Screenshot from Audition Video Copyright 'American Idol'
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Season 11 ‘American Idol’ contestant, 22 year old Heejun Han is originally from Korea and now lives in Flushing, New York. Heejun said:
I was inspired to do this audition, because I work at a non-profit organization for kids with special needs. I wanted to prove to them that if you really, really want something and you really really believe in it, you can be someone” (Heejun’s Interview After His First Audition).
Later in the competition, Heejun admitted:
I had a bad depression, but the kids and the organization just pulled me out from there, so I just had to give something back to them. Without those kids I wouldn’t even have motivation to come out here and do all this kind of stuff. I’m not only doing this for myself. I could say that 100%, this is for the kids and it just makes me so happy” (Sing for Your Life – Heejun Han).
Heejun auditioned for ‘American Idol’ in Pittsburgh. Before his auditions, Heejun said about the other contestants, “I thought I was a little good, but they’re just crazy good” (Audition in Pittsburgh). Heejun sang, “How am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton.
He seemed a bit nervous, but delivered a very smooth and heartfelt song and the judges were absolutely impressed! Steven said, “Heejun, man, you sing great” Jennifer agreed, “You have a beautiful voice! I love you!” and Randy added, “On a serious note. I am really impressed and shocked!” Steven chimed in again with, “Ya, I think you’re really great. I think you could be an ‘American Idol.” Heejun was taken back by the comments and said, “Wow! Nobody told me that kind of stuff!” (Heejun’s Audition in Pittsburgh).
All three judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler sent Heejun straight to Hollywood!
Heejun has a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor, talking about everything from the other contestants being so talented to how “pretty” and good looking they are. He said in Hollywood:
I got here and everyone’s SO tall, SO pretty. Even the guys are so pretty, I don’t know why. I don’t know what they eat, but they’re so good looking!
At one point, Ryan Seacrest asked him what he was sweating in the competition. Heejun answered, “Mostly water.”
Heejun seemed to sail right through Hollywood week, except for his personality clashes with country singer, Richie Law. Although the group seemed to be challenged, their performance got them all onto the next round. Again, Heejun’s dry sense of humor came out as he talked about the “cowboy” in his group. Nonetheless, he did apologize to Richie and his parents for his behavior on camera.
Heejun made it in the Top 24. During his interview he talked about how excited his mom was when he told her the news! Then Heejun added:
The greatest thing that I am worrying about is a “stereo-type” that they’re going to have towards me; like an Asian stereo-type. But I hope I can break that. And if they can just see me as a singer, not as a type of person. Don’t watch the music, but listen to the music. You know?”
Heejun, we think every person has something unique and special about them. There is only one you; embrace all you have been given and all you are!
UPDATE 3/29/12 – Sad to report that Heejun was sent home tonight. He was in the Bottom 3 with Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. We are sad to see you, go Heejun! Congratulations for making it to the Top 9, for staying true to yourself and for encouraging those around you to reach out to others!
Heejun said during his Curtain Call Interview:
The reason I started out this competition was to prove that if you truly believe in yourself you can become someone regardless of who you are. And if you do something for others, the outcome is something beyond imagination. I hope I impacted at least one person. So, go out there and help other people, because they’re not far away, they are right next to you in your neighborhood. Alright guys! Stay crazy, stay humble, stay cool, stay relaxed, stay who you are … cuz this is just the beginning. Let’s do this together again!
UPDATE 3/28/12 – After Heejun had been given lots of flack about his not “taking the competition seriously,” he came back full force. Heejun won’t stop being entertaining self, but the judges and mentors encouraged him to get serious and show what he can do. So, Heejun did just that with this very appropriate song and message, “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway during the Top 9 performance show. The judges loved it.
UPDATE 3/22/12 – Heejun was in the Bottom 3 this week for the first time. Joining him was DeAndre Brackenstick and Erika Van Pelt. Although Erika belted out an amazing vocal and the judges loved it, she was sent home.
UPDATE 3/21/12 – The Top 10 perform. Heejun broke way out of his ballad streak and took over the stage. It was Billy Joel night and Heejun sang, “My Life.” The judges thought it was entertaining and fun, but didn’t show off his voice as they know he can sing.
UPDATE 3/15/12 – Although during the performance night, Randy pegged Heejun for being at risk for going home, Heejun was not even in the Bottom 3. Instead, Heejun made it into the coveted Top 10, allowing him to go on the American Idol tour.
UPDATE 3/14/12 – Heejun sang, “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx at the Top 11 show.
This show turned out to be the Top 11, because Jermaine Jones was removed from the competition for not having been forthright about his past history with four outstanding warrants from the police. According to the Huffington Post, three were for giving the police a false name (once when they responded to a fight, once from when he was riding in a car that was pulled over and another time when he was driving with a suspended license). The other was for not showing up for a court date.
