Teen's 'American Idol' wish comes true

(WPRI) - There are American Idol fans, and then there's Lewis Hassell.

The Warwick teen's wish is to see American Idol in person, and that wish is now coming true. 

Hassell, 16, suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and "A Wish Come True" is making his dream a reality: to see television's number-one show “American Idol”.

Lewis and his parents are in Los Angeles for tonight’s live show.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the judges and just watching the show, seeing them all sing and stuff," said Hassell.

Lewis has been a fan of the show for a long time. 

"I started watching the season when Jordan Sparks won," he said.

Lewis also told us he already has favorites on the show.

"Well I want Erika to win," said Hassell. "First of all she is from Rhode Island so I want like our state to win and she is just awesome. I like her singing."

Lewis also had a warning for judge Jennifer Lopez.

"One of my best friends, Dan, has asked me to bring J-Lo back with me," he said.

A  Wish Come True is making all this possible.

"Well Lewis was referred to a wish come true through Hasbro Children’s hospital," said Beverly Molles, the director of program services. "A Wish Come True grants wishes to children who have life-threatening illnesses, and the hospital did refer him to us to see if he would be a candidate for a us to grant him a wish."

Lewis who goes to Bishop Hendricken High School, and he said his friends could not be happier for him.

"My teachers, friends they're all yeah they're all excited for me. They think it's awesome."

Molles also said the best part of wish granting is the smiles on the faces of the child and the family.

"Some people call us fairy godmothers, but I take my magic wand out and just have to shake it a few times and it will get done," said Molles.

Lewis can't thank "A Wish Come True" enough.

"Well I'm just extremely thankful.  This is a once in a lifetime experience, said Hassell. "I don't know how to express my thankfulness."

Lewis and his family are in L.A.. for the week and will also travel to Disneyland, SeaWorld and take a Hollywood tour. 

The big news, though, is that they'll be sitting in the front row for tonight’s show. 

For more information on all of the great work “A Wish Come True” does, you can visit their website at www.awish.org .