Jean Gordon
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 1:25 pm
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Briskly walking through the dining area at Copper Penny in Forest City recently, Kendall Cudd turned toward a table of fans when she heard her name called and proceeded to add a wide smile and 'hello.' The Forest City woman was on her job after a few weeks of sheer excitement with American Idol.
Auditioning inside Madison Square Garden in New York City as an American Idol Gold Ticket recipient, Kendall is back home and continuing her journey of singing, writing songs, making music and producing videos.
Kendall, 26, the daughter of Russell and Lori Cudd, admitted being "sadly eliminated" from the American Idol finals, but quickly added she is not leaving that part of her life disappointed, but leaves with positivity and with a wide range of experience for her future in music.
Her national journey with American Idol included being a part of Hollywood Week along with auditioning for the judges. Kendall said the most exciting aspect of American Idol was anticipating her name and hometown being called for the arena round which was the first round in Hollywood.
"Around 150 contestants are in the same auditorium listening and encountering one another while also scouting out their competitors," Kendall began. "When I finally heard 'from Forest City, North Carolina' all of my nerves faded away because I knew that I had the stage and opportunity to perform like I deserved to be there," Kendall said.
She sang "River" by Leon Bridges and took time to joke with the judges before her performance.
"It was the best performance I think I've ever delivered and resulted in a standing ovation from all three judges. The feedback I received from both Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood were along the lines of 'you are exactly what America is looking for'," Kendall said.
"Although it was not aired to the public, I gained more confidence in my vocal ability and friends that will last a lifetime," she said. Kendall encourages everyone to watch the remaining top contestants, "because they are some of the most genuine artists and individuals I have met," Kendall said.
"I even met Jelly Roll," Kendall said.
"My journey with Idol may have come to an end after top 42, but my journey as a songwriter and recording artist has just begun. Thank you to everyone for your consistent prayers and support."
"American Idol challenged and strengthened me. I gained so much confidence as a vocalist but the best part were the contestants who became friends that feel like family," Kendall said. "It's like the biggest networking pool ever. I am bummed my performances were not aired, but I just hope that I made my community proud because I deeply enjoyed it and I'm very blessed to say that I made it into the top 42."
She is a recording artist with music available on all platforms as she travels to Nashville to write with other artists and producers at least once a month.
"I'm bummed that you didn't get to hear my performances, but here's what I gained," Kendall said to family and friends. "I made to the TOP 42 on Idol, a show I've loved since I was a kid. I gained so much, forever friends and artists I hope to be working with, too."
Kendall gained more confidence in her voice, she laughed a lot, pushed herself, sang with vocalists that "make want to be better. I gained so much" she said.
"And I got to represent my hometown. I was in the room," she said.
"What a blessing it has been. To all of my friends that made it the to top 24, you deserve this and I am cheering you on all the way," said Kendall of the remaining American Idol contestants.
Kendall graduated from Crest High School in 2017 and it was while at Crest she developed a passion for performing as a member of the first A Capella group, "Tonal Spectrum."
Kendall thanks God for her experience.
"Now let's get back to the bread and butter and drop some music. I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.
"And that's a wrap for my journey on American Idol."