By Dustin Shipman
dshipman@joplinglobe.com
Joplin native Asia’h Epperson has moved closer to her dream of becoming the next “American Idol” by being named one of the 24 semifinalists.
The 19-year-old’s original audition took place in Atlanta, Ga., and aired Feb. 5 on the Fox TV competition. She captured national audiences with the story of her father’s death just two days before her audition, and she performed LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live” as a tribute to her father.
She received glowing compliments during her audition from all three of the judges, bringing Paula Abdul to tears and even catching a rare compliment from the panel’s harshest critic, Simon Cowell.
On Wednesday’s broadcast, she was among the 12 male and 12 female singers who made the cut during Hollywood week.
The Globe’s efforts to obtain an interview as well as attempts to find out whether she has moved from the Joplin area have been unsuccessful.
But some of those who know her said they aren’t surprised at her success in the singing competition.
Epperson’s talent as a performer was evident at an early age, said Julie Yonkers, choir director at South Middle School in Joplin.
“She was a very talented child, very outgoing and personable,” Yonkers said. “When it came to performing, she would just light up the stage.
“She was phenomenal when she was in middle school, and I knew that with the right direction she would go far. She was heavily involved in choir and was a member of our honors choir for Southwest Missouri. She was one of those kids that you just knew would do well in performing. When I heard she was auditioning, I just knew she would make it to the top 24. A lot of my choir kids watch ‘American Idol,’ and of course I watch it mainly for something to connect with the kids.”
Ron Mitchell, principal of South Middle School, said he remembers Epperson as well. He said her being a contestant on “American Idol” has caused a buzz in the school, and has a lot of the students and teachers tuning in.
“It is a big buzz with the teachers more than the students because they know her personally, so it is very exciting,” he said.
Holly Cloud, who worked with Epperson for several months at Curves, also performed with her last year in an ’80s-themed routine during the “Blast From the Past” put on by St. John’s Regional Medical Center.
“She’s very fun, bouncy and funky, has her own style, and is very outgoing,” Cloud said. “Everyone said she was (a good singer) and should try out for ‘American Idol.’ I think it’s really cool that she made it.”
While Epperson has spoken fondly of Joplin on the show as well as in interviews available on the “Idol” Web site, she could not be reached by the Globe.
Jill Hudson, a spokeswoman for the Fox network, said earlier this week that neither Epperson nor her family could be made available for interviews.
“If we set up interviews for one of the contestants, then we have to set them up for all,” Hudson said.
The 12 male semifinalists are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with the women to perform Wednesday night.
Joplin Metro
Related Photos
Related Links
Discussion
<img src="http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/extra.gif" border=0>Joplin native named semifinalist on ‘American Idol’<font color="#ff0000"> w/ link to Asia'h Epperson interview video </font>
- Joplin Metro
-
-
Longtime Democrat dies at 81
Sapp, 81, died Thursday. Funeral services were Monday at the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. A longtime Jasper County Democratic committeewoman and volunteer, Sapp for years was secretary to the county’s central committee.
-
Motivational speaker offers free marriage course
Presented by Mark Gungor, the course is being offered free to the community. The event is being held to aid in tornado relief.
-
District sends faculty, administrators on site visits
With the design phase of several buildings in Joplin Schools ending in May, the district has sent 66 administration, faculty, parents and community members on site visits to 22 schools and two technology company headquarters across the country.
-
Mural depicting Joplin High School dedicated
A four-paneled mural depicting the recent history of Joplin High School was dedicated at the Memorial 9th- and 10th-grade Center Tuesday morning. The mural will be moved to the new high school when it is completed in 2014.
-
Carl Junction chamber creating new committees
The Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce is kicking off three new committees this week with meetings scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday.
-
Body of missing Joplin man found
The body of a missing Joplin man was discovered this afternoon inside his home in the Royal Heights neighborhood of Joplin.
-
Wildcat Glades nature center receives $50,000 grant
The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center has received a $50,000 TogetherGreen Innovation Grant, which is being provided through an alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota.
-
Joplin shooting victim’s name released
The Joplin Police Department today released the name of a woman fatally shot in her home early Thursday and acknowledged that the shooting was reported as a suicide attempt.
-
Barry Manilow to deliver donated instruments
Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow will visit Joplin next week to donate more than $300,000 in musical instruments to replace those lost during the May 22 tornado.
-
Extreme Makeover releases names of families
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has released more details about the build in the 2400 block of Connor Avenue, including the names of the seven families. They are:
- More Joplin Metro Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
