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‘Idol’ contestant shares faith, songs

By GLYNIS HART
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UNITY – Residents of the Sullivan County Nursing Home got a surprise visit Monday from “American Idol” contestant and native Claremonter Evelyn Cormier. Cormier’s “American Idol” audition aired on television Sunday night, when she earned a golden ticket to Hollywood, which means she’ll be moving up to the next level of competition. 

Many of the residents arrived in the community room in wheelchairs, where Micaiah Cormier, father of the star, kept up the suspense by not telling them who was coming. Cormier said he himself had only “fooled around” with the guitar before his daughter came along. 

“I put it down when my daughter was born,” he said. “Then she showed some talent and wanted to sing in church … I haven’t put it down since.” 

The Cormiers play and sing regularly in their church in Newport. “It’s quite an honor to be part of what’s going on in my daughter’s life,” said Micaiah. “It shows God’s ability to put people in place to do his work.” 

The room was packed when Evelyn appeared. She chose songs that would be familiar to the residents, although they might be arranged differently. 

“It’s always a treat to be able to play with my dad,” she said. 

In response to a question from the audience, she explained that to get on the television show she had to audition. “There’s a preliminary audition, so I went to New York City and into a small little intimidating audition with the executive producers of the show. I’ve been waiting for my audition to air since October!” 

Evelyn carefully kept mum about what will happen to her on the show. However, she said she is in the process of cutting her first full-length album. 

Asked who her influences are, she named her youth Bible study pastor for encouraging her, Elvis Presley, the Cranberries, and ’90s alternative/acoustic music. “I’m really into organic sounds,” she said. 

She sang a few old favorites and hymns for the audience: “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Lord I Need You,” and “Hold Me Jesus.” She also played one unreleased song (“No bootlegging!” her dad begged the audience) from the album she’s working on. 

The songs were sweet and just a little sad, but the mood in the room was ebullient. As she closed down the set, someone asked, “Evelyn, will you sign my cast?” 

“Yes, yes I will,” she said. 

“Will you be back?” asked someone else. 

“I will be back if you want me back,” she said, and everyone clapped.

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