News : \'Idol\' audition was great experience, says Vinton native Liz Moen

Liz Moen says auditioning for "American Idol' was a great experience.

Liz Moen did not get a chance to sing in front of Keith Urban or any other of the 2013 American Idol judges.

Yet the 2012 graduate of Vinton-Shellsburg High School said her audition for the show was a great experience.

“It was really fun and I was shocked every time they let me through the rounds,” said Liz, who sings at several locations and events throughout the Vinton area. “I was singing Johnny Cash and then a Katy Perry song. The executive producers (Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe) had me sing four songs but they were disappointed that I couldn't give them a super fast-paced song. They said they loved my voice and look but I just wasn't the style they are trying to go for this year.”

For now, Liz is happy to remember the experience, and focusing on school, family and friends.

“But I'm gonna try out for The Voice maybe or who knows,” she says.

Liz does not know if she will appear on the American Idol show, which begins next later this month.

“I made it pretty far, but I'm not sure if they'll put my audition on TV,” said Liz, who says she is “not that big of a fan” of the show.

“I liked the earlier seasons,” she says. “I've only watched a couple episodes though. I did it as a spur of the moment thing and it ended up being a great experience. But I don't really watch Idol. I do really like ‘The Voice’ though.”