American Idol’s Ruben Studdard pays tribute to the legendary Luther Vandross! It’s a magical night out — a special concert event for Ruben Studdard fans and the millions of Luther Vandross fans who long for his music and now have a show that comes very close to the feeling of his memorable concerts. It’s a vocal tribute to Luther’s remarkable talent. There will never be another Luther Vandross, and no other voice comes closer to him than Ruben Studdard — the remarkable singer who was hailed as the “next Luther” during his “American Idol” run and was nominated for a Grammy for singing “Superstar.” Get ready for “Always and Forever,” “Never Too Much,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Power of Love,” “Here and Now,” “So Amazing,” “Stop to Love” and many more.
American Idol
Here’s Your Chance To Audition For American Idol
ABC22 is bringing American Idol auditions to the Miami Valley! On Saturday, August 26th at the Miami Valley Centre Mall in Piqua! Auditions will take place from 11am -3pm , doors will open at 5:30am.
The top 5 singers will receive Front of the Line passes for the the auditions in Louisville on Aug 30! Come on Miami Valley!
Let’s show American Idol Dayton can SING!
Food Adventure with American Idol Star, Alexis Gomez
Alexis Gomez is a Food Adventures Fan !
Good things happen to good people. So is the case with local musician and national American Idol Star, Alexis Gomez. Hard work and success has paid off for this fun natured, family loving young woman. She is one of the nicest, down to earth people you could meet. It isn’t every day that you get to go on a Food Adventure with a music star!
You may remember when she first stole America’s heart with her memorable TV debut, the audition scene where she “made it to hollywood” HERE IS THE VIDEO.
Alexis took time out of her busy schedule to have lunch with us at one of her favorite spots, Boosalis Bakery in Crosse Pointe Center, Centerville. Recently, she has been traveling to Nashville and Dayton to write and record music. Alexis is also gearing up for a slew of concerts this summer ranging from Dayton area venues to the House of Blues, Cleveland! Food Adventures sat down with Alexis, her mom and sister and of course we wanted to talk .. FOOD
But before we dive into that, let’s get to know one of Dayton’s upcoming stars and 2015 Amercian Idol Finalist..
Hand Tossed Cheese Pizza from Flying Pizza is a favorite
HERE’S THE SKINNY ON ALEXIS GOMEZ:
— She is a Dayton native who has been playing music and singing with her family her whole life. She has many photos on her Instagram of early years playing shows, or rehearsing with her family.
— Very involved in her church, Alexis and her family believe in giving back to the community. She has a strong spiritual upbringing, that has made her humble and well grounded, with a refreshing appreciation for life.
Food Adventure at Boosalis Baking & Cafe
— Alexis is definitely a foodie, and told us of her American Idol visits to some cities where she got to sample the area foods. But many times, the contestants were served a strict diet, some of which included limited selections. She laughed, telling us she doesn’t like mushrooms for breakfast. But sometimes that was all they had to offer, so she was grateful when traveling and getting some “outside food.”
— How do you get her music? EASY! Go to her ITUNES Page Here or her website AlexisGomezMusic.com
— What’s next for Alexis? Look for more music from her and a busy 2016 tour scene, all over Ohio with a stop in Nashville and even the country of Poland.
From Dreams to Dreems & back again!
The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House, talked food and took some yummy advice from this talented young lady…
Being in the top group for the 2015 American Idol, we thought it would be great for Alexis to tell us about her top 10 favorite places to eat in the Miami Valley, bar none ! SO without further delay…. here are her picks!
ALEXIS GOMEZ’ TOP 8 DAYTON FOOD PLACES:
1) DON PABLOS – Yes, we know it is a chain, but her Mexican roots call out to her current obsession – Don Pablo’s Prairie Fire Bean Dip. There is a location near the Fairfield Commons Mall.
2) FLYING PIZZA: She loves the hand tossed classic cheese pizza, a Dayton original! Alexis also finds their breadsticks and cheese sauce irresistable.
Alexis Gomez having lunch with some young fans
3) MI BURRITO MEXICAN GRILL: Located at 8374 Princeton Glendale Road in Mason, Ohio, this place is a little known secret to Daytonians. Alexis says it is worth the short drive for some amazing burritos, nachos and more Mexican specialties
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4) AREPAS and CO.: Sweet Choclo Arepas are her fave at this Columbian restaurant with 2 popular locations in the Dayton area
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5) CITY BBQ: Her “go to” is the Chicken Tenders with the
City BBQ, Centerville
Brushfire BBQ sauce! Alexis hits up the downtown Centerville location, but there is another location in Beavercreek/Fairborn at 2330 N Fairfield Rd. for foodies in that area.
6) BOOSALIS BAKING and CAFE: Alexis told us about an incredible trademark menu item here, and she was right! The Cranberry Turkey Sandwich served with homemade cranberry bread is one of the best sandwiches Food Adventures has ever eaten. Also those Kouign Amann pastries, pronounced “Queen Amann,” are delicate, delicious buttery pastries, that are reminiscent of a croissant in a cupcake shape. You gotta try this place in Cross Pointe Center!
Lock 27, home of an incredible Keener Burger made with local beef
7) LOCK 27 BREWING: Alexis says the Keener Burger is the best bet here. Chef House agrees !
8) DIXIE DAIRY DREEM: This iconic ice cream stand in Moraine is a local favorite. Alexis grew up on the chili dogs and blue raspberry slush floats, which says are some of the best in the world.
