Alyssa Wray (American Idol Photo)
Within a few hours of learning she had not made the final seven on American Idol, Alyssa Wray was on a plane on her way home from Los Angeles to Perryville.
“She just jumped on a plane because she wanted to be with her family,” Tabitha Blackwell, Alyssa’s mother, said.
Wray, a 19-year-old freshman at Northern Kentucky University, had dazzled judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan in her previous appearances and was considered one of the favorites to win American Idol. When she didn’t advance, social media was outraged.
“It broke my heart,” Blackwell said about Wray’s elimination. “But at the end of the day, I could not be more proud. Being top 10 is great and she made so many great memories.
“She was crushed at first. The last few days she has been good. She has really been thankful for the whole experience. She made lifelong friends. She had an amazing time on the show. She will fly back out (to Los Angeles) in about a week and will be on the finale.”
Wray’s mother says her daughter is back singing in her room and “back to her normal self” but ready to do more.
She will have a “homecoming concert” May 14th at The Showroom in Danville. At 6 p.m. there will be a VIP Meet and Greet with 50 tickets available for a $30 donation (call 859 319 6808 to reserve a VIP ticket). She will be in concert with “special friends” from 7-9 followed by a question-and-answer session. There will be no charge but donations will be accepted. Signed posters will also be available.
“She is ready to get to work and get some new music out,” Blackwell said. “She’s ready to go for auditions and chase her dreams but she’s also happy to be here and have some time to relax a bit.
“This concert is a chance for her to give back and thank everyone for all their support. We also have to keep this girl on the road chasing her dreams.”
Blackwell said the concert — which may be live-streamed — will include songs Wray performed on American Idol as well as some of her other favorites.
Wray was on national TV seven times during the show and made fans nationwide as well as in Kentucky. Her mother said they recently ate in Nicholasville and everybody in the restaurant knew who she was.
“The outpouring of support for her has just been surreal,” Blackwell said.
So what will Wray and her family be doing Sunday night since she won’t be competing on American Idol?
“We are going to do what we always do — watch American Idol,” Blackwell said. “We are going to cheer on her friends. I am just so thankful she made good friends in (final seven contestants) Willie (Spencer) and Grace Kinstler. We built great relationships and will be cheering them on.
“It is a little hurtful (her daughter is not competing) but we will watch and cheer. No regrets at all. She is just thankful for the whole experience.”
