Sought out by “American Idol”

When a coordinator called Elizabeth Naranjo to audition for the television show "American Idol," Naranjo said she was stunned. "I actually thought it was a joke… it felt unreal," she said.

Naranjo, a DMC student, was recommended to the producers of the show after she gained popularity through singing the national anthem at various sports games. Naranjo participated in a select showcase with about 40 others on August 11 in Austin at the Frank Erwin Center.

According to Naranjo, because the producers had contacted her, she did not have to wait in line among thousands of other hopefuls before auditioning. Naranjo admitted that after arriving, she began to feel anxious. "I was trying to practice, and other people were singing out loud, so it was kind of nerve-wracking," she said.

Naranjo sang two songs for the producers – "Me" by Tamia, and "The More I Seek You" by Kari Jobe. She chose the songs because she felt that they displayed her vocal range and showed what she could do with her voice.

Naranjo made it through the first two rounds of the audition, but did not get the opportunity to sing for the celebrity judges. However, Naranjo is not letting it hinder her future plans to pursue music in the future.

"Music is definitely something I want to pursue in the long run. It's always been something that I love to do. Connecting people to the words that I sing is an enjoyment of mine. I plan on doing that for a good while," said Naranjo.

Naranjo described her voice as versatile. She said she wants to sing Christian music and add a little bit of soul and R&B flair. "I have a different sound, I can change it up whenever I want to," she said.

Naranjo plans to pursue music long-term. Although singing is important to her, the message she's giving to her audience is more important to her.

"Other artists usually say, ‘Oh, I love to sing and I love to make people smile.' For me it's not even about singing, it's more about connecting with people. If I can connect someone to the positive words that are coming out of my mouth, and if I could just touch someone's life with those phrases, then it makes it all worth it," said Naranjo.