Timeline of an ‘American Idol’

Ten years ago, Robbie Rosen sat in front of his television and watched the first season of “American Idol” in his Merrick home. He was only 7 years old, but even then he knew he had it what it takes to one day perform on the show.

"We'd mute the TV, and I'd sing some songs that I heard the Idols singing,” Rosen said. “My mom and I were like, ‘Man, I can do that someday.’”

Turns out, they were right.

It’s been less than a week since Rosen, now a 17-year-old junior at Calhoun High School, returned home from “Idol,” where he beat out more than 100,000 contestants to finish in the top 24. “It's really cool looking back, and now looking how far I've come,” he said.

In the short time that Rosen’s been home, he’s already made an appearance on “Good Day New York,” given numerous interviews, signed dozens of autographs and received standing ovations all around Merrick. “It’s been crazy,” Rosen said. "A huge, huge thank you goes out to everyone who supported me and voted.”

Rosen’s “Idol” journey began when he performed in The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, an attraction that simulates the show so people can enter and sing in front of a live audience. Audience members vote on their favorites, and the finalists receive “dream tickets” that allow them to skip to the front of the line at any “American Idol” audition site.

Shortly after, Rosen traveled to East Rutherford, N.J., to perform in front of preliminary judges – a part of the show that is not aired on television. He succeeded, allowing him to perform in front of the show’s primary judges, Randy Jackson, Stephen Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez, in September. "That was incredible,” Rosen said. “They're musical icons. They're so talented, and it was an honor to sing in front of them and meet them. It worked out so well."

Rosen nailed the audition, singing the Beatles’ “Yesterday” in honor of his grandfather, who had died two months earlier. The performance landed him a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Rosen returned to Merrick, and while he wasn’t supposed to discuss his experiences on the show with anyone, he said his closest friends were able to guess what was going on.