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UConn student gets golden ticket on ‘Idol’

MANSFIELD — Another high note on the Connecticut singing scene. James Killian Dunn, a 21-year-old UConn student, was granted a golden ticket for “Am...
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MANSFIELD -- Another high note on the Connecticut singing scene.

James Killian Dunn, a 21-year-old UConn student, was granted a golden ticket for "American Idol." Dunn, from Brookfield, went to the Brooklyn auditions last fall to sing for judges Jennifer Lopez, Adam Lambert and Harry Connick Jr.

On Friday, Dunn spoke with Fox CT about those moments under the bright lights and performing before the all-star panel.  "It was pretty nerve wracking," Dunn said. "They have a little waiting room that's 3 feet by 3 feet and you stand there and wait for a green light to go on, that's your cue." Dunn added that once he began singing on the stage, he became more comfortable: "I just kept telling myself they are normal people, they're just really, really good looking."

On the UConn campus, Dunn stays in tune singing with the student a cappella group called CDN and says he hopes "Idol" provides the springboard to a career in music. "I would like this to take me to a place to perform and write for the rest of my life."

Dunn's fellow singing group members are backing their band mate: "Good is not the word to describe him," said UConn freshman Frank Amaefuna. "He's fantastic!"

Dunn will join West Haven's Nick Fradiani at Hollywood week, but neither will disclose how far they make it. Dunn said to "stay tuned, and I hope you see me kill it in Hollywood."

Hollywood week on "American Idol" begins Wednesday, February 4 on Fox CT.

Related stories:

2 Connecticut guys make it to round 2 on American Idol

An Idol in our midst? West Haven man takes a shot at stardom

Watch: UConn student auditions for American Idol

WATCH: American Idol Season XIV unveils the top 24 contestants… almost

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