Columbia’s American Idol
Maury County resident, Cassandra Coleman, has had an amazing journey on the nineteenth season of American Idol this year. Coleman, who works at Buckhead Coffee House, is not the first Columbia resident to appear on American Idol and probably not the last, but when the opportunity fell into her lap she seized it. Coleman recounted, “It was not something I was seeking out because of my nerves, but when the opportunity presented itself I realized I had nothing to lose. If it does not pan out, I can go right back to living a happy and content life in Columbia doing what I love and I have two loves – coffee and singing.” Debbie Cooper, owner of Buckhead Coffee House, recalled, “All of us at Buckhead love Cassie and have always encouraged her singing. I’m constantly telling her to “speak her path” because there’s nothing she can’t do and she’s proving me right!”
Coleman’s Idol journey began in August 2020, when first auditions were held via zoom due to COVID. Coleman recalls, “It was very low pressure. Honestly if preliminary rounds were done in person, I don’t know if I would’ve had the nerve to do it. I am comfortable singing in my bedroom so all I had to do was turn on my webcam and sing for the producers. I thought I could do this! If I get a ‘yes’ my life could change and all I have to do is get over my nerves for three minutes while I audition.” Coleman made it through those preliminary auditions and the first live auditions were taped in October when she got her golden ticket and was Hollywood bound.
Prior to meeting the judges for the first time, Coleman had to face her nerves once again. She battled her first migraine, could not eat, and was justifiably a big ball of stress. “The first time I was in front of the judges, when I got my golden ticket, it was not on a stage but in this very large room with beautiful acoustics and lighting. Honestly, it helped me feel more comfortable. Stages really terrify me because I’m not used to them,” Coleman stated. With determination and support from her sister, Christina who accompanied her, Coleman fought her nerves and opened the doors to walk out for her first live performance in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. “When I opened that door, I wanted to turn around to see my sister, but I couldn’t because the camera was right in front of me. As I was walking out suddenly all my nerves disappeared and I felt calm. I totally attribute it to God because I had so many people praying for me,” explained Coleman.
For her unforgettable golden ticket audition, Coleman sang “The Way It Was” by the Killers. She chose that song because Brandon Flowers, the artist and writer, uses great imagery and Coleman likes to tell stories with songs and make them her own. Coleman recalls, “I thought the audition went pretty well. When it ended I kind of blacked out and then there was a surge of adrenaline. The judges were smiling at me and had positive feedback, but I had no clue what they were going say. It was such an honor to get that golden ticket!”
As Coleman continues to woo fans since that golden ticket performance, one of the highlights was a once in a lifetime opportunity to sing a duet with her idol, Ryan Tedder, from OneRepublic where she then advanced to the Top 16. “Things have obviously gone well since coming to Hollywood!” exclaimed Coleman. On April 12th, Coleman shined and advanced in the competition to the coveted Top 12, but at the time of printing results for the Top 10 were pending. The American Idol season finale is May 23rd, and Maury County truly hopes Coleman will be there. Rest assured as her singing career continues, whether it is on American Idol or back home in Columbia, Coleman has won the hearts of America and Muletown!