Thursday, February 27, 2014

Coming Home - American Idol

It was interesting watching Kenzie the week after she was cut.

We decided to spend the week as a family in California.

We went to Disneyland, Universal Studios, & the beach.

She needed some time to digest being done.

She needed time to be alone -

time to figure out what she was going to say and do --

time to have fun without thinking about what had just happened.

She was recognized quite a bit while we were "vacationing",

which I think helped with the process.

Unless you've been through something like this...

it's hard to understand or even describe what it's like.

It is also hard to understand why Kenz felt she "let people down".

She was embarrassed.

Her entire High School rallied around her with support

which is one of the things Kenz was most worried and embarrassed about.

Thinking that way doesn't make sense, I know.

But she felt she had let them down.

Driving up to our house changed a lot for Kenz.

Family and friends made sure she felt "Welcomed Home".

As a mom, I will forever be grateful for "other moms"
who somehow sensed a need and acted on it.
I have a pretty amazing family and live in the best community!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for ALL you did.

Local Newspapers - American Idol

SL Tribune Articles about Kenzie:

2 Utahns who didn’t plan to audition are still on ‘American Idol

With unnecessary cruelty, ‘Idol’ eliminates both Utah teens

Deseret News Articles about Kenzie:

Bizarre twist on 'American Idol' sends both Utahns home

Kenzie Hall reflects on 'American Idol' journey, surprise exit

Monday, February 24, 2014

On the Radio...

Kenzie enjoyed visiting a few of the Local Radio Stations to talk about American Idol.

101.5 The Eagle with Jon & Amanda

X96 Radio from Hell

Richie T with The Cultural Hall

Click HERE to hear Kenzie talk to Richie.

Fun to hear Kenzie on the Radio

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Voting & Support from our Community ... American Idol

Banner made by a friend Andrea Tuft. (photos from Shaun Anders)

Made by a fan page on instagram

Made by Uncle Josh

Sweetest Thingz Boutique

Mandee Francom & Amara Spa

Agnes & Dora

Shaun Anders - Photographer

Jared Barney from Rock University

I had to add this--- Someone made this and tagged Kenzie in it... It made us smile.

‘American Idol’ Top 13: Harry Connick Jr. Explains Why Kenzie Hall Was Cut

Fri, February 21, 2014 12:48pm EDT by Andy Swift13 Comments

Courtesy of Fox (2)

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Harry tells HollywoodLife.com that while it’s ‘unfortunate’ Kenzie didn’t make it through, her elimination could someday prove to be a ‘blessing.’ Do you think she deserved to be in this season’s top 13?

American Idol fans loved spunky songstress Kenzie Hall from the moment she first opened her mouth, so they were especially furious Feb. 20 when she didn’t make the top 13. In fact, she wasn’t even given another chance to sing before getting the axe! HollywoodLife.com caught up with Harry Connick, Jr. after the results were revealed for an explanation.

Harry Connick, Jr.: Judges ‘Went Back And Forth’ Before Cutting Kenzie Hall

Here’s what new judge Harry had to say about the difficult decision to cut Kenzie without allowing her another chance to sing:

You know, we followed the same criteria for everyone. There are so many things that go into it. After you sort of analyze each individual performer, you have to think how they’re going to fit into the competition. Is everything and everyone being fairly represented in what we’re trying to do? It’s extremely complex. There’s no formula to it. We went back and forth and back and forth and back and forth. She’s a very talented young woman, and it’s unfortunate she didn’t make it, but sometimes a ‘no’ can be a blessing after you let the dust settle.

Was Kenzie robbed?

Yes!No.

VoteView Results

While we appreciated Harry’s thoughtful response, we have to say we respectfully disagree with the decision to exclude Kenzie from the top 13. She was one of the most original, most buzz-worthy contestants this season, and she will be missed.

HollywoodLifers, are you disappointed that Kenzie is no longer on American Idol? Drop a comment with your reaction to her elimination below!

— Andy Swift, reporting by Russ Weakland

Friday, February 21, 2014

American Idol - Rush Week Girls Night

The show began...

Aaron & Hayden got the two family tickets and were seated in the front row.

Mackay & I sat in the balcony with my friends Jeni, McKell, & Misty.

The judges come out.

The girls sit in the chamber waiting and hoping their names would be called...

After the 5th girl was called I noticed Mackay quietly folding his arms and bowing his head.

Praying his sister's name would be called.

Ryan Seacrest asks Kenzie a question...

Once the 10th girls name was announced.

My heart sank.

Mackay began to cry.

We were all so sad.

So confused.

Mackay got up immediately and said "let's go find her mom."

I tried to tell him to come back and sit down so that we could shout her name

and cheer her on, once they brought her on stage.

The people sitting around us began to cry watching the support and sadness of her sweet brother.

It was the most frustrating, sad, and sweet moment.

I didn't know what to do.

I personally began praying for words.

How do I comfort Kenz?

How do I comfort all my kids?

What do I say to friends and neighbors?

I had no words and no answers.

It wasn't fun.

When I finally found Kenz, I gave her a hug

and she whispered "Please don't make me cry."

We sat and listened to several of the "people in charge"

tell us the new rules and how "sour grapes don't go very far".

Kenz had to see the doctor before she was permitted to leave.

Not thrilled with what she was told in that private meeting but not worth sharing.

Then we gathered her things.

Her phone fell to the floor.

I am not sure if her dad texted her something or if it was her boyfriend

but she turned to face a wall and the tears began to fall.

She got her stuff and guitar and we waited for her dad to come pick us up.

Once at the hotel we had a few minutes to gather luggage and leave.

And that was the end of our Idol Journey.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

American Idol Rush Week

We said our goodbyes,

got as much school work as possible,

packed to stay for several months,

& arrived in California February 12th.

We were told rumors of "5 not singing" on the first show were just RUMORS.

All 15 girls would sing.

A few days later we asked again and were given the same answers.

Family had booked flights to come watch Kenz perform.

Neighbors had booked flights to come watch Kenz sing.

Jordan & Kenz with Fans on the street

Sunday February 16th. Kenzie had a dress rehearsal that wasn't her best.

She'd planned to play an electric guitar.

She didn't realize the battery in her electric guitar had died

so she spent the first half of her 20 minute rehearsal trying to find a 9volt battery.

One of the band members helped her.

She was flustered but got to run through her song twice.

It was filmed.

rehearsing being called up to sing...

Monday was spent trying to keep her busy & her mind occupied.

She played with her song a bit because she wasn't happy with her first rehearsal.

Monday night we got the text:

"change of plans.

Five of you won't sing tomorrow.

Everyone needs to pack your luggage.

The five that don't ding will leave the hotel following the show tomorrow."

We packed our bags just in case.

Tuesday morning, kenz spent in school.

She got one final dress rehearsal.

Judges were there for most rehearsals.

Jennifer Lopez left before Kenz sang.

Keith Urban & Harry Connick Jr. stayed for all the rehearsal.

They had a few minutes to touch up make up, hair, clothing, etc.

I had a minute with Kenz & gave her a hug.

She whispered,

"something's wrong. I don't think I'm going to sing tonight."

Her gut told her she wouldn't sing.

Getting in the zone... then she realized I was snapping pictures... Love the Plie

Then they were lead to that dreaded "Chamber".

Kenzie's MUSIC & EVENTS

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