UPDATE 3/8/12 – Out of the Top 13 (7 guys and 6 gals), Heejun was not in the bottom 6 (3 guys, 3 gals). He whisked right through again!
UPDATE 3/7/12 – Heejun sang, “All In Love is Fair” by Stevie Wonder for the Top 13 Performance night. Jennifer said, “I love you! I loved you from the first time you sang for me and I still love you now. ” Steven said, “Heejun! Fantastic! I love your voice, man. Somethin’ about it’s real special. Keep it up.” Randy added, “Dude! It wasn’t perfect, but it was REALLY good!”
UPDATE 3/1/12 – Heejun made it into the Top 10 by America’s votes! Joining him are Colton Dixon, Elise Testone, Hollie Cavanagh, Jermaine Jones, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Shannon Magrane and Skylar Laine. Then the judges let six more kids “sing for their lives.” The judges each picked one more contestant to join the Top 10, to make a Top 13: Jeremy Rosado, Erika Van Pelt and Deandre Brackensick.
UPDATE 2/28/12 – Heejun sang, “I’m Loving Angels Instead” by Jessica Simpson. Heejun did a great job! The judges agreed, but commented that the song didn’t show off all of his capabilities. As promised, an additional male vocalist was added to the round. Formerly disqualified, Jermaine Jones was asked to return for another chance. On Wednesday, the Top 12 girls will have a chance to sing. On Thursday, the Top 25 (previously the Top 24) will be narrowed down to the Top 12. Ten will be chosen by America’s votes and two by the judges.
UPDATE 2/23/12 – Heejun sails into the Top 24 with his rendition of “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel.
Also going into the Semi-Finals are Aaron Marcellus, Adam Brock, Baylie Brown, Brielle Von Hugel, Chase Likens, Chelsea Sorrell, Colton Dixon, Creighton Fraker, Deandre Brackensick, Eben Franckewitz, Elise Teston, Erika Van Pelt, Haley Johnsen, Hallie Day, Hollie Cavanagh, Jen Hirsh, Jeremy Rosado, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Reed Grimm, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine. On Tuesday February 28th, they will be announcing a Surprise Save, as they add another boy into the Semi-Finals who was previously sent home.
UPDATE 2/16/12 – Heejun moved on to the next rounds as the contestants went from 70 to 42.
UPDATE 2/15/12 – Heejun survived Hollywood week and moved on to Las Vegas!
UPDATE 2/15/12 – Heejun made it through group rounds! 97 other contestants joined him, including Jennifer Malsh, Cari Quoyeser, Reed Grimm, Nick Boddingtom, Creighton Fraker, Aaron Marcellus, Jen Hirsh, Shannon Magrane, Joshua Ledet, Brielle Von Hugel, Amber Holcomb, Mathenee Treco, Ariel Sprague, Eben Franckewitz, David Leathers, Jr., Jeremy Rosado, Gabi Carrubba, Johnny Keyser, Heejun Han, Jairon Jackson, Richie Law, Phillip Phillips, Colton Dixon, Adam Brock, Skylar Laine and many more.
VIDEOS:
Heejun’s Farewell Message
Heejun sings, “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway during the Top 9 performance show
Heejun in the Top 10 Singing, “My Life” by Billy Joel.
Heejun in the Top 11 Singing, “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx.
Heejun Han in 60 Seconds
Heejun Singing “All In Love is Fair” by Stevie Wonder During the Top 13 Performance Show
Top 13 Group Singing “As” by Stevie Wonder.
Recap of Top 13 Performance Night
Heejun’s Interview After Making it Into the Top 13
Heejun sings, “Angels” by Jessica Simpson in the Top 24
Recap of Top 12 Guys, Plus the Surprise Addition of Jermaine.
Heejun Han Interview After Being Selected for the Top 24.
Heejun’s Interview and Solo in Las Vegas, Before the Top 24 was Announced. Heejun sang, “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel.
Las Vegas Round – “I Only Have Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos. Neco Starr, Jairon Jackson, Heejun Han and Phillip Phillips.
MIT aka “Most International Team” Group Night in Hollywood Singing, “Broken Strings” by James Morrison. Richie Law, Jairon Jackson, Heejun Han and Phillip Phillips.
Recap of Hollywood Week – Group Night
Hollywood Week – Round 1
Hollywood Week – Moments That Make You Smile
Heejun’s Interview After His First Audition.
Heejun’s Audition in Pittsburgh. A Must See!
Recap of Pittsburgh Auditions
ARTICLE RESOURCES:
Quotes from Videos Posted on This Page.
Photo: Screenshot from ‘American Idol’ Audition Video. Copyright ‘American Idol.’
American Idol Official Website
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
ADDITIONAL STORIES on IDA:
Shelby Tweten, Teen with Bipolar on ‘American Idol.’
Living with Asperger’s and Tourette’s: James Durbin Contestant on ‘American Idol.’
Living with TBI: ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Chris Medina, Stands by Fiance
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