NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Staten Island native Julia Gargano was one of seven "American Idol" finalists on the show’s season finale Sunday night, but she was eliminated at the beginning of the show as the the top five finalists were announced.
“I love you guys. Thank you so much,” the Westerleigh resident said.
Whether it's playing drums, writing music or performing gigs, music has always flowed through Gargano's veins.
So it comes as no surprise that the 22-year-old made it to "American Idol," let alone being a finalist -- but despite her passion, she still had to be nudged to audition for the competition show.
"Music has always been in my life since I was a 6-year-old ... being immersed in that world, I fell in love with writing with music and singing -- heavily more in writing... it's just been my whole life," said Gargano, who represented her roots by performing on the show "New York State of Mind."
But being one of the remaining few on "Idol" is something she thought would never happen.
"To be honest, I never expected anything like this happening ... I really wanted to be a songwriter, that was my passion," said Gargano, who is studying composition at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. "I was too chicken to do anything like 'American Idol,' but someone nudged me in that direction ... I can't believe what has come out of it."
And we'll see what finally comes out of it, during the "Idol" finale on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
