Arts & Entertainment

'American Idol' Journey Continues for Naperville Resident, Benet Student to Hollywood

After auditioning in Chicago, Benet Academy junior Alex Oechsel made it to the next round in Fox's 'American Idol.'

Last month, we saw Naperville resident and Benet Academy junior Alex Oechsel seal a trip to Hollywood for Fox's American Idol

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Now Oechsel will be back on Fox as American Idol enters Hollywood Week (or, as some call it, hell week). Oeschel will need to go against, and in some cases work with, the other contestants trying to be the next Idol. 

Find out what's happening in Bolingbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At the end of the week, only 20 men and 20 women will emerge. Last week, the men were cut down to just 28 left, and this week eight more will go home. 

American Idol premieres new shows at 7 p.m. CT on FOX this Wednesday and Thursday night. 

Find out what's happening in Bolingbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Oechsel made it to the next round after American Idol's season 12 auditions in Chicago. 

Oechsel is no stranger to the stage as she's performed in numerous productions at North Central College and Benet Academy.

Last summer, Oechsel was one of two girls cast as Dorothy in North Central College's production of "The Wizard of Oz". Along with her sister, Taylor, Oechsel also performed in "Annie" in 2011 at North Central.

In 2010, Oechsel appeared in "A Year with Frog and Toad""Lunacy" as well as the college's production of "The Producers".

Patch will keep you updated on Alex throughout the season. 


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