In its 22nd season, American Idol’s seven finalist contenders included Julia Gagnon — a fellow Mainer and USM student.
In her final performance, Julia would deliver a stunning rendition of Set Fire to the Rain by Adele, earning immense praises from all three judges. Lionel Richie exclaimed: “I don’t know who you are anymore! Just be a superstar and drop the mic”. Unfortunately, Julia would not go on to secure a top-five spot in the show. Regardless, the state of Maine has rallied around Julia both during and after her incredibly successful run in American Idol’s 22nd season. In fact, on May 1st, a “Honk for Julia” event was planned by North Yarmouth Academy teacher Shannon Gallagher, in which the community gathered by the Route 1 bridge in Yarmouth. Students held signs and posters that read: “Julia is our American Idol!” and “Julia is Pitch Perfect!”
The pace has quickly picked up for Gagnon this past year: after winning first-place at the Central Maine Idol competition in August of 2023, Julia wanted to do something “big” in honor of her birthmother in Guatemala and her adoptive family here in Maine. For Julia, that meant auditioning for American Idol in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, all who gave the soul-singer three emphatic “yeses” and a platinum ticket, sending her straight to Hollywood. After a month of delivering numerous knockout-performances on international television, Julia found herself as one of only seven remaining singers, with the entire state of Maine cheering her on.
On American Idol, the platinum ticket is awarded to only three standout competitors each season. Receiving the ticket means that Gagnon automatically advanced to the second round of American Idol’s Hollywood week.
Julia Gagnon was born in Guatemala and raised in Cumberland, Maine by her adoptive family. A quiet kid, Julia didn’t share her gift of singing until her middle school chorus teacher, Nora Kranis, gave her a solo in the school concert. “I only sang in school,” said Gagnon in an American Idol interview. “Competitions made me nervous and I didn’t like the idea of auditioning.” Fast-forward a few years, and Julia would be delivering weekly performances to millions of amazed viewers on one of the biggest talent-shows in the world.
The Beacon spoke with Julia, who recalled her initial audition:
The Beacon: What initially drew you to perform for American Idol? Was this something you’d been planning, or was it more of a spontaneous decision?
Julia: Definitely more of a spontaneous decision. Having just competed in the local competition, Central Maine Idol, I had a little bit of a confidence boost and thought, “why not”?
In 2023, Julia was crowned the winner of the Central Maine Idol competition against 19 other singers.
The Beacon: In your audition, Lionel Richie seemed a little nervous about you singing an Aretha Franklin song, but he was immediately relieved after hearing your rendition. What made you choose “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin?
Julia: Actually, a lot of convincing from my family. I really love that song; I really connect with it. I was nervous about doing it as an audition, because it’s such a huge song. But my fiancé’s dad was actually texting me the day of the audition, and he just said: “You might as well go out doing what you want to sing instead of strategizing for something that might not even happen”. So, I ended up doing that.
The Beacon: Often, we don’t see the state of Maine mentioned in any mainstream media or entertainment…
— Julia chuckled at the remark —
The Beacon: …what does it mean to you, as a Mainer, to put your home-state on the map, especially on one of the biggest shows in the world?
Julia: It was so great for me; it felt so amazing to do that. And I don’t necessarily see myself as [an inspiration] — just because I think it’s hard to see anyone’s self as an inspiration — but I definitely feel the love and feel the support from everybody, and I think it’s really special.
The Beacon: At the start of the show, you said that this was for your birth mother in Guatemala and your adoptive family here in Maine. Most recently, you’ve secured a top-7 spot on the show. Now that you’ve come this far, is there anything new or different motivating you? Have you gone farther than you’ve imagined?
Julia: Yes, I’ve gone much farther than I’d imagined. I feel like the image is shifting; almost to do some more things for me. I think when I entered, I started off trying to make people proud, which I’m still trying to do — I still try every day — but I’ve started to lean into more performances that are for my sake.
From the shy, talented kid in small-town Maine to the powerhouse singer and top-7 finalist on American Idol, Julia Gagnon has garnered the admiration of fellow Mainers and worldwide viewers. Despite the recent elimination, Julia has gifted her voice to the world, and hopefully will continue to do so.
Categories: Arts & Culture, Music, Uncategorized
The SMCC Beacon 