Teen Idol: Jill Polk

Jill Polk certainly stole the show. Out of the 150 teenagers who mailed audition tapes of themselves singing to High School Idol 7, seven finalists emerged. Polk, a student at Cardinal Mooney, was the only freshmen still in the running and went on to take the trophy. The competition took place Monday, May 21, at The Players Theatre. The Sarasota Observer caught up with Polk recently to get the full scoop on her new idol status.

First things first — are you aware that you have a “Glee” twin?
Everybody says that! I’ve actually never seen “Glee” before. She (Lea Michele) has the same brown hair and she’s actually really pretty.

Have you ever made an audition tape?
This was my first time being recorded on video and sending it in to be chosen for a competition. My dad (Douglas Polk) recorded me singing two songs, but he accidentally deleted both of them, so we had to record a second time. It’s harder to connect with it when you’re singing to a camera and your dad instead of making an impression on the judges when they’re right in front of you.

Which songs did you choose to perform?
I sang “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson and “Defy Gravity” from “Wicked.” Two totally opposite things just to show diversity and that I can kind of sing whatever is thrown at me. They are my two favorite songs to perform in front of people because they show such range. They’re good competition songs.

Did you spend hours practicing before performing?
So many! I love singing so much. I get so into it. I scheduled like five extra voice lessons so I could make sure I got all the songs down pat.

Did you get good vibes from the judges?
Cliff Roles and Sharon Scott both had responses to me after I performed where I felt like they knew what they were talking about. They seemed experienced in the areas of performing. They were both very friendly. Sharon Scott — she had a lot of personality. I really liked her.

Who was your competition?
One of my favorite things about competition is the other performers. They were so friendly — it was really surprising to me. My voice teacher told me to keep my voice down, but I could not help myself. It was actually really nice to talk to somebody who gets performing. The really enjoyable part of the competition was the honor of singing with people. It was a breath of fresh air.

First thought when you won?
I was in total shock and a little bit of disbelief. I had been sick — I still have the sniffles — and taking Vicks, medicine and resting my voice. I felt like I didn’t perform to best of my ability or make an impression, which to me is what singing is all about.

What did you receive as winner?
I won a $500 cash prize, which I will probably put in the bank for college because I need to start saving up, and a diamond-shaped glass trophy for first place, which I have proudly displayed in my room now.

What’s your favorite song? Least favorite song?
People ask me that question all the time. It’s a different one every day. Probably two of my favorite songs are “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel. I don’t like current music as much as classic rock. It doesn’t seem like there’s much talent put into today’s music. I can’t stand “Boyfriend” by Justin Bieber. It’s so creepy. He says “swag” every other word.

If you could sing a duet with anyone, whom would it be and why?
Oh my gosh. If it were anybody, I’d probably want to sing it with Kelly Clarkson. Her voice is nothing like I’ve ever heard before. She’s really talented and it would be like a dream to sing with her.

Will we see you on “American Idol” one day?
I hope so! I would love to try out, and this year I’m finally old enough. And, yes, I would probably sing a Kelly Clarkson song because her songs are just perfect for performing — they’re easy to sink your teeth into.

The final round was taped and will air on The Education Channel in June. Visit TheEdChannel.net for the schedule.