area with some impromptu performing. “We went down to Music Row every night we were there, and Keinon was able to sit in with a band at one of the restaurants,” Henry-Webster said. “He also sang at several karaoke bars, and people loved him.”
