‘A Fantastic Representation Of Every Woman’: NJ Cop Performs On American Idol

FREEHOLD, NJ — A local police officer made a lasting impression on the American Idol judges by earning a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week during the most recent episode.

Julia Sienna Santiago, a Freehold resident and special officer with the Sea Girt Police Department, wowed the judges with her rendition of Connie Talbot’s “I Would” during Monday night's episode.

Prior to her performance, she even “arrested” judge Luke Bryan with a pair of handcuffs for “giving too many no’s” to other performers.

“I feel like you are such a fantastic representation of every woman,” Judge Carrie Underwood said following Santiago’s performance. “You’re strong, you’re gorgeous, you have a strength in your voice, and then you have these beautiful notes at the top that are very soft and pretty. It’s all the things all wrapped into one, and I love that very much.”

Now that Santiago has earned a Golden Ticket, she’ll make her way from the audition rounds of American Idol to Hollywood Week, where contestants compete against other performers.

“I feel more than blessed for this experience and my beautiful family that I got to share this moment with,” Santiago said in an online post following her audition. “Hollywood Week up next…”

A graduate of Howell High School’s Fine & Performing Arts Center, Santiago, 20, has been singing for as long as she can remember.

After growing up in New Jersey’s performing arts community, she’s gone on to receive a Golden Ticket in Downtown Freehold’s “Freehold Idol” competition in 2023, participated in “Rock It! Academy” at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, completed summer intensives at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, and was even nominated for “Outstanding Female Lead in a Musical” at the Basie Awards.

Outside of her work in the performing arts, Santiago also serves the Monmouth County community through local law enforcement.

While singing is her heart’s desire, she’s currently a college student working towards a career in public service as a law enforcement officer.

After reaching the rank of Lieutenant in the Marlboro Township Police Cadets program over the course of eight years, she went on to become a Special I Officer with the Sea Girt Police Department, where she currently serves.

“It is exciting to witness one of the Sea Girt Police Department’s own take the national stage,” the police department said in an online post. “Congratulations to Special Officer I Julia Santiago on receiving her golden ticket to Hollywood on American Idol. Julia has performed the National Anthem and God Bless America at numerous events in Sea Girt and throughout New Jersey, generously sharing her incredible talent with our community.”

“The entire police department is proud to see her pursue this opportunity on such a significant platform and wish her all the best on this exciting journey.”

Santiago is the latest in a series of singers to make their way from New Jersey to the American Idol stage this season.

On Monday night's episode, she was joined on the show by Paramus resident Jake Thistle, whose cover of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” also earned him a ticket to Hollywood Week.

• Read More: Bergen County Singer Jake Thistle Learns His Fate On 'American Idol'

In late January, Colts Neck resident Jacquie Lee also stunned the judges with her rendition of “I Put A Spell On You,” which earned her a ticket to Hollywood Week as well.

• Read More: A ‘Bring-The-House-Down’ Voice: Colts Neck Singer Performs On American Idol

To see a clip of Santiago’s audition from Monday night’s episode, you can click here.

To keep up with American Idol’s New Jersey contestants this season, you can watch new episodes as they air on Mondays at 8/7c.