Local teen finishes third on ‘American Idol’
COHOES, N.Y. >> After making it to the final round of “American Idol”, local teen Madison VanDenburg took third place in Sunday’s night’s season finale.
Though Louisiana native Laine Hardy received the title of American Idol, VanDenburg proved to be a hometown hero.
Since the season started in early March, when the audition video first aired of the Cohoes 17-year-old wowing the judges panel with her rendition of “Speechless” by Dan + Shay, VanDenburg has gained a huge following of supporters from both near and far.
Along with the rest of the nation, the Capital Region community followed VanDenburg’s achievements on the show over the past 11 weeks, and it doesn’t seem like the VanDenburg’s frenzy will be stopping any time soon.
About 400 people attended a watch party Sunday evening at Shaker High School to collectively view the American Idol finale in hopes of a win for VanDenburg.
On Monday, North Colonie Central School District posted on its website: “Congratulations to Shaker High School student Madison VanDenburg who finished third on the national singing competition American Idol … We’re all so proud of your accomplishments, Madison! Thank you for representing Shaker and North Colonie so exceptionally in front of the entire nation! You will always be our Idol!”
The singer also received some kind words from the American Idol judges, who upon meeting VanDenburg called her “the next Kelly Clarkson.”
“Sky’s the limit for you @madisonv. We love you,” judge Katy Perry tweeted. Before the show, the pop star said, “@kelly_clarkson was 20 when she won @ americanidol. You’re only 17, whatever happens tonight know
that you are on your way @MadisonV.”
Country singer Luke Bryan, another judge, tweeted about VanDenburg too. “You have shown the world the kind of next level voice you have @MadisonV. It’s been so amazing to watch,” he said. “@madisonv you have so much to be proud of. Congratulations on an amazing ride. Can’t wait to see where the future takes you.”
In a Facebook post reminding VanDenburg of the many American Idol runner-ups who have created successful music careers, Record columnist and local television news anchor John Gray said to the teen: “All of us back home in New York are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see what comes next.”