Madison VanDenburg's "Idol" trip ends in third place

COLONY – Madison VanDenburg was eliminated from "American Idol" at the half of the show on Sunday night, winning third place in the popular talent show.

But there is something to be optimistic about her career: she joins superstars Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry as candidates who have done so far but have not gotten enough of voice to grab first place.

Hundreds of people at Shaker High were stunned when VanDenburg was the first of three top contenders to be eliminated from the show on Sunday night, just before 9:30 pm. The organizers cut the live video stream as fans leave the auditorium.

"We are disappointed, but we know that she has done good things and that great things are happening for her in the future," said Shannon Lipscomb, a sophomore student government student who has contributed to the organization of the party.

"We're really proud of her," said Mariam Rehman, a junior, who texted VanDenburg throughout her "Idol" journey. "She's done the top 3. It's a big problem for her, we're going to show her the same support."

North Colony School District superintendent Joseph Corr told the crowd, "She is our American idol".

Country rocker Lane Hardy of Louisiana won the title of "American Idol". Californian Alejandro Aranda, a 24-year-old dishwasher, finished second.

For VanDenburg, after a trip that began with an audition in Buffalo seven months ago, the 17-year-old competed Sunday against two other singers in an attempt to be the first New Yorker to claim the title. For the first time in the 17-year history of the series, the results were released the same night and a competitor was eliminated midway through.

The teenager seduced the famous judges with her powerful interpretations of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" and Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway". After VanDenburg's elimination, she performed "Speechless" of Dan and Shay – her audition song for the show.

"We know that greatness is in you," said Judge Katy Perry, who called VanDenburg "next Kelly Clarkson" – referring to the winner of the first season – during her audition. "You must continue to grow and feed this gift."

The hometown crowd was unleashed when the show aired the segment "Hometown Heroes", which includes a motivational gathering at Shaker High, as well as a parade and performance at The Crossings of Colony Tuesday. VanDenburg lives with his father in Latham.

"I love my little girl so much, for her, living her dream makes me so happy, I'm so proud of her," he said on the video before strangling himself tears. "It was a wonderful trip all along our course."

Municipal and school authorities praised the talents and character of the teenager Sunday.

"She is truly an outstanding human being, she is an excellent student, she works hard, she is humble, she is devoted to her music," Corr said. "She shares it not only with the Colony community, but also with the country and with the world."

Assistant Superintendent Kathleen Skeals said VanDenburg "is one of those students who reminds me that I have to believe in the future – in the midst of the ugly times we live in, she radiates joy and positivity."

"It's not ego, it's about sharing his talents to make the world kinder and softer.If it's not an American Idol, I do not know not what that is, "said Skeals.

Paula Mahan, Supervisor of Colony City and former teacher of the North Colony School District, said VanDenburg was "an excellent representation of the community" and an "excellent role model for children".

VanDenburg's friends and classmates said that she was sweet and humble.

"What you see on television is what you get," said Mikayla Brunell, second year student ambassador. "We will support it whatever happens."

VanDenburg auditioned for the ABC show in Buffalo last October. VanDenburg was one of 40 invited guests to L.A. for the show that began airing on March 3.

Two weeks ago Denine, VanDenburg's mother, traveled to California in three and a half days with a banner at the back of her car urging the country to vote for her daughter.

"Your talent brings tears of joy and happiness," said Denine in a video aired during the episode of "Idol", which took place last Sunday.

After his final, VanDenburg was welcomed home. Collegiate Democrat Col. Phil Steck introduced it Monday before the assembly. The city and the North Colony School District held events on Tuesday.

VanDenburg's grandmother, Norine Nastasi, went to LA on Saturday to cheer her on. "It's so exciting that something like that happens to my granddaughter," she said.

Nastasi remembered VanDenburg singing like a little girl with her older sister, Taylor. VanDenburg learned piano and singing from the age of 8 with Ginger Miller, a close friend of the family. She added to the guitar at 10 years old. At the age of 12, VanDenburg played by the hundreds and received ovations. At the age of 15, VanDenburg formed a duet, then a full group, with some members of the Miller family.

Regardless of the outcome, Nastasi told The Times Union that she was proud of her youngest granddaughter.

"If she does not win, she has a career in music," said Nastasi. "She will continue with music, whatever, we will be right behind her to support her as we have done from the beginning."