Jackie “Jax” Cole has stolen the hearts of millions during auditions and is now making it to the top three on American Idol, allowing her the chance to return home to East Brunswick, New Jersey on May 1, 2015. Camera crews followed her around her home own as family and friends welcomed the singer back with open arms (and a parade!).
The 18-year-old’s audition aired in January 2015 for the 14th season of American Idol, singing the Beatles’ classic “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” The judges raved about her unique voice and style, instantly taking a liking to her.
With her beaming excitement and her lucky little ‘x’ drawn on her upper cheek, she accepted her ticket to Hollywood.
“Jax’s audition was most definitely my favorite out of all the other contestants,” says junior Lauren Moss.
Throughout Hollywood Week, she continued to dazzle not only the judges, but the viewers as well, quickly gaining a fan base that now calls themselves “The Jax Pack.” These fans brought support throughout her journey so far on Idol, voting for her and rooting her up all the way to the top three.
During this time, she had the chance to return home to East Brunswick, New Jersey to a parade and a performance for over 1,000 people.
After riding with her family in the parade, she traded the usual “American Idol” stage for Playhouse 22, and performed some of her greatest performances on Idol, as well as some other famous songs such as “Cups” from the movie “Pitch Perfect”.
“When she sang ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears, I nearly swooned,” says sophomore Jessica Antonacci, who did not get the chance to see Jax live, but jumped on the opportunity to watch her performance on YouTube the next day.
When the Jax’s returning home clip aired, we also saw a softer side to her. After seeing reactions of her hometown when she visited her old middle school, tears were shed in the “surreal” experience with her fans.
However, Jax still says that being recognized on the streets is a little weird: “I’m awkward, I don’t think that will ever change.”
With Jax’s fame and fanbase growing more and more every day, getting recognized is something she should get used to.
*SPOILER ALERT*
The top three episode premiered on Tuesday May 12, 2015, revealing who was going into the finals and who was going home. Unfortunately for Jax, this was the end of her journey on “American Idol”, but with her already huge fan following and phenomenally unique voice, her spotlight has definitely not dimmed.
“This is not the end for Jax; One Direction got 3rd place on X-Factor and look where they are now,” says Antonacci.
As for the other contestants, Nick Fradiani and Clark Beckham battle it out for the winner of “American Idol” tonight. Who are you voting for, America?
Do you think Jax should have stayed in the top two of American Idol?
Yes definitely, I'm pissed she's out
No she wasn't that good
I don't really care
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