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9) DEWEY’S PIZZA: Great pizza, started in the Oakley neighborhood in Cincinnati. Alexis suggests this custom combination to top your pizza: White Sauce, Ricotta Cheese, Banana Peppers and Roasted Red Peppers.
Arepas and Co. is on of Alexis’ favorites too
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10) ELE CAKE CO. BISTRO and WINE BAR: Alexis frequents this bistro at Austin Landing for their Ratatouille dish. It is a friendly and fun atmosphere at this little shop
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WHEW ! What a list ! We cannot thank Alexis enough for taking time out of her busy schedule to have a Food Adventure with us.
We wish her all the success in the world, and are grateful to have a such a sweet, local superstar in our midst! Best wishes to her and her family, and we are sure that we will see her out and about and be able to share some foodie talk again soon.. until then, we told you where to find her good music, and now you know some good eats to have while listening to it!
For more about Dayton best eats, follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE. Come back here weekly for our featured local food articles.
Here are her top 10 !
Alexis was right! Boosalis Bakery Turkey Sandwich on Cranberry is the best turkey sandwich EVER !
Inside Lock 27
Dough throwing at Deweys
Kouign Amann pastry – to die for !! thanks for the tip Alexis !
Hungry Jax’s kids were starstruck by Alexis, who was so nice to them
The “Golden Child” Gets the Golden Ticket: Idol Dreams Becoming a Reality
Could you imagine in your wildest dreams that every singing lesson you took, choir you sang in, musical you performed in, and talent show you placed in could lead up to one of the biggest moments of your life? For one local young man, his wildest dreams may be becoming a reality.
Michael Anthony Disney's Hollywood American Idol Experience Winner
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of past American Idol greats such as Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, and Jordin Sparks, is a 15-year- old Dayton prodigy Michael Anthony of Miami Valley High School. Michael has earned himself the Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ American Idol Experience Golden Ticket that could make the ambitious teen’s vocalist dreams come true.
Michael, who is also involved in theatre and choir at his high school, began expressing his talent as an infant, when he would hum Barney tunes in front of the television. At the tender age of 8 months, Michael’s mother, Miracle Monette Troutman, knew her son had something special from the very beginning, hence the name “Golden Child.”
Miracle said, “Not even in my wildest dreams, would I have been able to imagine that my son could be an audition away, from possibly becoming the next American Idol. No matter what happens, I am so proud of him. Michael receiving the Golden Ticket was a huge accomplishment in itself.”
Michael was able to win over the judges with his R&B, Pop and Acoustic musical sound, at the American Idol Experience audition in Florida; which landed him a Golden Ticket to audition for any upcoming season of the American Idol. Michael’s mature polished sound and remarkable vocal range is what will make him a contender for a top spot on Idol.
A major incentive for Michael winning the American Idol Golden Ticket is he gets front of the line access for an audition, which will guarantee him the opportunity to sing his heart out in front of the star studded American Idol judges.
Michael jokingly stated, “I hope my audition does not end up in the blooper section!”
Michael plans on auditioning this summer for his chance at stardom and would like to audition closer to home [i.e. Chicago] for the 2012 season of American Idol.
Michael added, “There was a man from last season [2010] that had the same golden ticket as I have and he made it to the top five. This is very encouraging to me and I can’t wait to give it my all.”
Michael is motivated and believes his chances at making it to Hollywood are great.
In order for the “Golden Child” to receive the American Idol Experience Golden Ticket, he had to beat out the competition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ in Orlando, Florida. Michael was then voted by an audience of his peers and onlookers as the winner by interactive key pad for the chance to sing his heart out for all of America.
Michael Canada may still be a kid, but the competition was not based on his age; rather, his talent and ability to wow the judges and prove that he deserved to go on to the next round. Michael stated, “I competed against people in their forties and was not even old enough to cash in my American Idol Golden Ticket at the time, you have to be at least fifteen to go on the show. Going up against adults and stiff competition was intimidating, but I gave it my best. I am so happy I won.”
Michael’s own personal idols are Sidney Poitier, Michael Jackson, Will Smith and his mentor Quentin Darrington [Broadway Musical Actor].
Canada is not only a singing sensation but also a scholar, obtaining a 3.8 Grade Point Average in his Honors courses at the Miami Valley School and attributes his scholastic success to super supportive mother.
Michael quoted, “Momma don’t play that!” referring to Miracle’s stern, but loving approach when it comes to his scholastic success.
Miracle stated, “The money put towards Michael’s education is well worth it, because he is such a good smart kid.”
, Mitchelle and Christian [Brothers]”]
Michael is much like any other 15-year-old who likes to hang out with friends and participate in extracurricular activities at his school. When Michael is not somewhere performing or developing his musical talents, he enjoys being a big brother to his two younger siblings 11 year old Mitchell Canada, who plays quarterback for Trotwood Madison Middle School and five year old Christian Troutman, who loves playing video games. Michael also enjoys reading, acting and spending quiet time alone when he is able to.
Michael quoted, “I am a pretty easy going guy. I like to just chill by myself at home and read.”
Michael and his mother Miracle both had strong closing statements to share with the public. Miracle stated, “Don’t give up on your kids, be active in their lives. Your children can be your destiny. What I was not able to become, I know my sons would be.”
Michael added, “Don’t underestimate yourself. Stay humble and just go for it [your dreams].”
