Community Corner

Votes Sought for Local 'American Idol' Contestant, Mom Leads the Charge

Dan Wood, a graduate of Newsome High School and the "Singing Server" in Apollo Beach, begins his quest for the 12th season "American Idol" crown. HIs mother, Cindy Wood, said she was with her son for the taping of the Feb. 6 and 7 sh

 

His “golden ticket” in hand, the Newsome High graduate known as the “Singing Server” at the Circles Bar & Grill in Apollo Beach is among the 20 male contestants vying Feb. 6 and 7 for enough votes to advance in the 12th season of American Idol competition.

The 20 female contestants are set to perform next Wednesday and Thursday nights, Feb. 13 and 14.

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Part One of the American Idol Hollywood Round airs 8 p.m. on FOX TV. Woods' mother, Cindy, said she isn't sure when her son will perform, "but I'm leaning toward tonight."

In Wood's corner will be fellow graduates from co-workers at Circles Bar & Grill in Apollo Beach and friends from St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico, where he attends church.

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But none are more excited about the season premiere than Cindy Wood.

"This is unbelievable," said Wood, who accompanied her 22-year-old son to Hollywood for the taping of this week's show. "I've been on this ride with him for a long time. He’s come a long way."

Wood, a well-rounded athlete, first auditioned for American Idol while still in high school and three more times after he graduated. During his fourth audition on Jan. 24 in Baton Rouge, he sang Alex Clare's "Too Close to Love You," getting four "yes" votes from judges Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj and a golden ticket to Hollywood.

"When he first started performing, he had a little stage fright," Cindy Wood said. "But each time he auditioned, he just got better and better. Every time he auditioned, he learned new things."

  • For more on Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch's interview with Cindy Wood, see


Wood, a senior at the University of South Florida, was at Circles on Tuesday night, Feb. 5, where he was filmed singing a soulful "Happy Birthday" to Riverview couple Warren and Patti Finch.

In an American Idol video (posted with this report), Wood, a four-time auditioner, said he wanted "to show people that anything can happen." People "back at home," he said, "never would have pictured me being here on TV right now, but, here I am."

He said when he received "the golden ticket" for the Hollywood round, he "ran out that door" and "sprinted completely insane down the hall."

"I think I jumped five feet high or something; it was nice," he said.

He credits his grandmorther for his inspiration to sing, noting that she was bound for the Metropolitan Opera House but had to sacrifice that dream to raise her family.

"It if wasn't for her, I wouldn't even be here," Wood said.

Wood follows in the footsteps of Jeremy Rosado, a student at the Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community College, who last year made it to the Top 13 finish in season 11 of American Idol.

  • See Hometown Support High for 'American Idol' Hopeful Jeremy Rosado
  • See Jeremy Rosado Eliminated on 'American Idol'
  • See Greater Brandon's Jeremy Rosado Vying for 'American Idol' Crown
  • See Fans Pack Brandon Ale House for 'American Idol' Hopeful Jeremy Rosado

Wood said his past Idol favorite is Phillip Phillips.

"The fact that he created his own song and now it’s huge . . . that's cool," Wood said. "I don't feel like he had the craziest range, he wasn't the biggest belter, but he was unique."

Wood said he believes he will become the next American Idol because of his drive and determination and his commitment to practice.

Said Wood: "I will work harder than anyone here."

______________

RELATED COVERAGE:

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here