Ava August, Dana Point Freshman, Shines On American Idol

DANA POINT, CA — Progressing through to the top 24 was all that local Dana Hills High School freshman Ava August could think about during Hollywood week. The 15-year-old freshman who wowed the panel of American Idol judges at her first meeting moved into the duet category, which aired Monday night.

Taking a leap of faith and a huge risk, August sang an acoustic version of her original song "Ghost of You" for her final solo performance.

She continues to enthrall judges, like Lionel Richie, who claimed that her distinctive sound is not her age."

In her last episode, August paired with Hunter Metts, the duo singing a genre tune by Robyn, "Dancing on My Own," in Calum Scott's version.She and Metts, a 22-year-old indie-pop singer from Tennessee, paired up after meeting on the hotel rooftop, she says.

According to August, they had 12 hours to figure out their sound and get their song choice and style of performance ready for broadcast. The trick was figuring out the right key between his rich, deep tone and her mezzo-soprano.

“We wanted to make it worthy enough for them to pass us through,” August said. “It’s a high-stress situation … everyone in the hotel is singing their hearts out.”

August channeled her personal stresses and belted out her original tune in a way that made the judges hear the depth and breadth of her talent. Her attempt to pull away from the focus of being the youngest contestant on "American Idol" and force judges to acknowledge the strength of her voice and personal narrative led her to the next level of competition.

Watch her performance before the round of 24:

Will you vote for Ava August in the next round? Let us know in the comments or by emailing your Patch editor.

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