'Idol' thumbs down doesn't discourage singer

Belleville News-Democrat

March 01, 2008

'Idol' thumbs down doesn't disourage singer Jess Boeschen likes singing in front of crowds, but his favorite gig so far has been singing for a select trio, 'American Idol' judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Jess' parents joined him in Omaha last October to cheer him on.

The Okawville native was among 40 performers to sing for the celebrity judges to try to get to the Hollywood round of auditions

'Randy said, 'You're in the happiest place in Omaha. We talked for a few minutes before I sang 'How Sweet It Is'.'

Jess, 19, finished the lyric 'I just want to stop,' and said Abdul put her hands in the air.

'I thought she wanted me to stop,' explained Jess, who has blond hair and a winning smile. 'She said she was just dancing.'

It was the end of the line for Jess, who had tried out for the show in St. Louis in 2004 and Memphis in 2006.

Jackson told him he liked the tone of his voice but 'it was just average.' Abdul agreed. Cowell concurred and told Jess 'I won't remember you in 10 minutes.'

He wasn't discouraged.

'I'm trying out again next year,' said Jess, who studies vocal music at Southwestern Illinois College.

Before auditioning for the celebrity judges, Jess won over two sets of producers. He also met 'American Idol' host and radio personality Ryan Seacrest, who commented on Jess' outfit -- cargo shorts, a polo shirt and sandals.

'He said, 'You look just like you got back from camp.' It didn't bother me. That's just who I am,' said Jess.

Jess thinks maybe his clean-cut image and normal family life with two parents and an older brother wasn't a juicy enough story for the 'Idol' producers.

'I'm a regular guy with a good family. There were 56 students in my graduating class. In a small town, everyone knows everyone.'

At age 16, Jess auditioned for 'American Idol' in St. Louis. He didn't make it beyond the first round of producers. But he gained confidence, enough to audition again in 2006 and 2007.

Bill is proud of his son, who sings at local festivals.

'When he sings 'You Lift Me Up,' I've seen people cry,' said Bill. 'Going there ('American Idol' auditions), he got great experience.'

Jess practices weekly with vocal teachers Gail Fleming, Debra Harris and Darice Palmier.

Palmier couldn't wait to hear about his Omaha auditions.

'We wanted more information right away than what he could give us. He couldn't divulge anything before the show came on TV.'

On a recent Thursday afternoon, he rehearsed 'Let Me Fall' in Palmier's office. She accompanied him on piano.

'If I fall, though, that phoenix may or may not rise,' Jess sang in his warm tenor voice, eyes closed.

Jess enjoys classical vocal training. Palmier knows he has a voice that can take him beyond 'Idol' auditions.

'He has so much skill and precision and is ready to learn and apply it to any composition,' she said.

Jess plans to earn his associate of arts degree this spring. He has applied to Belmont University in Nashville, known for its music program.

'I don't have a backup plan. Singing is what I want to do with my life,'

Want to watch Jess practice and hear him sing? Go to www.bnd.com to watch a video.

Meet Jess

Family: Parents Bill and Julie Boeschen and older brother Joel, 23.

First time he sang in public: Fifth-grade talent contest. Jess sang 'A Whole New World' from 'Aladdin.'

Education: Graduated from Okawville High School in 2006. Studies vocal music at Southwestern Illinois College.

High school activities: Baseball, golf, basketball and cheerleading

Favorite food: 'Shrimp, any way you fix it, and the chicken bacon ranch sandwich from Subway.'

What's playing in your car's CD player: Daughtry, Meatloaf, Chris Brown and Keith Urban, Michael Buble.

Favorite pastimes: Working out and visiting brother Joel at Arkansas State University.

Job: sales associate at American EagleDream job: 'Be a professional singer and record CDs'

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