Tucsonans pursue a dream
Hoping to be an 'idol'
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.24.2008
Thousands of Hollywood hopefuls are expected at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale on Friday as "American Idol" holds its first auditions in Arizona. The Fox series, entering its eighth season, has been a vehicle to stardom for such singers as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry and Glendale native Jordin Sparks. It has also generated some of the highest ratings in television history since its debut in 2002. We found a couple of Tucson hopefuls ready to do battle in the Valley of the Sun.
Clarissa Moran
• Age: 17.
• School: Rincon High School.
• Back story: Moran is a Tucson native who developed her voice by singing Spanish-language ballads as a child with her dad. She has put in her time in school choirs in middle and high school and hopes her love of singing will pay off in Phoenix. Some of her favorite artists include former "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood, banda singer Jenni Rivera and legendary vocalist Vicente Fernández.
"American Idol" winner you are most like?
"Both Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks. Carrie because I like country music and she has a really nice country voice. Jordin because she is more of a hip-hop kind of person. It is amazing to me how her lungs work."
Who would you like to see guest mentor you on the show?
"Jordin Sparks because if I see her I know I would be motivated by her. I'd think, 'Wow, if she can do it, so can I.' "
Any particular song planned for the audition?
"I would like to sing 'I Turn to You' by Christina Aguilera. I don't have any specific strategies. I'm just going to sing. I'm going to practice the same song over and over again."
Why should you be the next American Idol?
"I am talented. I think I could really do the whole 'business of singing' thing. I am a good singer. I have a chance at winning this."
Marc Sandin
• Age: 25.
• Occupation: Service of process specialist for an attorney's office.
• Back story: Sandin, whose father worked for Aramco, was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. He moved to Tucson in his teens and, after a couple years at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, returned to the Old Pueblo where he met and married his wife, Anna. Sandin has been singing in school and with his church since he was a senior in high school. His wife turned him on to "American Idol" during its fifth season, and last week he appeared in a skit on KFLT (88.5-FM) with former "Idol" Season Six contestant Chris Sligh.
Did the right person win Season Seven?
"I think so. I really liked David Cook. I really liked Chikezie, too. I think he should have gone farther than he did. I am pretty happy with David Cook, though. He was really talented and had an unmatchable stage charisma and vocal talent."
Who would you like to see as a guest mentor on the show?
"Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman. He is the one who has really inspired my whole music career, if you want to call it that. If I had to choose somebody else, probably Brad Paisley."
Audition strategies?
"To seem more interesting, maybe? I have three songs that I am perfecting. I plan on using my unique experiences growing up in a foreign country and going to military school. I am also kind of a hyper kid. I am going to ask some of my close friends to see if they have something crazy for me to do."
Why should you be the next American Idol?
"I have that passion that someone wants in a record. I really believe in the music I'm singing and not there to sell out. I'm just in it for the experience."
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