LDS Contestants Look Back on American Idol Experience, Share What’s Next

As American Idol’s final season kicked off last month, many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were excited to see fellow members auditioning for the judges.

Impressed by their talent, the Idol judges sent six Latter-day Saint musicians through to Hollywood. Despite valiant performances from all of these artists, only one advanced to the Top 24.

LDS.net caught up with some of the contestants following their elimination from the show. They shared the ups and downs from the competition and what’s next for them. 

Amber Lynn Stoppel, 28

Performing for the Idol judges was an experience that California native, Amber Lynn Stoppel, describes as surreal.

“You grow up watching American Idol and then all of a sudden you’re singing on the set, in front of people you’ve never even been sure were actually real people,” Stoppel explains. “That part is amazing. There’s also the part where you’ve got 90 seconds or less, to convince them that you have the potential to be of their caliber. That part is scary.”

Stoppel auditioned for the judges with her friend, James Dawson VIII, accompanying her on the guitar before his own audition. Stoppel and Dawson utilized their 90 seconds well, each receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Lopez complimented Stoppel’s soulful style, saying that she sings “from a place deep down.” Believing that music is a way for artists to dig down deep and connect with themselves before expressing that emotion freely, Stoppel says Lopez’s words were the best compliment she’s ever received in regards to her music.

Despite the stress of the competition, Stoppel said that her upbringing in the Church helped her throughout the entire process, learning that everything happens for a reason.

[pull_quote_center]I know that there’s a plan for each of us, so I was able to go in with very calm and realistic expectations, and a really great respect for all the other contestants and their talents.[/pull_quote_center]

The soulful singer barely missed the cut to perform as a Top 24 contestant. Stoppel is currently working in Utah as a social worker teaching independent living to adults with learning disabilities, but continues with plans for her music. Stoppel admits she is less concerned about where her music takes her, and more concerned that she loves whatever she decides to do with it.

“I can’t tell you what the future holds, just that I’m always working on something. Sometimes big and exciting like American Idol, and sometimes something small and personal, like a music video of a hymn. So just stay tuned.”

For more insight into her American Idol experience, visit mormonmusic.org.
Instagram: @amberlynnmusic
Website: amberlynnmusic.com
YouTube: youtube.com/user/Ambahlynn
Facebook: facebook.com/amberlynnmusic

Madilyn Paige, 19

Although Madilyn Paige’s audition never aired on national television, the young singer was thrilled to announce that the judges sent her through to Hollywood following her tryout in Denver.

For the 2015 high school graduate, traveling to Hollywood was full of firsts that she says helped her learn to become more independent.

“It was my first time ever traveling on my own without one of my parents by my side,” Paige explains. “It was also my first time having a roommate who I had never met beforehand. I guess you could say I definitely learned how to be independent. I also learned more about myself personally, and what my strengths and weaknesses are.”

Paige credits her upbringing in the Church for keeping her grounded throughout the competition, which helped her stay positive regardless of how things were going at the moment.

Like many contestants dealing with the pressure of the show, Paige took comfort in those closest to her. “I was sure to keep my family and friends close and constantly turn to them for support.”

The pop singer, who some may recognize from NBC’s “The Voice,” explained that she always over prepared to ensure that she would be ready for whatever the show threw her way.

On January 28, Paige announced her journey on Idol had come to an end, being eliminated after Hollywood week. “I learned so much and met so many amazing and talented people, and I wish the very best to all those moving forward,” Paige shared in her post. “I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m SO excited for what the future may hold and for lots of new music to come.”

Despite her elimination, Paige ensures her fans that this is not the end for her and her music.

[pull_quote_center]Music is an expression and a form of communication that goes beyond language barriers. Music’s almost like a magic power—it’s a way to reach and touch people that you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.[/pull_quote_center]

Paige is working on a full album and is excited to continue creating original music as she builds a larger fanbase on YouTube.

Instagram/Twitter: @madilynpaige_
Website: http://www.madilynpaige.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iMadilyn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madilynpaigemusic/

John Wayne Schulz, 27

Idol fans may have seen a familiar face when John Wayne Schulz took his turn in front of the judges. The cowboy from Karnes City, Texas, previously auditioned for American Idol’s 10th season and made it all the way to Top 40 before being sent home.

In 2007, Shulz’s mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away shortly after the judges sent Schulz home from the 10th season. This year, Shulz decided to audition again for a second shot at his dream and as a way to honor his mother.

Making it through to Hollywood, Schulz found there was a lot of downtime, giving the contestants opportunities to get to know one another. He said he hopes that as others found out more about who he is and where he comes from, that some may be inspired by his mother’s story.

“Getting to tell them the story of my mother and her strong faith in Jesus Christ as she fought cancer, was an inspiring story to all who heard it,” Schulz explains. “I hope it helped them to draw some strength as they face trials in their lives.”

While some may find a competition like this stressful, Schulz has a different idea of what is stressful. The active reservist in the Marine Corps said,

[pull_quote_center]To be honest with you there really wasn’t stress involved for me. Being in a combat situation is my definition of stress. Being in a singing competition is fun and should be enjoyed.[/pull_quote_center]

Although the fun competition ended early for Schulz, he said he learned a valuable lesson to always stay true to yourself and live the gospel standards, even when the spotlight is on you.

Part of staying true to his faith in Christ includes the carefully selecting songs. “Music has a healing power and is another avenue to share the gospel,” Schulz explains. “That’s why it is important to me to always uphold my standards in the music that I write and sing.”

Schulz, who is currently living in Layton, Utah working as a flight instructor, isn’t giving up on music. The country artist has just released a full length cover of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance,” which is available on iTunes and Amazon. Schulz shares that he is currently working on original music that he will release this year and that he is starting to book some shows all over the country.

Website: http://johnwayneschulz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JWSFans