American Idol Sends Merrick Teen to Hollywood

Robbie Rosen has waited since he was 7 years old to audition for FOX’s American Idol.

On Wednesday, the 16-year-old Merrick resident had his chance.

“I started singing, my mom tells me, before I could even speak. I would hum harmonies and hum melodies and she knew right away that I would have something to do with singing,” Rosen said.

While standing before judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, Rosen told them, “I always envisioned myself right here. It’s an amazing feeling to actually be here.”

Rosen belted out a rendition of “Yesterday” by The Beatles that impressed the judges so much that they put him through to the Hollywood rounds without needing to vote.

“When you get into those lighter parts ... it was beautiful,” Lopez said.

“Crazy mad vocals right there,” Jackson said to Rosen after the performance.

In addition to his vocal talent, the show also discussed Rosen’s confinement to a wheelchair at age five. Rosen said on the program that when entering kindergarten, he suffered from a condition that left him unable to walk for months. Rosen said that he eventually was able to transition to walker, and that the condition eventually went away.

According to Facebook, Rosen attends Calhoun High School. Rosen also has a Youtube page with recorded performances covering songs by Jay Sean and John Legend.

Rosen will move onto the Hollywood rounds of the competition, which will begin airing on FOX starting Feb. 16.

Facebook Sounds Off

Fans of Merrick Patch on Facebook have sent Rosen words of encouragement and pride. Here is a look at what they had to say:

Jayne Hood: Way to represent Merrick

Mathew Stegner: I was impressed. Great job Rob! Good luck!

Heidi Reyer: He was sooo good!

Susie Sonner Kirby: Amazing!!!

Patricia Costigliola-Menna: He was awesome!