Rhode Islander vying for Idol crown

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - A Rhode Island woman is hoping to become the next American Idol.

25-year-old Erika Van Pelt of South Kingstown is among the contestants to advance to "Hollywood Week" on American Idol.

"I've tried out five times before," says the DJ and wedding singer.  

Van Pelt says trying out in front of the show's celebrity judges was a moment she'll never forget.

"I grew up listening to Aerosmith, watching and listening to Jennifer Lopez, and of course Randy Jackson has played with all the greats. And I've watched the show since Season One, so for me that was really, really, really, really surreal."
 
Erika considers her singing to be a mix of rock, jazz, blues and soul.  She chose an older song in her Idol audition and the judge's loved her soulful voice, earning her a ticket to Hollywood.

"To be honest, it's like the calm before the storm right now," Van Pelt explained, as she gets ready to try to make her home state proud.

"For me, I'm just beaming with pride because I'm Rhode Island born and raised and I want to show America what Rhody's made of."

"Hollywood Week" on American Idol begins Wednesday, February 8, on Fox Providence.