By Debbie Adams
Jeslynn Gelaine’s favorite game as a child was playing “American Idol.” She would dress up in
high heels, call her family to the living room, sing, and have them act as judges. Winning the
Golden Ticket to Hollywood and appearing on the TV show became her lifelong dream.
Last fall, she got to live out her dream. She was able to audition for American Idol in person in
Nashville after auditioning virtually for the producers of the show online. In Nashville she
performed for judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. That performance earned her a
Golden Ticket to audition in Hollywood.
with her American Idol Golden Ticket.(photos courtesy of JGM Booking)
Auditions for American Idol began with 60,000 performers, which was cut down to 150 by
Hollywood audition time. That number was cut again to 24 singers after Hollywood Week.
Unfortunately, Jeslynn was eliminated in those auditions.
Jeslynn says she has been singing her whole life.
Her father, Adam Reynolds, says, “She has been singing since she was 3 years old with our
family gospel group (the Reynolds Family). We traveled full-time for close to 10 years singing
Christian/gospel music and everyone always said, ‘That girl is going to be a star.’ Music and
singing were a gift that she was truly born with and something she has always had a passion for.”
When she was 10 years old, her parents felt God’s call to leave their life on the road and lead a
church. That led them to Wake the World in Salem, where her father and mother Rebecca are
now pastors.
Jeslynn, her parents, and her 9-year-old brother live in Vinton. Her father is a graduate of
William Byrd High School. Due to her schedule, she is homeschooled by her mother through
Family Christian Academy out of Knoxville, Tenn.. She is now a sophomore. She is unsure of
her future plans after graduation, but she knows it will involve music, which is her “passion and
No. 1 focus in life. I will follow God’s call and trust where He leads me in His will.” She is a
worship leader at Wake the World and leads the congregation in singing.
She is not only a performer, but a songwriter. Her latest is “Beautiful” about the “feet of Jesus
pierced for me.” Her song which best describes her life so far is “Dreamer” about chasing your
dreams and never giving up.
Jeslynn says she chose “Gelaine” as her stage name for her Mimi, who passed away in 2022 and
was also a “powerhouse singer.”
Her father said, “Jeslynn’s already accomplished so much. Not only on American Idol, but also
in writing and arranging her own music. We truly believe that she has songs destined to touch the
heart of the world. Our daughter has a very kind heart and a great head on her shoulders. She has
been writing songs for years now and wants to make a positive impact in this world. Jeslynn’s
heart is to spread love and hope through her songs.
“Having just turned 16, and only being 15 years old when she auditioned for American Idol, we
could not be any prouder of all that she has accomplished and the other doors that are already
opening up for her.”
Jeslynn will be going into the studio soon in Nashville to record some EPs which will be released
to radio.
Last August, Jeslynn came across information about online auditions for American Idol. Her
family encouraged her to try out and just a few days later, she auditioned via Zoom. She was
selected for the second round of Zoom auditions, which ultimately resulted in her auditioning
live in Nashville in November in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. The
song she chose to perform was “Still Rolling Stones” by Lauren Daigle.
Jeslynn says the days in Nashville (and Hollywood) involved many hours of waiting to perform
in front of the judges, but the time was not idled away. The contestants were busy with digital
work, photo shoots, making videos for media and promotion, interviews, and rehearsals.
She describes the entire experience as “surreal.” She was “shocked” that she was chosen, but
“very thankful.” Both her parents accompanied her to Nashville, along with her pianist, Brian
Davis.
parents, Adam and Rebecca Reynolds, in Nashville.
She knew when she auditioned it would take a “yes” from two of the three judges to receive the
Golden Ticket and advance to auditions in Hollywood. During her audition, the judges first
asked her questions, then she performed her song. To her surprise, Katy Perry began yelling,
“More, more, more!” encouraging her to “belt it out” and give it all she had. Luke Bryan told
herhe would “like to hear more grit and dirt,” more maturity in her voice, that she wasn’t “fully
ready yet.” Richie and Perry gave Jeslynn the two “yes” votes she would need for the Golden
Ticket. When she heard the news, Jeslynn was sobbing and could hardly stand as she went to
collect her ticket.
She describes Richie and Perry as down to earth, humble, encouraging, and willing to take time
to help a young artist. As for Bryan, “he says it how it is.”
In December, she and her mother flew to Hollywood for auditions (all expenses paid) along with
150 other performers. This time, she chose to perform “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie
Wonder. Unfortunately, she was eliminated in auditions before Hollywood Showstoppers week.
“Every person in the room was on their feet dancing, and I got a standing ovation from everyone
in the arena!” Jeslynn says. “I even had Lionel and Katy dancing with me! After my
performance, Katy encouraged me so much and complimented me on multiple things!
“I will never forget these words she spoke to me, ‘Jeslynn, you…got …IT, so keep nurturing it!’
She also said that I have a God-given gift.
“Right after my group was eliminated, Lionel pulled us aside and told us that this is not the end
for us! He also told us how talented we all are and to never stop dreaming! I will never forget
him looking me in the eye and sharing that powerful motivation that I truly took to heart! I can
truly say this experience has been the most life-changing dream that’s ever happened to me!”
Devoted American Idol viewers know that you can audition more than once for the show. Asked
whether she plans to audition again next year, Jeslynn says she hasn’t made that decision but
she’s “open to all opportunities.”
If you would like to hear Jeslynn’s beautiful voice and learn more about her audition
experiences, she can be found on all social media platforms. Check out Jeslynn Gelaine Music
on Facebook, Instagram, and the rest.
American Idol set.
