MHS student wins Idol 'dream ticket'

A young Marianna girl was on cloud nine last week after receiving an American Idol “dream ticket” after winning at Disney’s American Idol Experience last week.
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Mathis, 18, decided on a whim to audition for the American Idol Experience last weekend while visiting the parks with her youth group. She shocked everyone, even herself, when she made it through numerous auditions and performances, resulting in her winning the finale show.
“I was just so excited. I’ve always wanted to audition but I wanted to wait until I graduated high school. Then I was there, saw they were having auditions and figured I’d try,” Mathis said.
Mathis went through a series of meetings and auditions, starting with the preliminary audition with Disney producers. This meeting is primarily a meeting to establish talent and disposition. With the producer’s approval, Mathis was entered into the American Idol Experience.
The experience offers contestants all the glitz and glamour of the actual show. With a replica studio set and a performance in front of a live audience, contestants feel as if they are in the actual running to be the next American Idol.
Mathis blew the audience away with her rendition of “Respect” by Aretha Franklin and surpassed the other contestants with audience votes, thus winning the preliminary round. With that victory, Mathis was invited to return for that night’s finale.
“She had her hair and make-up done and worked with a vocal coach for a little bit before the show,” Ann Mathis, Elizabeth’s mother said. “It was unreal.”
Mathis repeated her performance for a new audience for the night’s finale, and again impressed the audience, leading to her win.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was so excited and nervous all at the same time,” Mathis said.
If voted the best singer of the day by audience members, Disney offers contestants a “dream ticket.”
This ticket provides a scheduled audition with the American Idol judges, without the hassle of going through the large cattle calls held in various cities.
“With this ticket, I have a year to audition for American Idol without having to wait in any of those lines or go through any preliminary auditions. I can just skip all that,” Mathis said.
Mathis explained that she more than likely was going to wait until the summer to audition.
“I would like to wait until summer, that way I’ll be out of school and I will have time to prepare,” she said.
Mathis has been singing all her life, and is involved with Marianna High’s show choir. She also sings the “National Anthem” at Marianna High basketball games.
“I love singing, I’ve been doing it for 18 years,” she said.
Ann Mathis said Elizabeth was more than likely going to audition in either the upcoming Atlanta auditions, or in Jacksonville.
“We have family in Atlanta, so we might just make a trip of it,” Ann said.
Disney’s American Idol Experience is a daily event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The ticket doesn’t cover any expenses, just the guarantee of a reserved audition.
“We are all just so proud of Elizabeth, and look forward to the summer,” Ann said.