RI'er makes it to 'Idol's' Hollywood

(WPRI) - Erika Van Pelt from Rhode Island makes it to the big time after auditioning in Pittsburgh for a spot on American Idol, now in its 11th season.

Erika joined The Rhode Show to talk about what an amazing experience it was to try out for the number one show on the planet.

• Watch Erika's Road to Hollywood video clip

The Rhode Show asked Erika, a former wedding Disc Jockey, about giving up her job and walking through the door to sing for the judges for the first time.

Erika, who has been singing her whole life, said, “I was in awe and have always been a fan of Steven Tyler and it was just surreal.”

She went on to say, “I am more than happy to move on to this next part of my life and I’m excited to see what comes next in my future.”

Make sure to tune into Season 11 of American Idol to see how far Erika makes it in the competition on our sister station, FOX Providence.