Picture being on a nationally televised competitive singing competition before turning 18. Audrey Clampitt, sophomore at Bloomington South, might be doing just that. Clampitt is currently in the audition process for the television broadcast show American Idol.
The singing competition show is known for producing some of the next top talent in the music industry, with winners such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, and many other successful, talented, and famous musicians. Clampitt is vying for the chance to be among these names as she goes through the rigorous and lengthy audition process. Across the United States, tens of thousands of people audition for the chance to perform in Hollywood for the judges, but not many make it. It will be a tough competition for Clampitt, but one many are confident in her to succeed in.
Gwen Witten Upchurch, director of Sounds of South, said “I think she has amazing talent and if they don’t choose her it’s their problem.”
Clampitt, the lifelong singer, doesn’t know where her love for music comes from, as neither of her parents share the passion. All she knows is that for as long as she can remember she has loved performing. Her excitement for the stage is always able to beat any nerves that crop up.
Not only does she have a unique knack for singing, but Clampitt is also a songwriter who regularly shares her new music across her various platforms.
“I just really love sharing my songs with other people and I thought American Idol would be a good opportunity for that,” said Clampitt.
Simple day-to-day life often sparks inspiration for Clampitt and when she “hears a word or a phrase that [she] likes,” she will text it to herself, and lyrics are then formed. After this, a melody will typically come to her and a song has been brought to life. She hopes to bring these songs onto the stage at American Idol, so all can see her passion and talent for the art.
The young writer has been recognized for her ability by many, including Riley Children’s Hospital. Representatives from the hospital have asked her to write a song for their program. Clampitt has been writing, recording, and filming a music video for her upcoming song to promote and fundraise for the hospital. The creative team working on this project hopes it reaches large audiences including gaining attention from celebrities, like Taylor Swift, so they will visit Riley Kids. A success with this project could certainly promote the singer not just for American Idol, but for the career she hopes to pursue in music.
Riley is a cause near to the Clampitt family’s heart, as both Audrey and her younger sister Naomi Clampitt have been “Riley kids” themselves. With Audrey having a heart defect at birth and her sister battling early childhood cancer, they have both overcome much struggle. Clampitt has used this to spark her inspiration for the project so that other “Riley kids” can have a special experience. It is no doubt that Clampitt has come back from many hardships which will come out through her music over the upcoming years.
Both through her stage presence and her songwriting it is evident that she was made for the stage. Witten Upchurch said, “she’s a performer, she just has a zing,” and anyone that has seen Clampitt perform would agree. There is no doubt this young singer has a good shot at making it on the show and will be able to make a great career with her passion for the art of singing.
For those looking to watch the up-and-coming artist, Clampitt will be performing as Babbette in Sounds of South’s upcoming show, Beauty and the Beast in October.
