New Jersey Man Hollywood-bound for Next Round of American Idol

Vangelis Dimopoulos of Scotch Plains received the golden ticket at the New York City American Idol auditions and will be heading to Hollywood for the next round of auditions.

Dimopoulos was one of 41 contestants from the auditions held in New York City to make it to Hollywood.

In his audition interview he said he believes he can be the next American Idol because he brings a new element to the show with his smooth, pop-jazz voice.

“I think I offer something very unique, I think my voice is very different from past American idols,” Dimopoulos said. “I think that I can be a great role model for other people around America to be inspired to either go out and try out for themselves or do something that they enjoy and love.”

A 2010 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Dimopoulos currently attends The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virgina. According to his Facebook page he is studying Applied Mathematics and Economics.

Vangelis and the Dimopoulos family were unable to speak to Patch due to their agreement with American Idol, however, Vangelis wrote on his Facebook page following the audition that he received a unanimous yes from the judges.

“This has been a dream come true and I would like to thank everyone involved in the program and everyone who has shown their support!!!” Dimopoulos wrote. “Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, and Randy Jackson were all so incredible and I thank them dearly for making one of my dreams become a reality!!!.”

Dimopoulos added that one of his favorite Idol contestants of all the time was Clay Aiken and during Clay’s performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” on Idol he sat with his jaw to the floor and said, “I want to do that!”  

He said in the interview, “ever since then I was like I want to do that! I want to go to Hollywood! And I’m going to Hollywood!”

American Idol will be heading to Charlotte and Baton Rouge for more auditions this Wednesday and Thursday but keep an eye out for Dimopoulos when Idol heads to Hollywood!

Check out the video for the entire "Road to Hollywood" interview with Vangelis.