Recap by Mamie Shepherd

The votes are in and the top 10 contestants from American Idol, Season 11, did not disappoint when they stopped by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a meet and greet!

In a rush of excitement, the young Idol contestants turned a quiet Sunday afternoon at CHOA into a standing room only, fun time of questions and answers, picture-taking, and autograph signing. On tour with American Idol LIVE!, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Colton Dixon, DeAndre Brackensick, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Heejun Han, Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, and Skylar Laine stopped to speak to patients and fans before heading to The Arena at Gwinnett Center for their 7:00 p.m. concert.

On a whirlwind, 45-city tour across the U.S., the Idols told us all about life on the road, costume choices, and the mass chaos that follows them when they go out, as a group, in public! The Idols reminisced about their time on American Idol and the perks that came with being on TV - even telling us that they got a weekly clothing allowance and a personal stylist! Runner-up, Jessica Sanchez, just celebrated a birthday on August 4.

When the patients at CHOA got wind of this, they weren’t going to let her get away without singing “Happy Birthday!” When asked what they would say to Ryan Seacrest if he were there, the Idols had one simple message, “We miss you!”

With the departure of beloved Idol judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, the contestants said it would be awesome if Chuck Norris could take one of those empty spots on the judging panel. Families and patients were thrilled to spend a Sunday afternoon with these singing sensations!

They encouraged everyone to NEVER GIVE UP!

We look forward to hearing more from these bright young stars. CHOA…OUT!

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