THEN & NOW
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Jenny Beth Willis
FROM AMERICAN IDOL TO THE COURTROOM Written by John Kirkpatrick // Photo provided by Jenny Beth Willis
36 OWENSBORO PARENT . August // September 2021
enny Beth Willis first appeared in Owensboro Parent when she made a deep run on American Idol as the only Kentuckian to become a top-20 finalist in 2013. That experience instilled a sense of confidence in her that propelled her to another milestone accomplishment — graduating from law school. What began as a sporadic trip to Bowling Green with her father for auditions, transformed into a demanding months-long experience of rehearsals and performances — not unlike law school. As Idol continues to look for the next singing sensation, 25-year-old Willis is eight years removed and eagerly awaits to begin her career as an attorney. “Law school is a grueling experience … Experiences like American Idol gave me confidence; if I’m in the courtroom or meeting with a client, nerves don’t really get to me like they might someone who hasn’t been on stage,” Willis said. “Law school has been my life for the past three years.” While she will occasionally sing at a wedding or perform the National Anthem at events, Willis spends much of her time now studying for the Bar Exam. She will have taken the exam by late July and will
