Erika Van Pelt Stays Strong in Idol’s Top Ten with a New Look and a New York State of Mind

On Wednesday night’s Top Ten American Idol, ’s rendition of Billy Joel’s "New York State of Mind" left judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, as well as the crowd, impressed.

They were all also impressed with Van Pelt’s new hairstyle. According to People Magazine’s website, “Under the guidance of the show’s new image advisor, designer Tommy Hilfiger, she shed her long blonde and red-streaked locks for a short, jet-black hairdo.”

Van Pelt, a native of Rhode Island, is the headliner for the Sultans of Swing - one of the Island's go-to wedding bands.