Sexy McAllen Rowe grad trying out for 'Idol' tomorrow

Read about two more experienced singers from the Valley who are auditioning for American Idol tomorrow.

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Dezarae Rodriguez had been in choir since sixth-grade. The senior at Nikki Rowe was also a dancer and a cheerleader.
But high school is over now, and it's time to secure a career.

On Tuesday morning, the 18-year-old's father was driving her to the biggest job interview she might ever have: American Idol auditions in North Texas.

"I'm not nervous yet," Dezarae said.

Dezarae's vocal coach Gloria Cheever knows anxiety can be a kiss of death, but she's confident in her student.

"She's going in with a really, really good attitude," said Cheever, the owner of Singing Stars Voice Academy in McAllen.

As a fan of the show, Dezarae's observed what it takes to be a competitor.

"I've seen how (the contestants) sing on TV," she said. "I'm capable of that."

She'll be wearing a white layered top, jeans and heels; her hair will be straight.

"The more natural I go," she believes, "the better chance I'll have. If they're going to like me, they're going to like me for who I am."

Dezarae has always seen herself as a country girl, kind of like Taylor Swift - pretty, humble and talented.
"Your all-around American girl," Cheever describes her.

Her attractive, matter-of-fact young student has settled on Sugarland's "Stay" as her performance song. Beyond that she's not totally clear how the audition will proceed.

"I know it's really quick. I'm not sure if (the actual audition) is 30 or 45 seconds," Dezarae said.  "Either they like you or they don't. You just have to give it your all."

She has a few songs by Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift in mind that she'd like to sing to America. Not surprisingly, her musical tastes are still maturing - she's not sure what she'd sing on heavy metal week or standards night.

Dezarae didn't tell all her friends about Idol tryouts. She wanted to surprise them if she makes it.

If she doesn't, she'll be back next year, and the year after that. It's all about how bad you want it, she thinks.

"I have the heart and the passion."