On Monday, March 9, local American Idol star Braden Rumfelt will face off against 30 other contestants in the “Ohana Round” at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
During the “Ohana Round”, the 30 contestants will be narrowed down to 20, with the contestants themselves, their families, and industry experts making the decisions.
PHOTOS: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ COMPETITOR PERFORMS AT WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY POP-UP SHOW
For parents, this is a difficult decision to make because the top 20 will make it to America’s vote.
With Braden moving on from the initial two rounds, the rounds will only get more difficult. Braden’s parents, Crystal and Chris Rumfelt, say he’s come a long way.
“I loved the song Girl Crush, but I liked the second performance better because he grew up singing in church, and singing in church, he would always stand still, and a lot of times sing with his eyes closed. So I’ve never seen him really perform, you know, or like have that kind of stage presence that he had,” Crystal said.
Crystal Rumfelt said her favorite thing about Braden’s journey so far is seeing him become more comfortable on stage.
Chris Rumfelt echoed similar sentiments, saying he liked the first song, however he liked the second performance better.
“The first song, I love that song, and it was very unique how that he took that song and made it his song, and then the second song was a little more upbeat, and his stage presence was revealed,” Chris Rumfelt said.
MURPHY SINGER BRADEN RUMFELT ADVANCES TO TOP 30 ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’
As previously reported, Braden made his way back to western North Carolina for a performance at Western Carolina University, where he sang a variety of songs while also sticking to a few familiar favorites for “American Idol” fans, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town and “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith.
The Murphy native’s “American Idol” journey continues Monday, March 9, where all the contestants will perform in front of their families, fellow contestants, and industry experts.
In western North Carolina, you can watch “American Idol” on WLOS on Monday nights at 8 p.m.