My American Idol Experience: Jasmine Humphries ’26
Written by Jasmine Humphries ’26
The lights are so bright as I step into the audition room. I’m making eye contact with some of the biggest artists in the world, and they know my name. I am about to begin the journey of a lifetime, and everything I’ve done has led up to this moment. As I sing the last note of my original song, I hope that it will be enough to make the judges fall in love with me and my artistry. A big sigh of relief falls on me as I realize that my part is over, and it is up to them to decide my fate. Will I get the golden ticket?
My name is Jasmine Humphries, and I am a junior at Converse University majoring in Contemporary Music and Media Applications and minoring in American Sign Language. I was a contestant on the 23rd season of American Idol, making it all the way to the Showstoppers Round of Hollywood Week. This has been an extremely rewarding experience that I will cherish forever.
My journey on American Idol started when I was recruited by an American Idol casting producer in July 2024 via Instagram, where she asked if I was interested in a few zoom call meetings to get a chance to audition. I immediately said “Of course,” optimistic of where the opportunity might lead. After my second zoom call in August, it was confirmed that I would fly out to New York City to audition for celebrity judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. I was extremely ecstatic about the opportunity, and I was completely shocked that it was even happening.
“To hear a professional like Luke Bryan say I have that “sparkle dust” was unreal.”
Jasmine Humphries ’26
In October 2024, I flew to New York City and auditioned for American Idol, where I received three yeses from the celebrity judges and a golden ticket. My audition was not aired; however, I sang one of my original songs, which led the judges to say yes to me, which I was completely shocked by. After working with Dr. Scott Robbins, my songwriter professor, for three years with my original songs, I was overjoyed to play a song that I had brought to him in one of our lessons.
I actually auditioned on my 20th birthday, October 2, 2024, which made it all the more special. My family got to be there, and it was truly surreal. To hear a professional like Luke Bryan say I have that “sparkle dust” was unreal. Lionel Richie was even shocked to know I wrote my original song alone without any additional writers. Following the audition, I had to return to Converse with a big secret that I could not yet share – I was going to Hollywood.
In January 2025, I was flown out to Los Angeles for the next rounds of American Idol, Hollywood Week. Hollywood was simply amazing. You get to meet so many talented artists who are also contestants on the show. There was nothing but laughter, singing, and support when meeting everyone, and I could not be more grateful to make those connections. It was crucial that I come out of my shell to meet all the contestants, because now, I have so many new talented friends across the world who are also in my field of artistry.
For Arena Round, I got to hear everyone perform, and it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Everyone would jump to their feet and interact with each performer, making performances magical for each contestant. Though my performance was also not aired, I got to play on the Orpheum stage, where I made it past the biggest cut in American Idol history. To be in the Orpheum Arena was a huge honor and I enjoyed every second of it.
“I got to play on the Orpheum stage, where I made it past the biggest cut in American Idol history.”
Jasmine Humphries ’26
Next, was the Showstoppers Round, where I got to play with the American Idol band. Though I was sent home during this round, I have nothing but positive things to say about the American Idol band. They are such experts at what they do, and they get every song and arrangement down just right. I found it very neat how each arrangement is curated with the intention of having a “showstopping” moment, given the title of the round – Showstoppers. Even though some of the arrangements are different than the original song being covered, the band is on top of all adjustments made.
During this round, I learned that as an artist – or in any field – you have to keep going and push through no matter what. The opportunity itself to perform on the Orpheum stage in front of the celebrity judges who know my name not once – but twice – was enough for me to be incredibly thankful for.
“I learned that as an artist – or in any field – you have to keep going and push through no matter what.”
Jasmine Humphries ’26
It was very interesting to note how organized yet chaotic an average day on set truly is. There are interviews, rehearsals, digital media, and more packed into each day. The performances are a small part that the world gets to see in addition to all the work that is put in behind the scenes.
The many teams of American Idol do a fabulous job of making sure everything is working smoothly from the contestants, production, hospitality, vocal coaches, and so much more. The crew was extremely kind to me and my fellow contestants, and it was a pleasure to work with them. It was an amazing experience to be plugged into the music industry and to see it firsthand. Late nights of constantly working while meeting new people, perfecting your craft, and creating new content were quite overwhelming but so worth it.
I am so grateful for the support my family, my hometown of Union, SC, and Converse University have shown for me throughout this entire process. I chose to take on this journey because of the confidence I have gained as an artist by learning at this school and by performing more and more. This is definitely not the end of my journey as a singer-songwriter, and I thank American Idol for the experience and everyone for the endless love I have received.