American Idol is moving closer to the finale, and by the end of Wednesday night’s broadcast, the show will have its top three. The lone woman left in the competition, who now goes by the mononym “Jax,” headed home to East Brunswick, New Jersey, to tape segments to air on the show.
Jax seems a safe bet to make it into the top 3. CarterMatt ranks her just behind Clark Beckham for current Idol prowess. Rayvon Owen, who received the fan Twitter save several weeks in a row, may see his time finally come to an end, while Nick Fradiani continues to hang on.
Local East Brunswick media has revealed some tidbits about Jax’s time back home. She celebrated her 19th birthday on Tuesday and struggled with a bout of laryngitis . In order to prepare for Wednesday’s show, where she will perform three songs, she rested her voice Saturday and Sunday. She also got a pass on the American Idol product-placement staple, the Ford commercial shoot.
Officially 19 years young! pic.twitter.com/8aLm8kEhj2
— JAX (@Jax) May 5, 2015
When all your idol friends are filming at the Ford shoot & you’re to sick for it I mean at least I got Netflix, fuzzy socks, & Lunchables.
— JAX (@Jax) May 3, 2015
Jax said she had an eventful, and emotional, hometown visit.
“I had an incredible weekend. I never thought I’d be standing in front of thousands of people screaming my name and holding up signs right in my own town. When I walked on stage, the East Brunswick High School Choir was singing, ‘Best Day of My Life,’ and that doesn’t even come close to describing how I felt. Thank you all for the support, love and votes.”
Jax has long been determined to be a music superstar. She has been homeschooled since the eighth grade and graduated high school at age 15, so she could focus on her craft. A Billboard report on Wednesday espoused the benefits for up-and-coming musicians of living in East Brunswick . The town is close to New York City and Rutgers University, giving residents access to live music and performance art.
Jax’s performance in East Brunswick included a tribute to a local couple who died in a car crash in 2013. The song, “My Immortal,” is one of three Jax should sing on Wednesday night. The other two are “My Generation,” a classic by The Who chosen by mentor Scott Borchetta, and “Misery Business,” chosen by the judges.
Jax assured fans she was on the mend but getting little sleep leading up to Wednesday night.
MY VOICE. IT’S COMING BACK PEOPLE. **Ignores complaint next door to shutup* It’s 4AM lady. You should be awake. Celebrate with me!
— JAX (@Jax) May 4, 2015
American Idol airs 8 p.m. on Fox.
[Jax image courtesy of Getty]