Emyrson Flora plans to return to Hollywood for ‘American Idol’ finale
Emyrson Flora, you’re not in Hollywood anymore.
The 16-year-old Reminderville teen has returned home to a more mundane life since finishing in the Top 10 of “American Idol” and being eliminated from the show on Sunday.
This meant attending a first-period physics class Thursday morning at Walsh Jesuit in Cuyahoga Falls for the first time in a while.
It also meant cafeteria food for lunch.
And having to pick up her younger brother, Pierce, 14, at Seaton Elementary School in Hudson, right after school.
More about Emyrson:Five things you may or may not know about ‘American Idol’ contestant Emyrson Flora
Flora said aside from being home with family — the best thing was getting to see her goldendoodle, Winston, again.
“He’s fluffier than usual,” she said. “It’s just nice to be home and sleeping in my own bed.”
‘American Idol’ journey for Emyrson Flora
It’s been quite a whirlwind for Flora since trying out in Nashville in December and getting the nod from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to go to Hollywood and compete to be the next ‘American Idol.’
Flora said it was quite nerve-racking having to prepare a song each week then performing live on TV to make it to each subsequent round.
“Live TV is hard,” she said “It is tough. No one prepares you for that.
“It is such a rush.”
And in an instant, she said, you are standing on the stage, hearing a producer giving a countdown in your ear before performing as if your life depends on it.
“There’s a lot going on in your head and you are standing there in front of these mega celebrities,” Flora said.
It all sounds glamourous — and it was, she readily admits — but unlike the other contestants in the latter rounds, she had homework, too.
The show provided a tutor who worked with Flora’s teachers at Walsh Jesuit to ensure she wouldn’t fall behind as her junior year winds down.
Emyrson Flora describes celebrity life
The celebrity of it all is still sinking in.
When the show taped at Disneyland, Flora said, it was strange having security because so many people wanted to take a picture with her.
“A lot of people recognized me, which was so crazy and weird,” she said. “In my mind, no one cares and no one knows who I am. But now I realize I’m on TV. I forget because I’m living it, so it’s super weird.”
Even at the airport after being eliminated, Flora said, folks were still asking to take selfies with her.
If she had made it to the next round, she said, she was planning to sing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack for the Mother’s Day show and dedicate it to her mother, Autumn.
One of the best parts of all of this, she said, was going from being a shy girl recording songs on her phone to gaining the confidence to perform live on national TV.
And dressing up was fun, too.
“It was so fun getting dressed and getting my makeup done and getting my hair done,” she said. “This is something I never thought that I would get to experience.”
The show let her keep one of her outfits. She picked a silver jumpsuit.
Flora said her return home will be short as she’s planning to head back to Hollywood to attend the show’s finale.
At age 16, she is the youngest to ever make it to the show’s Top 10.
“They (the judges) saw potential in me,” she said. “And I’m so grateful for that. I have no regrets.”
What are Emyrson Flora’s future plans?
As for the future, Flora said, she’s taking a breath for the moment and looking forward to what may come next.
“I’m just hoping that I get to make music after this,” she said. “I want to release music and record my own songs. I just want to keep putting myself out there.
“I’m really proud of myself putting myself out there as just a high school student.”
Flora said her journey shows dreams can come true as long as you are willing to take a leap of faith.
She urges others to get out of their comfort zones.
“You need to just jump and do it,” she said. “It is scary, I’m not going to lie. But I’ve grown so much.”
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.
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