By News 8 Reporter Jeff Zevely
RANCHO BERNARDO (CBS 8) - Kristi Krause, a senior and cheerleader at Rancho Bernardo High School, is one talented and popular teenager. The 17-year old was one of 10,000-plus attendees this past August who auditioned in San Francisco at the AT&T park for a chance to appear on "American Idol".
"It has always been my dream to audition for 'American Idol'. It was so exciting being in the giant stadium with thousands of people hoping to win a golden ticket to Hollywood," Kristi said.
For her audition Krause sang the jazz classic "At Last" by world class singer Etta James.
Krause's dreams became reality as she was given a "Yes" to go to Hollywood by the three judges, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson.
"It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. I have been watching Idol for years and now I was going to be on the show," the young singer/songwriter said.
Krause sang several of her self-written songs for News 8 both on her guitar and piano. The teen says meeting the "American Idol" judges was a thrill. According to Krause, Jennifer Lopez was "gorgeous". Steven Tyler was "fun and crazy" and Randy Jackson was "cool".
Krause was escorted to Hollywood by her mother DeAnna Krause to join with the 325 finalists selected from the 142,000 all vying for stardom on Idol's season 10.
"It was a mothers dream to be with her and to be around all the production and craziness, and then to watch her compete with so many other talented people," DeAnna said.
Kristi says her experience with "American Idol" has been a chance of a lifetime and she looks forward to what the future has in store for her.
The San Francisco auditions will be shown on Fox Wednesday, February 9 at 8 p.m.
