Hawley's Idol Quest Ends

Former YC student eliminated on American Idol

York News-Times

The disappointment on Caleb Hawley’s face was evident as he was cut from the last round of competition before “American Idol” viewers take over the vote.

Tuesday night, Hawley was showcased along with dozens of contestants vying for the coveted final spots. Regretfully, judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson did not include Hawley with the finalists.

Hawley, a former York College student who now resides in New York City, was one of the first to be welcomed to Hollywood and he sailed through cut after cut.

Hawley recently visited York — while he couldn’t talk specifics of his “American Idol” success at that time (because pre-recorded shows were airing), he said it was a fantastic experience.

Now that his quest has ended, Hawley can freely discuss his time on the reality/competition show.

Hawley posted the following comments on his website:

"Well, that’s it. It’s the end of the American Idol journey — for me anyway. There is so much talent in the competition this year and it was such an honor to be a part of it. I’m just a lucky dude. I know so many musicians who totally deserve a ‘golden ticket’ and have never gotten one. There was so much fortunate timing that went my way, I can’t even begin to explain.

So now that my Idol endeavors are over for the year, what does the future hold for me? Well, I’m gonna keep on doing my thing, just like I’ve done for the past three years. I know a lot of you were really excited for me, and I have appreciated your enthusiasm so much!

Some of you may be curious what I thought of this whole experience. In the end, I can think of only two negatives. One — the hours upon hours of waiting around. Two — uhh, probably being cut. As for the positive? There are far too many to list, but here are a few — performing on the Love Stage with a 12-piece band of stellar musicians, connecting with old friends who saw me on TV that I haven’t talked to since I was like nine, meeting all kinds of great people and musicians as well as some of the top music producers in the world, seeing myself on national television, creepy comments from strangers on Facebook, jamming with Steven Tyler, knowing everybody in the cast of American Idol 2011, enough press to last for a few years, having J-Lo’s attention, an all-expenses paid trip to Hollywood and Las Vegas, finding out that I can keep a secret."

*************

Hawley attended York College in 2003-2004 then went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston with a degree in jazz composition. Hawley, whose music doesn’t really fit a genre, is best described as soulful. He resides in New York City with his wife Samantha and dog Fargo.

Hawley is the son of Dale and Vicki Hawley (YC Class of 1975 & 1974) of Hudson, Wisconsin, and the grandson of Monroe and Julia Hawley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

For more information or to hear samples of Caleb Hawley’s music, go to his website at calebhawley.com.

YouTube Videos
1st Idol audition
2nd Idol audition
Pics
Visit to York Elementary
York College Concert