Jan. 24, 2012 —
Morehead residents David Magrane, a semi-retired Morehead State University department chair, and his wife, Mary, couldn’t have been prouder to see their 15-year-old granddaughter, Shannon Magrane, receive the “American Idol” Golden Ticket to Hollywood for the next round of singing competition.
Shannon’s father, Joe Magrane, a former Rowan County High School athletic standout and former World Series pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, took time out from his analyst job with the Major League Baseball Network to join his daughter on stage with the rest of the family while Shannon belted out her a cappella rendition of “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.”
The six-foot-tall, high school sophomore from Tampa, Fla., impressed “American Idol” judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.
“She’s got nerves of steel to do this in front of her whole family, not to mention the rest of America,” Jackson said. All three gave her a “yes” to pass on to the next round.
Mary said she had been asked about comments made by Aerosmith front man and “Idol” judge Steven Tyler. “I was not offended at all, and I think the media is blowing it way out of proportion,” she said.
“Joe asked how Boston was. Tyler responded with “hot and humid,” followed by “happening.” He then said “like your daughter,” meaning ‘happening’,” said Mary.
Shannon, according to her grandmother, has been performing since age 8.
“She performs Broadway musicals with a group called “ER” (Entertainment Review),” Mary said. “The money earned through performances goes into an account, and upon graduation, the members are given college scholarships. Their last graduate received approximately $11, 000,” she added.
Shannon auditioned in Georgia in the August heat but a “gag” notice was put in place until the “Idol” season began televising.
“It was hard not to say anything,” her grandmother said.
Mary said that while in Los Angeles, Shannon has been keeping up with schoolwork online.
“She put on her Facebook announcing to friends that she would “BRB (Be Right Back), I’m fulfilling my dream.”
“We are all very proud of her. She has the talent to perform under pressure with nerves of steel; just like her dad,” said her grandmother.
Kim Bandura can be reached at kbandura@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
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