Locals Weather the Rain for American Idol Alums

Despite threats from the looming rain clouds hovering above and a dreary evening forecast, close to 2,000 American Idol fans-- huddled under umbrellas and ponchos-- gathered at Saturday night.

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under the Stars free concert series brought five former American Idol contenders to Massapequa for a night filled with Motown hits and original singles from the performers.

For a little over an hour, seventh-place finalist Anwar Robinson (Season Four), author and soul-singer Melinda Doolittle (Season Six), rocker Gina Glocksen (Season Six), country-musician Michael Sarver (Season Eight) and eleventh-place finalist Alexis Grace (Season Eight) shared the stage.

Mixing up the night with group performances, duets and solos, the Idol alums performed a medley of hits from legendary artists like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and the Jackson 5.

“It’s so much better in person than on TV,” said Yvonne Melzer of Copiague. “You can hear the sound better and everything.”

Other concert-goers shared the same sentiment, saying they appreciated being able to finally see some of their favorite Idols live instead of through their television set.

“I think that it’s difficult to see on TV if stars and musicians are actually good singers with all the technology and stuff. But you can see that these people have real, raw talent,” said Seaford resident Catherine Clark.

Justine Clark of Oceanside added: “You can actually see them and interact with them instead of just watching them on TV. I think that’s pretty cool.”

Although town officials suspect that thousands of locals chose to stay dry at home, the inclement weather didn’t damper the night for those who chose to dance in the rain instead. 

“We have about seven umbrellas. We’re picnicking out here,” Clark said. “The rain didn’t stop us. We’re having a good time so the rain doesn’t matter.”

Showcasing their original music as well as performing the hits that launched them into national superstardom, the American Idol alums continue to tour together as well as individually.

“I’m glad they continued singing and didn’t stop the show early,” Melzer said.