HOLLADAY, Utah -- In the middle of the pressure cooker that is the "American Idol" competition on Fox, Jenn Blosil, originally from Orem, is fighting for a spot in the Top Ten.
And, fighting to keep her voice in shape for all of the spotlight moments is her vocal coach, Dean Kaelin.
“My job is mostly just strength and conditioning coach," Kaelin said from his music studio in Holladay. "Hopefully make sure that the voice is in good enough shape she's not worried, 'Will the voice work?'"
It was a performance day on American Idol Wednesday, and Jenn is on the phone for some coaching. Dean was taking her through a range of vocal exercises.
"Awesome,” he praises as she sings. “…you didn't have any of those notes this morning, way to go."
Jenn praises the work Dean has done with her, saying her voice is the strongest it has been in years. She admits, however, she has not always been the best vocal student, saying she really only came to Dean when she started having problems.
Dean is equally as impressed with Jenn.
“She's like a very modern-day Janis Joplin to me, with maybe even a little Carol King, a little Bonnie Raitt thrown in there,” Kaelin said.
It is her unique sound that Dean believes will continue to carry her through the competition. He also praises her ability as a musician and songwriter.
Dean Kaelin should know, he’s been in the position of coach in past seasons. Notably David Archuleta, season seven’s runner up, and Carmen Rasmussen, who was a Top Ten contestant from season two.
He believes Jenn can continue to climb the competition ranks, but it won’t be easy.
“Her big challenge is keeping her voice together,” he said. “'If your voice is not in good shape, you're going to get beat up, so that's Jenn's challenge.”
Either way, Dean says, Jenn Blosil is getting the exposure she needs to start building a career in music. Jenn performed on American Idol Wednesday night, and Thursday night she will learn whether or not she advances in the competition. Watch American Idol on FOX 13 Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.
