STRATFORD -- When Chynna Sherrod disappeared from Stratford High School in November, she told people she was going on a mission trip to Africa. When she appeared on national TV last week, everyone figured out she wasn't quite telling the truth.
The 17-year-old was actually in Hollywood, California, competing on "American Idol."
She auditioned for the final season of the show in August, taking home a "yes" from all three judges, meaning she was going to Hollywood Week.
"I thought, 'Why not? The worst they could say is no,'" said Sherrod.
"I was a little bit in shock at the time, so I honestly don't even remember the emotion," she said of her advancement to the next round.
Hollywood Week was a whirlwind for the teen.
"It was a great time, but it was very hard. There wasn't a lot of time for me to sleep," said Sherrod. "Having to sing when your voice is tired is a lot. It's a lot on the body, too, just to stay up to have a lot of energy and be presentable."
The high schooler's pipes have lots of practice. She's involved in concert choir, girls a Capella, musicals and more.
"I love to sing in harmony. I grew up with three siblings and we also sing together a lot so that was great for me to have something like that to hold on to [during Hollywood week]," said Sherrod. "I know my first audition, I was very funny and I was very laid back but I think in Hollywood week, you will definitely see me command the stage and be more open."
On Wednesday, she made it through the lines of 10, meaning she's heading to the group round part of Hollywood Week on Thursday.
"I don't know if I'm actually allowed to tell you guys," said Sherrod. "It went great. Let's just say that. It went really great."
Sherrod isn't the only family member to make it onto FOX 61 and national television. Check out FOX 61's coverage of her brother Brandon Sherrod and his decision to take a year off from Yale University basketball to tour the world with the Whiffenpoofs, a prestigious a Capella group.
Tune in to see if Chynna keeps moving forward on "American Idol" on FOX 61 from 8-10 p.m. ET on Thursday.
