Schools

VIDEO: Wall High School Senior Cari Fletcher Sings On X Factor

Wall High senior moves on in nationally televised singing competition

Cari Fletcher, a 17-year-old singing phenomenon and student, made a national television debut Wednesday appearing on X Factor, a new singing competition from American Idol producer Simon Cowell.

Fletcher received the blessing of all four of the show's judges during her televised audition, putting her through to a second round of televised competition leading toward a grand prize of a $5 million recording contract.

Wearing ragged jeans during her appearance, recorded earlier this year in Newark, the blonde-haired Fletcher sang "Alone" by '70s rock group "Heart.''

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Judge L.A. Reid, a former executive with Def Jam records and the producer credited for discovering Justin Beiber, had high praise for Fletcher.

"You have a star's name, a star's face, a star's voice,'' Reid said following the audition.

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Paula Abdul said: "I really like you and I think you're talented.''

And judge Nicole Scherzinger said that Fletcher had "great potential.''

Cowell was less impressed.

"The fact is you were boring,'' he said.

But Cowell cast his vote along with the other three passing Fletcher along to the next round, while giving the high schooler a piece of advice.

"For what its worth and because I think you're smart and you'll listen to us, I will say 'yes,''' he said.

Fletcher said during a pre-audition interview, aired on X Factor, that she has been taking vocal lessons since she was 6 years old.

"This is such an awesome opportunity and I'm going to make the most of it,'' she said.

Fletcher is a member of the Girls Varsity Volleyball team. She also is a member of the drama program and starred last year as "Sandy'' in the school's production of "Grease."

She has also appeared in films by Wall High School graduate Ryan Hutchins, including a starring role in a short film "How Katie Howard Found Herself,'' in which she plays the lead role.

Hutchins, now a student at Hofstra University, New York, said the first time he saw Fletcher she was on a stage.

"It was for a school play audition, and I was struck by her beauty, grace and ability," Hutchins said. "You're not supposed to make judgments based on first encounters, but when you're in the presence of true talent, you know it."

Hutchins said he's not surprised by Fletcher's success.

"She is the one person I've had the most faith and confidence in over the years,'' he said. "And as cheesy as it sounds - I'm proud, regardless of what happens or when it happens."

Fletcher also sang in a 2009 Teen Idol competition, making it at least as far as the semi-final round.

Fletcher's parents, Robert and Noreen, declined to comment about their daughter's performance, saying a contractual obligation with the show barred them from talking to members of the press.

But Conor Mulholland, friend and classmate of Fletcher, said he was thrilled with Fletcher's success.

"Its pretty cool that someone you've known for so long ends up on television,'' Mulholland said. "That's not something that happens every day.''

Mulholland was at the audition with Fletcher and her family, said it was one of the "coolest experiences I've ever been a part of.''

"I'm just really, really proud of her,'' Mulholland said.


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