I’m not crying. You’re crying!!! There was not a dry eye in my house after watching El Paso’s own, Julian Kalel, NAIL his audition on American Idol!
El Paso viewers finally got to see the moment they’d been waiting for Monday night as Julian Kalel’s American Idol audition aired, putting the Borderland teen center stage in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
Julian got the golden ticket to Hollywood and during his audition he shared his story about struggling with anxiety and depression and his hope to end the stigma behind mens mental health.
Courtesy: Julian Kalel, American Idol
Courtesy: Julian Kalel, American Idol
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A Journey Through Mental Health
Julian opened up about his mental health journey, speaking candidly about anxiety and depression, and why music has become his lifeline. In a powerful and emotional moment, Julian was joined by his sister, Carissa, as the two performed together, creating a performance that was as meaningful as it was memorable.
I was able to speak to Julian about his experience on American Idol and he revealed that this wasn’t his first time auditioning for American Idol. Last season Julian auditioned and he got a golden ticket after performing an original song, but later he would walk away from the opportunity due to concerns surrounding his mental health. While the experience was heartbreaking, Julian says it ultimately fueled him to continue his musical journey.
“They asked me to come back,” he explained. “And I decided to do it because I didn’t want to regret not giving myself that chance and because I wanted to challenge the stigma.”
Courtesy: American Idol/Julian Kalel
Courtesy: American Idol/Julian Kalel
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The Power of Music in Healing
Since then, Julian has continued writing and producing music, traveling to Nashville, and navigating major life changes, including starting his first semester at Stanford University. According to Julian, balancing college and American Idol forced him to mature quickly but also helped him grow.
Julian describes his music as something he writes for people who feel like they’re barely holding on. His audition song, Lone Guitar, is an anti-suicide anthem meant to remind listeners that even in the darkest moments, there are reasons to stay.
He credits his family, especially his sister, for helping him find the courage to return to the stage. And while he’s competing on a national platform, Julian says his mission goes beyond winning.
“If one person watching thinks, ‘If he can talk about this, maybe I can too,’ then it matters,” he said. “I want to push back on the idea that silence equals strength, because it doesn’t. Strength is you being brave enough to talk about what you’re feeling and you showing that emotion and you showing that “weakness.” It’s not. It’s human. That’s what makes you human.”
I am excited to continue following Julian’s journey on American Idol and I am proud of the way he is representing our city! El Paso is rooting for you, Julian!
From El Paso to Hollywood: Julian Kalel’s American Idol Journey
Julian Kalel secures a golden ticket on American Idol and delivers a message bigger than music.
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: American Idol
The “People of El Paso” loteria series
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Ware Portraits