Wantagh native makes ‘Idol’ top 24

Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock” was Adam Ezegelian’s choice for his latest performance on “American Idol,” the popular Fox reality singing competition the Wantagh native is hoping to win.

After surviving several rounds of eliminations, Ezegelian has continued to impress the judges and was selected to the top 24. He is among the 12 boys and 12 girls vying to become the next American Idol. The judging, and Ezegelian’s fate, is now in the hands of television viewers who are voting online after each show.

The top 24 performed in Detroit, and the show with Ezegelian and the other male singers aired on Feb. 25. This Wednesday, four competitors were eliminated on the show, which aired after the Herald went to press.

Ezegelian said he selected “I Wanna Rock” to provide a boost of energy. “It’s a really fun song,” he said. “It describes who I am in the competition. It really gets the crowd going.”

After his performance, Twisted Sister front man and former Wantagh resident Dee Snider tweeted at Ezegelian, commending him for his performance.

It was his first time visiting Detroit, and said despite all the demands of the competition, he still has some time to explore the city. Ezegelian said it was also exciting to visit the home of Motown.

If Ezegelian advances in the competition, he plans to expand his musical repertoire. While he is not able to discuss future song selections, he said he plans to show America he can sing more than just rock. “I want to show them that I’m a multi-faceted artist,” he said. “One of my strengths, probably, is variety.”

At this stage in the competition, everyone has singing talent, Ezegelian explained, so song choice is crucial. The song should “describe who you are,” he said.

Ezegelian, a 2011 graduate of Wantagh High School, is taking a semester off from studying toy design at the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue his dream. He qualified for an “American Idol” audition by winning a daily competition at the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

The 21-year-old contestant is know for his puffy black hair and engaging personality. Alex Kanter, 21, Ezegelian’s friend since middle school, said he believes that is going to help him go far.