RSS 2.0 FeedJanuary 27, 2011, Merrick Life
Calhoun’s ‘American Idol’ star shines
Singer Robbie Rosen is on his way to Hollywood.
Anyone who knows Robbie Rosen knew he would eventually perform his way to the top.
He advanced on that journey with his first appearance on “American Idol” last week. Robbie had dreamed about this day since he was seven, he told judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler on the show.
With his version of The Beatles’ “Yesterday” “blowing the judges away,” he is now on his way to Hollywood. The judges’ faces showed astonishment when he sang for them. Ms. Lopez remarked, “I like you...you’re cute...when you get to the light parts you close your eyes...that was beautiful.” Mr. Tyler was calmed by his soothing voice, saying “Wow! Beautiful! Nice arrangement, nice edit, beautiful voice!”
Mr. Jackson was equally impressed, saying his singing was a “breath of fresh air, you kind of marinated on your notes, crazy, mad vocals. That’s how you do it, this is what it’s really about.” Mr. Jackson then asked for a vote, and Ms. Lopez’ reply was, “He’s going to Hollywood. Bye!”
The 16-year-old Calhoun High School student’s dreams are now coming true. Robbie’s parents always knew he had special talents. Besides singing, Robbie plays the piano and won the 2008 Su Peifer award and the New York’s State PTA Reflections contest for his original “Make a Difference” piece. The composition also became New York’s national entry in Washington, D.C. He was selected for the All-County Jazz Ensemble in 2009 and 2010.
Having written over 60 songs, he has produced his own YouTube videos, in which he sings and plays the piano. As a younster he performed in lead roles in the productions of “Oliver,” “Music Man” and “Les Misérables.”
Robbie sports an athleticism, too. He plays baseball at Calhoun, playing varsity since middle school, and is a member of the Nassau County Championship team.
Robbie is a well-rounded individual and a “very solid member of the Calhoun community,” said Calhoun Principal David Seinfeld. “He is a solid student, hard-working and focused young man. Robbie is active in a variety of programs, a very humble guy. When he is here at school he concentrates on his work; when he is on the stage he focuses on music and when he is in the field it is athletics,” said Mr. Seinfeld.
In the Calhoun High School cafeteria is a banner the workers put up for Robbie. “Robbie is going to Hollywood,” it reads.
He is on his way to Hollywood now. Let’s hope he will go all the way. He’s got a long road ahead, but much of the community will be watching and wishing him luck along the way.
- Laura Schofer contributed to this story.
