Image Credit: Patrick Ecclestein/FoxHaeley Vaughn was nothing if not relentlessly cheerful during her tenure on American Idol, so it’s kinda bracing to hear her sound so hushed and droopy the day after she was eliminated from the show. Well, for the first 15 seconds, anyway — then it was back to the upbeat Haeley we all know and love.
Hi Haeley.
Hi Adam, how are you?
I’m okay — more importantly, how are you doing today?
Um, I’m doing okay, I guess. I’m a little disappointed.
It seemed like an emotional final performance for you.
Oh yeah, definitely it was. I was crying through my song, and then my friends and the contestants behind me were crying. It was definitely hard to do. I have a really good relationship with all of the contestants. They’re like family to me. It was really hard saying good-bye to everybody.
Is there anyone you’re going to miss in particular?
I’m going to miss everybody so much, equally. I love everybody. Everybody!
The lyrics to Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” felt very connected to the moment you were in, too.
Yeah. [Chuckles] The criticism that I got from the night before was to connect to my songs, and after being eliminated, I really did connect with the song. I felt the lyrics. [Laughs] It kind of hit home for me.
What did you make of what Simon said right before you got eliminated, that it was obvious who between you and Lacey Brown was going home?
At that moment, I kind of thought it was going to be me, because I know the night before I hadn’t performed my strongest and wasn’t at my best. And Lacey had a stronger performance than I did, and she got better comments. So when Simon said that, I was like, “okay.” It was difficult hearing that. [Sighs] I don’t know.
Kara this week said you needed another year to develop your voice — was that frustrating to hear at all, like, well why did you put me through to the Top 24 then?
Not so much frustrating, but just disappointing to hear. Just because, I know that experience is good for everybody, so having a little more time to work on my technical issues and working on my voice will only make me better. I’m definitely going to work on it, and go far in what I want to do.
What did the judges say to you at the end of the show?
The judges told me to keep doing what I’m doing, keeping singing the genre of music that I like to sing, and know that I did not fail. Because that was my big thing; I was like, “Oh my gosh, I’m a failure.” They told me, “You didn’t fail. You got so far.” They told me to keep going forward and keep doing what I love to do. Simon came up and gave me a hug. He said I was talented and that I need to keep working at it and keep getting better, because I’m so young, I have time to keep getting better. It was definitely helpful.
What do you think you want to do next?
I’m going to go back to high school, and definitely singing and keep making headbands [laughing] and doing what I like to do, having a good time. I’m hoping doors will open for me from Idol. It was an amazing platform to be on. You never know what will happen. The sky’s the limit.
Are you thinking you might want to follow in Miley’s footsteps and try acting?
Oh yeah. I’ve always had that dream to sing and perform and entertain and act and all that. Anything that happens will happen, and I know that God will bless me with anything that happens from here.
A true gem. I’m going to miss her sunny smile & sparkling personality. I was really rooting for her. I wish she (or the judges) had waited for this because a little more time and she could have really shined.
Even though it was her time to go, she actually sounds like a pretty smart person, and not bitter at all! When she admitted that Lacey was better than her, it made me realize I might miss her after all :0
Gah! I wish the interview was longer! She has such a great personality! I’ve never wanted a semifinalist to succeed in singing as much as this one. So, I hope she can continue doing what she loves to do.
She did so much more than most people do in their lifetime (in terms of singing) so she should be very proud of herself.
Also, in my opinion, her performance of “Change” during hollywood week was one of the best, if only she had improved and been more consistent, maybe she would’ve at least made it to the finals.
Go Haeley!
Thank goodness her out-of-tune singing is gone. I guess I shouldn’t blame her, though, it’s the judges and producers that are putting through some of the worst singers ever.
She’s a sweet girl with an O.K. talent. I think America is getting a bit tired of pretty girls with average voices.
Haeley seems a like a sweet girl. The judges shouldn’t have put her through if they really thought she needed more experience.
I think they put in a few obvious “non-starters” in the mix so that the early eliminations go easier.
I agree!
I think she is such a cutie & very personable, but just not a very good singer yet. I think we forget that it is the public that is putting people through now.
She is a darling girl. I couldn’t help but root for her, even if it was her time to go.
Good grief STOP talking about God, idiots.
LOL, i was thinking the same thing. all 4 of them keep harping on and on about god! guess what kids? god doesnt give a flying F about your singing career. seriously, what are these kids smoking?
what are you smoking? if someone has a personal belief that doesn’t align with yours… DEAL WITH IT! If God works for someone and doesn’t work for your, get on with your life and accept it, not insult. My goodness, you don’t even know her.
Talking about God does not make you an idiot. For people who really believe in God, He is a big part of their lives. They get guidance from Him, ect. Why do people on these boards have to resort to name-calling? I don’t get it!
How do you know what God cares about? To these people, they believe He cares about all the details of their lives. People have a right to believe whatever they want. That’s what is so great about our country.
I was really rooting for Haeley too. She’s totally unique and she’s got the IT factor. I wish the judges had given her a year to perfect her technique. And I may be in the minority, but I loved her rendition of I Want to Hold Your Hand. It was totally out there and wonderful. She has such a great, effervescent spirit. Keep doing your thing, Haeley!
Haely is a shining spirit, but the truth is, she can’t sing very well. If this were a personality show, she would get my vote. She really is sweet and centered for one so young. But this is a singing competition and she simply doesn’t have the chops . . . not yet anyway. I hope to see her back on Idol next year. She can only get better.
Um, you can’t come back to try out if you’ve already made the Top 24. She’s done on Idol.
She could always try for “The X Factor” though…
Haeyley has an adorable, happy personality. Sad to see her go
My 7-year old sister will miss her – she loves Haeyley Vaughn almost as much as she loves Taylor Swift right now.
This girl was precious and showed poise beyond her years. So many people seemed to be affected too by her positive spirit. Hated to see her go since I watch Idol for the people’s stories, not just the music. Spoke with friends today about her exit and everyone was equally affected. Go Haeley!
I wouldn’t call this girl a bad singer. She’s young and nerves clearly got the best of her. She also tried to do some interesting things with her songs(Mind you, they didn’t always work.)
She has an infectious personality. I generally find super-bubbly teens to be cloying and annoying but this girl was so utterly lovely and genuine. I hope that she finds herself in front of the camera some day soon.
Even though these contestants are “singers”, there’s a lot more that they can do besides become singing artists. Like Michele said, she likes fashion and I can see her being a model.