Several Idol contestants advance past Orlando

Updated: Thursday, 21 Jan 2010, 1:54 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 21 Jan 2010, 12:29 AM EST

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) – It wasn’t so long ago that FOX 35 held our own version of American Idol auditions, in what we called  ” Orlando Idol, ” where two lucky people were given a pass to the front of the line for the American Idol auditions held week’s later at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort .

Through all of the contestants that auditioned for “Orlando Idol,” our judges narrowed down their decision to two lucky people, Katie Bernard and EJ Cardona.

Not a newcomer to the American Idol auditions, Katie Bernard performed for the judges a few years ago but was eliminated. The judges liked her then and she was greeted with a warm reception the second time around. FOX 35′s Christine Van Blokland was there when Katie emerged with a golden ticket and asked Katie about her singing strategy.

“A few years ago at this time, I was nervous,” Katie said. “I’m not now, which is good.”

Although Katie made it to the next round, our second “Orlando Idol” winner, EJ Cardona, wasn’t so fortunate but said he was grateful he had a chance to audition.

While Katie is venturing off to Hollywood, she’s not the only contestant in the American Idol Orlando auditions to receive that famous golden Hollywood ticket. She will be joined by thirty other contestants who advanced.  Below is a list of American Idol Orlando audition winners from across the state of Florida who will be flying to Los Angeles.

Congratulations to these American Idol Orlando audition winners from Florida:

• Theo Glinton, of Fort Pierce
• Seth Rollins, of Lakeland
• Shelby Dressel, Avon Park
• Jay Stone, of Miami
• Cornelius Edwards, of Daytona Beach
• Janell Wheeler, of Tampa
• Kasi Bradford, of Seminole
• Brittney Star Jones, of Fort Pierce
• Matt Lawrence, of Starke