“I took away that even when you don’t succeed, try again. I’m not necessarily saying I will try American Idol specifically again… I know it’s not the only path, and I have the fortunate relationship with my brother to be able to make music together and make our dreams still happen.”

JEN GAULT: 

What inspired you to audition for American Idol?

SOPHIE DORSTEN: 

What inspired me to audition for American Idol was honestly the dream that I had ever since I was little. I grew up watching the show and always said I would one day be on it. When I was 15, I had auditioned for the Phoenix casting call and didn’t get past the first off-screen round. It was the most nerve-racking thing, and I was overwhelmed at that age and said it wasn’t for me after that. Recently, I was playing a show in L.A. in the past year or so, and a producer from the show saw me and said I should audition. For some reason, I still had nerves about it from the time I auditioned when I was 15, but I overcame my 15-year-old self’s nerves and decided this would be the time to audition. I had several Zoom auditions until they invited me to audition for the celebrity judges!

JEN GAULT: 

What surprised you most about the experience behind the scenes?

SOPHIE DORSTEN: 

The thing that surprised me the most is how I felt in the process of it all. Everyone apart from the American Idol team was so nice and well organized. It really didn’t feel like the anxiety they portray it to be on TV. At least, that was the case for me. I didn’t let the anxiety get to me like it did when I was 15. But, of course, I still had some nerves!

JEN GAULT: 

What’s one piece of feedback from the judges that has stayed with you?

SOPHIE DORSTEN: I think the one piece of feedback that I got that will stay with me is from Hollywood Week—Lionel Richie said,

“You have one of the most unique styles and voices I’ve ever heard.” That comment was so shocking to me in the moment because of my nerves, but it’s something I will never forget.

JEN GAULT: 

How did American Idol change your confidence as a performer?

SOPHIE DORSTEN: 

American Idol taught me a lot about stage presence and thinking quickly on your feet. It was a very unique experience compared to anything I’ve ever done because there were so many talented and unique people there. Even just watching Hollywood Week rehearsals taught me a lot. Being there around so many talented people and sitting amongst them was, in itself, a confidence booster.

JEN GAULT: 

Looking back now, what lasting impact did the show have on your career and your outlook as an artist?

SOPHIE DORSTEN: 

My American Idol experience was definitely a good experience—even though I got eliminated during Hollywood Week, I felt I put my all and my best out there. It was a great learning experience. I took away that even when you don’t succeed, try again. I’m not necessarily saying I will try American Idol specifically again. But there were so many heartbroken people that I met who thought that American Idol was the only way to get themselves and their voices out there. I know it’s not the only path, and I have the fortunate relationship with my brother to be able to make music together and make our dreams still happen.

Part 3 – Wednesday, October 21, 2026