The Diaspora will be watching the Hollywood audition rounds on this season’s “American Idol” with bated breath, hoping for victory for young St. Lucian American contestant, Lee Jean Jr.
The 16-year-old Bluffton, North Carolina native got nods from all three judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., for his rendition of “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran. Jean Jr. wooed the visibly impressed judges with his smooth vocals over his own sacoustic guitar.
“I wanna squeeze you,” joked the one and only JLo on Jean Jr.’s stellar performance. “You’re so cute and so talented There’s an ease about your talent.”
Connick Jr. suggested that Jean needs to work on his pitch (which did falter in parts), but expressed confidence that he could learn to adjust. Urban complemented the young singer on his beautiful tone, saying he had a wonderful “singer/songwriter quality.”
“You could tell a story and I’m listening,” said Urban. “I’m interested in what you’re singing about. You’ve got so much God-given talent.”
Jean Jr. father, Lee Jean, is a St. Lucian from Patience, Mon Repos who immigrated to the United States with his family. Jean Jr. spoke about the close bond of his big Caribbean-American family, particularly following the loss of his older brother B.J. in 2012. Before going in for his audition, his mom tells him “bring it home for B.J.”
“This little golden ticket alone means the world to my family,” said Jean Jr. after the successful audition. “And I know it would especially mean a lot to my brother B.J. And I know right now he’s smiling down on us and saying ‘I knew he was gonna do it.’ Cause he always knew.”
Caribbean-American fans will definitely be keeping their fingers crossed for this promising young crooner, as he competed for the title in landmark last season of “American Idol.”
