American Idol: Brandon Diaz Of Ashburn Appears Monday

ASHBURN, VA—For many area residents watching Monday night's continued season premier of ABC's revamped "American Idol," there will be a fourth familiar face to join those of host Ryan Seacrest and judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. That would be Ashburn's very own Brandon Diaz, an alumnus of Briar Woods High School.

He'll appear (WJLA, Channel 7, 8-10 p.m.) on the once-mammoth ratings grabber that has been retooled after a long run on FOX from 2002-15. Also scheduled to appear is another contestant from the area, DC's William Casanova.

Diaz, 21, recently told WTOP that the October taping in New York (i.e. meeting the judges) was a bit daunting at first but not for long. "They were all just so cool and made it very easy to be myself and sing my best and let it go," he said. "I truly feel like I left it all there."

His mother, Sherri Diaz, told the Loudoun Times-Mirror her son was born to sing. "With Brandon, it was a natural thing," she said. "We could sometimes hear him singing as a toddler, in the morning, from his room." The website "Idol Chatter" has more on the local contestant.

She and Brandon both noted the audition was especially meaningful because it fell on Oct. 4, the birthday of his late grandmother, who died several years ago and was something of a musical inspiration for Brandon.

Channel 7 will have live coverage of Diaz' and Casanova's "watch parties" 6 p.m. Monday. Diaz will be featured live from his parents' house 6 a.m. Tuesday on "Good Morning Washington."

Photo: ABC