Rodriguez eliminated from American Idol

Chelsea resident Ashley Rodriguez’s quest to be the next “American Idol” came to end on the popular show last Thursday night.

Rodriguez was one of four contestants who did not advance to the next round. Janell Wheeler, Joe Munoz, and Tyler Grady were also ousted from the Fox Network’s nationally televised singing competition

Many had felt that Rodriguez, a Chelsea High graduate, would be a formidable contender for the crown. Rodriguez had earned the praise of the judges during her singing audition in Boston and her great voice and beautiful stage presence made her one of the consensus favorites heading into the semifinals.

The judges on the show felt that Rodriguez might not have chosen the right song to showcase her talent. Rodriguez sang Leona Lewis’ “Happy” and judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi did not give high marks to Rodriguez for her performance.

Many viewers were surprised that Rodriguez did not advance in the competition. “Ashley was great, she never should have been eliminated,” wrote one viewer on a music industry Web site.

Rodriguez talked about her experience on American Idol during a conference call with the national media Friday.

“American Idol has really shown me that now more than ever I have to fight for what I want,” said Rodriguez. “It was giving me a little taste of the dream and I’m willing to work hard for it, especially now that I’ve got a little glimpse of what this life is like.”

Rodriguez thanked the many people who supported her throughout the American Idol process.

“The fans that I’ve gained in doing the show have been so wonderful from the very beginning and so supportive,” she said. “I’ve seen a few of the messages since being eliminated from the show, and they’re holding on, man, and still so supportive and so loving, and I’m hoping that in the near future I’m going to have an awesome album for them and a great record and they’ll stay fans for a long time.”

Rodriguez said she’ll always remember being a part of a Los Angeles photo shoot for American Idol contestants.

“Our top 24 photo shoot was a blast,” said the22-year-old Rodriguez. “WE walked into this big L.A. shoot and it was just super-glamorous and really exciting, a ton of press, and it was really our opportunity to shine. That’s definitely one of my favorite moments.”

Chelsea City Council President Leo

Robinson said the entire city was rooting for Rodriguez.

“We’re very proud of Ashley Rodriguez,” said City Council President Leo Robinson. “I know I join the residents of Chelsea in congratulating her and thanking her for the tremendous manner in which she represented our city on the American Idol show.”

Robinson said the city will be recognizing Rodriguez’s achievement soon.

“We intend to formally honor Ashley during a future Council meeting,” said Robinson. “Her appearance on American Idol was the beginning of what I believe will be a successful career in the music industry.”

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