America voted, and the Top 10 contestants on “American Idol” have been
America voted, and the Top 10 contestants on “American Idol” have been chosen – including Heejun Han, who record producer and “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine plainly thought was in the wrong competition.
“Let me tell you about Heejun,” Iovine said during a taped segment on Thursday night’s live show. “This guy completely confuses me. I get the personality, I get the schtick, I get the whole thing. Sort of a good voice. This isn’t ‘American Comedian’–this is ‘American Idol!’”
After listening to Iovine’s critique, Han brushed off the blunt assessment with his characteristic quick wit.
Host Ryan Seacrest gravely asked Han, “What did you think about what Jimmy had to say about ‘American Comedian?’”
Without missing a beat, Han replied, “Who’s that?”
Perhaps you’ve heard of Heejun Han, the 22-year-old Korean American from Flushing, Queens.
To many, he may seem an unlikely star. He’s known for his likable personality, but also for shaking his arms before each performance to get the nerves out. Idol judge and Aerosmith leading man Steven Tyler said Han’s song selection on Tuesday night — Robbie Williams’ “Angel” — was a miss.
But when he opens his mouth to sing — that’s when US pop star Jennifer Lopez gets a little teary. His initial performance “really impressed and shocked” Randy Jackson. Even Tyler said previously he thought Han “could be the next American Idol.”
Han isn’t the first Asian American to be on American Idol, but the overwhelming love and attention he’s getting on camera and off makes it seem that way.
Most talented Asian-American singers have struggled to break into the US music scene. But even as Asian Americans have trouble getting the attention of US music producers — a problem many artists blame on racial barriers — imported K-pop, or Korean pop music, is growing in popularity in the US.
K-pop groups have landed on stages like Madison Square Garden and the Letterman show, while most Asian-American artists are self-supported, reaching their audience primarily through YouTube.
And many more Asian Americans are making the reverse journey to Asia in search of opportunities to perform.
“I just want to be an ordinary nerdy Asian guy that pursues his dream in the US,” he said.
Source via globalpost and foxnews.com