The hit series, American Idol, has been revived after two years.  The winner of this singing competition wins a recording contract and broadcast exposure that a performer can’t receive anywhere else.  

American Idol hosted auditions in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square, on September 3, 2017.  Layne Lazor, best known for her amazing voice and her role in last year’s musical, The Titanic, attended these auditions.  She met some strong competition, amazing singers, and had a great experience.

She heard about these auditions from her dad, and after some contemplation, decided to take the chance.  Layne is not one to miss out on an opportunity.  She said, “You shouldn’t live with what ifs.”

With the long day ahead of her, Layne was herself in gray ripped jeans, Vans, and a leather jacket.

Layne describes her experience with a smile by saying, “It was some kinda day.”  Her kind of day began at 6 a.m., and she arrived in Bakery Square at 8:15 a.m., with no time to spare.  She stood in line, with hundreds of other contestants, until 11 a.m.  After three hours, she was finally called to audition, which took about an hour.

Although Layne has a great deal of experience, she prepared very little for this audition. She says, “I procrastinated until the day before, and decided what to sing two minutes before I auditioned.”  

Layne decided to sing “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 and “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse.  Layne has a passion for Winehouse, she is, “her queen and her inspiration.”

The audition process consisted of four tents, with a different judge in each tent; the final tent being the “money tent”.  Layne made it to the third tent before she was denied.  

The harshest judge told Layne that she had a beautiful voice, but just did not have the American Idol look of previous winners, like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Layne was nervous for the day, and didn’t expect anything from it, but really enjoyed her experience.  Layne’s not sure if auditioning again will be in her future, she says, “Maybe, I’ll see where life takes me.”  

Days after the audition, Layne received an email from American Idol telling her she had a second chance.  This time, she didn’t have to go through the intense audition process, she simply had to send in a singing video. This was some of the most exciting news Layne has had in a long time because she hopes to obtain a career in singing.  

Her current future plan is to perform on Broadway, and one day star in movies alongside actors like Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.  

Surely, this is not the end of Layne’s journey.  She has a strong future ahead of her with many musical opportunities.