In the opening moments of Saturday night’s T.G. Sheppard show at the Park Theater, a small footnote in history was made which could become a feather in the historic theater's cap should the stars align correctly. Kennedy Reid, a top-20 finisher in the most recent season of "American Idol," opened Saturday’s show with a one-song performance. The singular song was the first-ever public performance of her soon-to-be-released initial single, “When Hell Freezes Over.”
In the song, Kennedy's powerful vocal assures an ex that they will get back together “when Dolly don't wear no wig, when The Rolling Stones retire, and never tour again,” "when Taylor Swift don't sing a break-up song," "when a George Strait song don't go to number 1," and various other highly unlikely scenarios. The song was written by Tommy Lee and Teresa Crosslin, who were in attendance. Should the song and Kennedy’s career follow the trajectory it seems to be on, attendees of the Park Theater show can say they heard it first.
After 22 seasons, "American Idol" has launched a multitude of careers, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Lauren Alaina and Kellie Pickler. Reid hopes to join that list of performers who parlayed their exposure to a national audience into a flourishing career.
Of her "Idol" experience, Kennedy, a New Albany, Indiana native, said, "It was very different than I expected, but in a good way. It was everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. I made friends with everybody on the show. We were like a family, especially the top-24. One girl in particular, Mia Matthews, she was my roommate, and we became very close. My time on the show is opening a lot of doors for me and I'm very thankful for that experience. "
Her top-20 finish on the show has provided a jump-start to her career and the Park Theater audience was fortunate to get to see Kennedy at a formative time on her path to stardom.
"It's definitely been a boost to me. I recently hired management (Ron Johnson of On Fire Concerts) and that was so cool. I've got lots of big shows booked and I'm going to be able to put out some original music. We don't have an official release date yet but it will be in the next month or so."
While big things appear to be on the horizon for Kennedy, she is currently relishing the opportunity to play small towns and theaters like McMinnville's historic Park Theater.
"These are my favorite kind of venues to perform in. I've been on national television but there's nothing sweeter than coming into a theater like this where you can feel the sense of community. Everybody is so friendly. I love it."
