Meet the 13 Long Islanders who've been on 'American Idol'

Christian Guardino grew up watching “American Idol” from his home in Patchogue since he was two years old. This year the 22-year-old singer made it to the No. 7 spot in the singing competition and became one of the breakout stars from the show’s 20th anniversary season. But Guardino is not the only Long Islander to make it on the longrunning musical competiton.

Besides Guardino, 12 other local singers have appeared on the program over the years. Here are their stories:

JOSEPH MURENA

“I wasn’t out at the time when I was on the show. It wasn’t something that was discussed back then. But, things have changed so much,” says Murena, 43. “I’m happy these kids don’t have to deal with that these days.”

KEVIN COVAIS

“I was a 16-year-old kid who knew nothing about the industry. Because of ‘American Idol’ I met so many amazing people and made lifelong friendships from the show,” says Covais, 33. “ ‘Idol’ created an opportunity for me and I’m forever grateful. It helped me grow up.”

JARED COTTER

“Before auditioning for ‘American Idol,’ I was getting frustrated with music because I wasn’t making it. I called my mother in Florida and told her that I think it’s time that I throw in the towel. She was like, ‘I hear there’s an audition for 'American Idol' tomorrow so why don’t you wait a day.’ So I went to the audition and made it through,” says Cotter, 40. “ ‘Idol’ was the foundation for the rest of my career. Everything stemmed from there.”

JACKIE TOHN

“ ‘Idol’ was completely magical and wrapped in a bow from my first audition to them televising every single step of the way to Paula Abdul mentioning me on ‘The Tonight Show’ to Jay Leno,” says Tohn. “It was an absolute dream. But, I was gutted to get eliminated so promptly after what felt like such a charmed journey.”

ROBBIE ROSEN

“The experience was life changing,” says Rosen, 28. “Being surrounded by such passionate and talented music people with the same work ethic kept me on my toes and challenged me for sure.” 

JAX

“It’s where I started singing. I learned how to read, write and socialize from all the theater programs like the Long Beach Theatre Guild,” says Jax, 26, whose real name is Jackie Miskanic. “I was a crazy kid who lived right down the block from the beach. All my friends and I were beach bums who would run around barefoot all the time.”

ERIC ANTHONY LOPEZ

“ ‘American Idol’ opened a lot of doors and changed my whole life,” says Lopez, 27. “Judge Harry Connick Jr. pulled me aside off camera and told me to audition for Broadway, which is what I’m doing now.”

SAL VALENTINETTI

“ ‘American Idol’ was my first look at reality TV. Even though I wasn’t serious about it going in, it made me want it even more,” says Valentinetti, 26. “It helped me get on ‘AGT’ and gave me an idea of what I was in for.”

ADAM EZEGELIAN

“ ‘American Idol’ gave me the confidence that I needed to put myself out there and go for my dreams of performing,” says Ezegelian, 28. “Without that, I might still be in that little cubical drawing away.”

CHRISTIAAN PADAVAN

“On the show, they try to push you to your limit to see what you are capable of,” says Padavan, 23. “Some people don’t handle that well, but I’m a theater kid so I was used to pressure.”

JACKSON GILLIES

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and will forever act as a time capsule for who I was when I auditioned,” says Gillies, 22. 

SHANNON GIBBONS

“Being on ‘American Idol’ was a lifelong dream of mine and something I always wanted to do,” says Gibbons, 23. “I’ll always hold it close to my heart in my life’s journey.”

CHRISTIAN GUARDINO

“My ‘Idol’ run was the time of my life. I learned more than I ever thought I would,” says Guardino, 22. “The show taught me how to really grab people with a performance as well as various vocal techniques, which gave me a real boost in confidence.”

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.