Lauren Spencer-Smith (6th from left, front) with fellow top 20 competitors in Hawaii during the current season of American Idol (Lauren Spencer-Smith Facebook)

By Alex Rawnsley

TOP 20

Nanaimo singer’s quest to be an American Idol halted by COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 11, 2020 | 6:50 AM

NANAIMO — A local singer is forced to trade the big stages of Hawaii and Hollywood for kayaking and hiking on Vancouver Island.

Nanaimo-based singer and American Idol top 20 contestant Lauren Spencer-Smith returned to her family home in Port Alberni once production of the hit singing contest show was suspended in mid-March.

Spencer-Smith said the break is giving her the opportunity to relive her experience with family and friends.

“It’s such a surreal experience because you’re so grateful for the whole thing, but you still have the rest of the competition to go through,” Spencer-Smith told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The show was due to transition into live shows in April. Until now, all episodes had been pre-recorded from production in late 2019.

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“At first I was disappointed because I love being busy, being in the city and doing music every day but it’s nice to have the relaxing life.”

To date, she’s filmed in Los Angeles and Hawaii and developed life-long friendships with her competitors.

“You’re more competitive with yourself, not with the rest of the competition,” Spencer-Smith said. “I Facetime with most of the cast, everyone loves each other,. It’s such a happy atmosphere.”

New episodes of American Idol will continue to air on Sunday, April 12, featuring unseen footage and performances.

No announcement has been made about the future of the competition’s next phase, although Spencer-Smith said they will be continuing in a new way.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley