Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By IAN MINIELLY
Ironwood — Next Friday at 7 p.m., the Historic Ironwood Theatre will host its seventh season of HIT Idol.
HIT Idol is a local contest featuring area youth singing their hearts out on Friday night and the winners being announced on Saturday, Nov. 4.
American Idol season 9 winner Lee DeWyze is coming to Ironwood in support of the competition.
DeWyze said he did not so much “agree” to come to Ironwood and be a part of HIT Idol, “as much as I was asked to be a part of something that encourages young people with goals of being singers/artists and I think it’s a good thing to be a part of.”
DeWyze said, “I have spent seven years touring almost non-stop and was able to use that platform (American Idol) to introduce myself to a larger audience. The demands immediately following the show are (great), for sure. As you build your career and shape what it is you want to do, you start setting goals and the demands become your own.”
DeWyze said writing songs is always in the forefront of what he wanted to do. Involved in that writing process was then performing his own songs in front of people, sharing his stories through music. “It’s hard work. If you put in the time and work with a clear idea of what you want to do, your own personal successes can be very fulfilling,” he said.
Asked if he prefers writing new songs and singing them himself or writing for someone else, DeWyze said, “I am always writing for myself. I’m usually into what I’m writing when I’m writing for me. I love writing for other artists, as well, and it’s always exciting and interesting to see where songs end up.”
DeWyze said he is looking forward to being a part of HIT Idol, having just released his new song, “The Breakdown.” While working on a new album in the next few months, it is an exciting time.