Applaud Ethan Harris and Kaitlyn Jackson For Their American Idol Journey [Photos]

I want to give a personal 'shout out' to our 2011 Jr Idol winners on their American Idol journey.  Ethan Harris (Garrattsville, NY) and Kaitlyn Jackson (Norwich, NY) both have so much to be proud of.  Harris made the Top 15 guys and Jackson held her own during Hollywood week, making through the group round to the solo round before being cut.  Approximately 70,000 people chased their dream of being the next Idol and these two rose to the top!

I have no worries about either one of these young talents.  They both possess qualities that set them apart from the crowd.  The great thing is, they are only going to get better.  I look forward to watching both of their careers blossom.

Harris and Jackson aren't only two contestants from Central New York, they are also friends.  They have performed at common venues, including opening for American Idol finalist, Melinda Doolittle, in 2011 and have supported each others' pursuits in music since meeting in our Jr Idol contest earlier that same year.