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Caroline Byrne makes her television debut on American Idol |
By Suzanne Ordas Curry
Jersey Girl Caroline Byrne is lighting
up the stage of American Idol and ready to take on the world. Appearing on
American Idol is just the start for this talented singer, as she’s working on
some new songs, planning to wow the Big Apple with some appearances and is
determined to make her passion come alive.
Caroline shares with us how she
started, where she’s going and talks about being on the much-anticipated "Farewell Season" of #AmericanIdol.
Q: Tell me about when you decided you
liked to sing and wanted to pursue it.
Caroline
Byrne: I knew I loved singing since the time I was very little. There’s plenty
of home video of me singing Beauty & the Beast in my living room like it
was my own personal stage. Even though I loved the spotlight at home, I was
extremely shy at school and in front of other kids. It wasn’t until college
that I really became comfortable in my own skin and singing in front of other
people. I realized that I had a gift for touching other people and making them
feel something thorough my music. That realization is what ultimately made me
want to pursue music seriously.
listen to caroline on soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iamcarolinebyrne
Q: Do you come from a musical family?
Caroline
Byrne: My family is very musical. I’m the oldest of four, and every one us
sings. I love having my brother Brendan, accompany me playing guitar and piano.
We’re all really supportive of each other.
Q:
I know you’re a big fan of American Idol. What was the process like to
get on that show?
Caroline Byrne: I learned about the initial audition back in June. A lot of
people don’t realize there are several rounds you go through before you even
see the judges. First, I auditioned in NYC at Fremantle Media. After that, I
was interviewed. They asked about where I grew up, my family, my musical
influences, etc.

Q: How long
did it take you to hear back from them?
Caroline
Byrne: I heard back immediately. Every time I auditioned they let me know right
after I sang that I would continue on.
Q: What did
you have to do?
Caroline
Byrne: I had to sing with my brother as an accompaniment.
Q: Where
were the auditions? What was the process like? Was their a lot of paperwork?
Did you have to wait on a long line?
Caroline
Byrne: There was A LOT of paperwork. The first few auditions were quick, but
the judges’ auditions in Philly lasted all day. The call time was 7AM , and I didn’t get back to the
hotel until 10:30PM .
Q: How did
they tell you you were getting on the show. And how excited were you? Or were
you thinking of all the competition?
They said. “Great
job, you’re a definite!”
"I felt like I
was on top of the world. It was so exciting. I immediately started practicing
in front of the camera, doing daily vocal exercises, and getting in better
shape all around. There’s nothing like the possibility of being on national
television to kick your ass into gear."
Q: I think
some of the people that leave American Idol just go back to doing what they
were doing before, and that’s not always a musical career, but this appearance
is just the start for you. So let's talk about your new song. What was your
inspiration for it? How did it come to be?
Caroline
Byrne: My new song, Alive, is actually a
remix of a Bon Iver song called Perth . My brother showed me it and I thought
it was beautiful. As soon as I heard it, I knew I had to put my own spin on it.
The song had a bittersweet feel when I first listened to it, so I used that as
inspiration for the lyrics. I brought it to my friend Nick Louis, who is also
an artist, and he helped me produce and bring my ideas for the remix come to
life.
Q: Do you have more songs coming out?
Caroline
Byrne: Yes! Alive is just a little appetizer for what’s to come. I’m even more
excited for what I have brewing. It’s electronic spin on R&B/Pop. I think
people are in for a treat. I’m in the studio right now working on perfecting
the tracks.
Q: I see you have some covers out. What style of
music do you like best? You did a Bieber cover. I have to ask…are you a
Belieber? LOL. What do you like about his music?
Caroline
Byrne: R&B is my #1 hands down. & I think Justin Bieber is great. He
gets a bad rap, but he truly is so talented. I love his latest album and I
think his music is a great representation where R&B/Pop is headed.
Q: Who are the other artists that you like and
why?
Caroline
Byrne: Some of my biggest inspirations are the obvious ones, like Janet
Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boy II Men, old school Mariah Carey & Justin
Timberlake. But- there are also a ton of lesser known artists that I’m
loving right now. To name a few: Allen Stone, Banks, Johnny Stimson. They’re
all soulful artists that lose themselves in their performances.
Q: Do you have any resolutions for the new year?
Caroline
Byrne: My resolution is to kick ass. I’m putting together a band and getting
ready to book some really exciting shows in North Jersey and the city Spring 2016.
"Sign up for
my mailing list: www.iamcarolinebyrne.com if
you want to come out for some good music!"
You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/iamcarolinebyrne/ or Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iamcarolinebyrne or Instagram @IamCarolineByrne.