'American Idol' 2023: Who is Amaro Valerio? TikTok star sang for Pope and also won 'Yorkers Idol Junior'
HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK: Auditions for 'Americal Idol' Season 21 are taking place in full swing. With judges like Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, the competition is ever-rising. While the competition is remarkable to watch, sometimes it is just as inspiring to witness people doing what they love the most. This season till now, also saw judges awarding the first of the three Platinum tickets to 17-year-old Tyson Venegas from Vancouver, who astounded them with his performance of Billy Joel’s 'New York State of Mind'.
Amara Valeria, who hails from Hudson Valley, sang her heart out on 'Americal Idol' this Sunday, March 12. She said that it was her lifelong dream to sing on a show she has been so attached to since her childhood. But before Amara reached the audition, she already had a list of accomplishments she could boast about. One of them was singing for the Pope when she was just 14 years old in 2015! She not only sang R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan's 'Bust Your Windows', a song very close to her heart, but she also blew the judges' minds with her talent! To know more about this young artist, keep reading.
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Who is Amara Valeria?
Already a star on TikTok, Amara was born and brought up in Hudson Valley. She started her schooling at Yonkers Montessori Academy and is now studying at the Cornell University. In 2014, Amara also won the 'Yonkers Idol Junior' competition. Since then, it has only been an uphill ride for her. Amara has always been passionate about music from the very beginning and was even part of the St Barnabas Youth Choir in the second grade. She had the unique experience of singing for the Pope at a Papal Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany at St Peter's Basilica.
From a very young age, Amara got into the rhythm of the life of a musician - rigorous practice, rehearsals, and voice training. When her school was preparing to sing at the Vatican, she practised and rehearsed for almost a year. When she sang on 'American Idol' that made her realise that all she has worked for has finally paid off and she was more confident in pursuing a career in music now than ever.
In 2019, Amara also spoke out on how she was treated unfairly at her school's graduation ceremony all because she wanted to sing the national anthem for the seniors. The microphone was snatched away by her classmate Sarah, who later apologised to her and said that it was a teacher who instigated her to do so to get back at the principal. Moreover, it is safe to say that none of the other contestants on the show til now has had a chance to perform for the Pope. With that being said, we can only look forward to what Amara has in store for us.
Amara Valeria's debut in 'American Idol'
Her sweet voice was a treat to remember when she sang 'Bust Your Windows'. She wanted to choose a song that not only highlighted her personality but also showed the judges the kind of music she relates to and likes to sing as an artist. The upbeat song has a little bit of sass in it, just like her! The audition experience indeed was a reminder that she is doing what she set out to do.
'American Idol' 2023 Season 21 airs every Sunday on ABC at 8 pm ET.