Community Corner

Elise Testone Safe in American Idol

Mount Pleasant soul singer moves into Top 9 following stand-out Wednesday performance.

Mount Pleasant soul singer Elise Testone has made it into the Top 9 in the American Idol singing competition.

The advancement ensures her a spot in the Idol mansion. Her placement in the Top 10 already secured her a spot on the American Idol tour.

Her Wednesday evening performance of Billy Joel's "Vienna" won over judges and apparently warmed the hearts of Idol viewers.

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"I was concerned about 'Vienna,' because no one knows the song," said Idol mentor and music producer Jimmy Iovine. "But Elise stood by it and wanted to sing it, so she must have known something."

Judge Randy Jackson said Testone's delivery was so on-point "only she could have done it."

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The 1977 Joel classic is obscure and difficult to deliver, and given its age, bloggers wondered if Idol's teenybopper audience -- which often favors young male performers -- would vote for her.

"She came to that stage with a  confidence I have not seen so far," Iovine said. "Something transformed in her … I think Elise is going to go right to the top of the heap this week."

Testone, a 28-year-old Mount Pleasant resident, has been popular in the local singing community for years. She's a staple at live-music venues, including Fish in downtown Charleston and Juanita Greenberg's.

She grew up in New Jersey and holds a music degree from Coastal Carolina University. In addition to performing, she works in the Charleston area as a voice coach.

Erika Van Pelt was sent home. Here's a rundown of whose in the Top 9 with Testone:

Deandre Brackensick
Colton Dixon
Heejun Han
Skylar Laine
Joshua Ledet
Elise Testone
Hollie Cavanagh
Jessica Sanchez
Phillip Phillips


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