The Guardian 03-25-2015

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MARCH 25, 2015 April April 30, 30, 2014 2014

WWW.THEGUARDIANONLINE.COM THEGUARDIANONLINE.COM THEGUARDIANONLINE.COM

Issue Issue No. No. 30VOL. Vol. 30 Vol. 5051 50 ISSUE NO.24

Photo provided by alexisgomezmusic.com

Sitting down with WSU’s own Alexis Gomez Adrienne Lohr Features Writer Lohr.8@wright.edu

O

ut of the thousands of people who auditioned for American Idol’s 14th season, Wright State University alumnus Alexis Gomez managed to climb her way up the competition’s ladder, making it all the way through to the top 16. Gomez has been preparing for her Idol journey her whole life. “I’ve always done music,” Gomez said. “Growing up, my dad played in a band. He taught me how to play, how to sing and everything like that. I pretty much just became a part of a little family band as time went on. It’s always been

a part of my life.” Prior to Idol, Gomez spent two summers in Nashville playing music on the Broadway Strip, honing her skills in little bars and songwriter venues like the famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Bluebird Cafe. “This was definitely such a great learning experience for how to interact with the crowd

“I loved practicing with the band and getting in front of the cameras.”

and be an entertainer. I think it really helped me with Idol.” Despite all of her experience, though, it still took Go-

mez three tries to make it on American Idol. She attributes her success this year to the evolution of her confidence as an artist. “I think when you go in and figure out a way to be unique and different, that’s when you get noticed. Before, I didn’t really set myself up for that, and I tried to get in solely on my voice. That doesn’t work for Idol because they want the total package.” Gomez’s new-found confidence combined with her country twang won over the judges; “Lexitos” from all over the country banded together, faithful to cast their votes in Gomez’s favor. Gomez’s advancement through the Idol circuit presented her with a whirlwind of new experiences

that she gladly embraced. “The rehearsal days were the best for me,” she said. “I loved practicing with the band and getting in front of the cameras. That was all new for me, you know, looking at the cameras and practicing when to walk this way and when to walk that way. It was all really

“I’m going to do everything I can moving forward. Idol has really helped me and given me so many opportunities.”

fun and I learned a lot.” While Gomez’s Idol run may be over, her music career is

just beginning. Gomez has already jump started the process of releasing her first EP, and she plans to travel and play more music wherever she can. “I’m going to do everything I can moving forward. Idol has really helped me and given me so many opportunities. I just want to make sure I take advantage of the platform that they’ve given m.” While Gomez hasn’t yet released an official date, she plans to hold a welcome back concert at her home church in April to thank the Dayton community for their support during her journey. “Everyone here has been so supportive. Any way I can say thanks to everyone, I want to take every opportunity.”


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