South Sider Earns Spot on 'American Idol'

The following article was written by Patch Editor Joe Vince:

A Tinley Park resident will be heading to Hollywood as a contestant for American Idol after making it through her Detroit audition.

Megan Waltman, 22, was featured on Wednesday night's show with the judges from Fox's singing competition giving her "a golden ticket" to continue on to Hollywood to compete in the show's 13th season. She was one of 40 contestants chosen from the Detroit audition. So far, the judges—Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.—have chosen 119 Idols-to-be from four audition sites to continue competing.

In a bio video on the American Idol website, Waltman said Lopez was surprised by the soulful voice she had, and Urban gave her a hug. 

This isn't the first time Waltman's audition for the show. She tried out during the 2009, and although she didn't advance, the judges told Waltman she should try again. 

Waltman is a 2009 Andrew High School graduate, and she graduated from Moraine Valley Community College in 2011, according to her mom, Colleen.

"I am incredibly proud of my daughter for always pursuing her dreams!" Colleen wrote in an email to Patch.

South suburban residents appearing on American Idol is starting to become a trend. In 2011, Oak Forest native Chris Medina just missed making the cut for the top 24 in the show's 10th season. 

Check out the video in this article of what Waltman had to say about passing her Detroit audition on Wednesday night's episode of American Idol. Patch will continue to follow Waltman through the competition.