Image Credit: Nino Munoz/FoxLast night, high school student Aaron Kelly got, well, flown to the moon. (That’s a euphemism for “kicked to the street.”) But is he rushing home for final exams? Hell no! The latest eliminated contestant from American Idol chats about his ouster, Harry Connick, Jr., and being called “Yoda.”
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Aaron, first of all, did you ever get sick of Ryan introducing you each week as “High school student Aaron Kelly”?
AARON KELLY: Not at all. Because that’s what I am.
I’ve been told you only have a few minutes to talk today. Is that because you’re on your way home for finals?
Finals? No, I’ll be back here for finals.
No, finals! Like, school.
I’m not too sure what I’m doing. I’m home-schooled, so it runs differently than other schools. I think I’ll only be home for a week or so before I come back here though.
Did you wake up Wednesday thinking you were safe because Casey was so bad Tuesday night?
Honestly, no one knows what to expect. None of us had anybody in mind. We don’t think about who’s going home because in the end, it’s all up to America. The votes are what get you through. Casey has been very consistent. Everybody has a bad night. And he was forced into a situation where he didn’t have his guitar.
Well, don’t be too gracious. He wasn’t forced. It seems like Harry was quite the jokester. Did it make you nervous?
It was such an honor working with him. He’s so iconic. Having somebody like that get down on your level to help you shine on your performance was incredible. And to have him put so much work into it! On top of that he’s such a nice guy. He even came and had lunch with us.
Had you decided what to sing next week?
I was still filtering through the song list. I didn’t have anything picked out for certain. I knew I wanted to go with something that people wouldn’t necessarily suspect I’d sing.
What’s up with you being the Jedi master?
I don’t understand that. They all used to say I was wise for being so young. They’d been calling me that for a long time before it was even on the show.
Do you even know what a Jedi is? Aren’t you too young?
I definitely know what they’re talking about. I love Star Wars. And little Yoda? He’s one of the strongest characters.
Did you ever get tired of Big Mike bench pressing you?
Well, he only did it once.
I was definitely not an Aaron fan, but as soon as they announced he was going home, my heart broke a little. You gotta feel for the kid, he looked like he was going to pass out everytime they did results.
yes… seems to be truly a sweet, well-raised kid. Great back-story(that he didnt pimp every two seconds!) and doesnt seem to let adversity hold him back or make him cynical. Of everyone this season, I wish him all the best.
He seems very likable, but I would have suggested that he auditioned when he was older. His voice would have been stronger, and he would have looked more confident. I hope he sticks to the country genre because they could use some younger singers, other than Taylor Swift. Aaron said he didn’t mind when big Mike benchpressed him ONCE, so I guess that means BM better not do it to him again when they’re on tour! LOL
Boring interview with a boring contestant. I’m sure he’s a nice kid, but he should have been gone weeks ago.
I thought Big Mike whispering encouraging words to Aaron after the verdict was the most real he has been all season – that got me misty.
Big Mike rarely missed the opportunity to wrap an eliminated contestant up in a bear hug to get camera time and share the moment.
Mr Huggly Huggly Bear was at his busiest with Katie. Wrapped her up not once when Katies elimination was announced, but pounced again and bear-hugged Katie after her final song. (his bulk walling off other contestants who wanted to wish her well).
Tim avoided it because he didn’t sing and Siobhan was too fast for him to reach her, rumbling in her direction with arms outstretched – she started moving and singing “Think”, leaving Big Mike waving his arms with nothing to grab.
BM was back in form with Aaron, being his lovable comforting wise self, sharing the poignent moment as long as the camera was on them.
Think if BM can last and do more huggy huggy stunts for 3 more contestants how “misty” some people will get! Something to look forward to!
wow… cynic much?
lol ^so funny… but mostly true.
Araon did very well. His career arc is just beginning, like Lee and Siobhan. He has rare gifts and in a few more years, he may just be one of the solid young country singers doing it solo or in a band that has the talent and stars aligning just right to make it big.
Aaron impressed the other contestants.
In her exit interview, Siobhan praised Aaron for his talent, doing full school workload on top of his busy Idol schedule, and his maturity. Siobhan said she couldn’t imagine herself at 16 being able to handle what Aaron did.
Props to the young man! Like Tim and Siobhan who left before him, he has made the most of the opportunity Idol presented and gained considerable fans who see him bound for success in whatever he decides to do.
I think if Aaron stays grounded, he could have a future in country music. He wasn’t my favorite contestant this season, but I find him so much more relatable and likable than the likes of Justin Bieber. If there’s going to be teenagers on the radio, I’d rather have someone like Aaron, who seems humble and isn’t obnoxious!
Actually , I think Casey was forced to not have a guitar. Siobhan said that the contestants were told no guitars for Sinatra week.
The interviewer was terrible.
agreed, the questions might as well have been yes/no questions
I agree with Sonja (and disagree with the author) — the contestants were told NO GUITARS. So I guess Casey could have quit, but if he wanted to perform he was forced to do it without his instrument.
If Casey wants to be the front man, then he needs to step away from his guitar once in awhile. It’s boring to see him sit or stand in one place with his guitar. A front man needs to move around and get the crowd motivated especially if their going to give an hour plus concert. JMO
yeah, casey was forced into not using his guitar. casey even said “don’t take my guitar away from me again” the second he got off stage. it was a great response by aaron. good luck aaron!
Kind of a weird interview, could have asked better questions.
Nice kid and he did well on the show. Very Likeable.
Hello? Is Idolatry dead?
I did not see an exit interview for Siobhan – why is there one for Aaron already. Did I miss it?
Well, there is an 8-part video with Siohhan, not sure about the printed exit interview.
Yes there is a exit interview for Siobhan. Type her name in the search menu.
Home-schooled. It’s like a light just went on in my head. So much makes sense now.
Could Jessica Shaw have been any ruder to Aaron?