A'WUN is a vocalist extraordinaire! This young lady is more than a triple threat. She surpasses most artists today because of her ability to become the character in her song. A'WUN cannot be compared to anyone, partially because those that she has been inspired by range from Billie Holliday, to Kim Barrell. Artists such as Brandy to Aretha have been an inspiration to her, but her style is her very own. She simply loves the art of singing!

Not only has A'WUN been gifted in voice, but her dance ability is impeccable. She has also been bitten by the acting bug, and loves it. When A'WUN is not in the studio working at her craft, she's practicing on the drums, auditioning for the theater, working out with her dancers, or simply spending time with her family and close friends. A'WUN says, "With God, all things are Possible. And I believe as long as I stay true to myself, continue to love my family, tithe at my church and remain humble, I’m good, cause I know from whom my blessings come from.

You can catch A'WUN perform every Tuesday night from 9pm-1am at "The Touch Of The Past" in Bellwood, Illinois. 947 Mannhiem RD.... $5 cover. No dress code. Food & Drinks. 21 & over...

Angela Martin - American Idol Contestant

January 17, 2008
RTT MOM WINS AMERICAN IDOL ROUND AND MOVES ON TO HOLLYWOOD!

26-year-old Chicago native Angela Martin, mother of a girl with Rett syndrome, has just won her way on American Idol to the next round in Hollywood, CA.

The web is lighting up with links to conversations about Angela, who has made her daughter's and family's struggle with Rett syndrome a cornerstone of her attempt to take the top prize.

"When she was born there were no complications . . . after two years she started having seizures," Martin explains.

"Her feet started to turn in . . . her face wasn't growing, her brain wasn't growing. It's like she fell asleep and woke up and that was it," she tells the camera while tens of millions of viewers at home choke up.

"It's not about fame for me, it's about getting her the best care, the best therapist. The doctors told me my daughter was never going to walk or talk. I'm gonna get that for her." ~ Washington Post

IRSF would like to heartily congratulate Angela for her endurance as a mother and talent as a singer and wish her great success as she continues to compete on the show.

From all of us at IRSF, thank you, Angela!

ANGELA MARTIN age:26 contestant#87531 from Chicago, IL.

Her daughter has RETT's Syndrome http://www.rsrf.org/

Simon told her she picked up a lot of bad singing habits being in a "wedding band".

sang Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder)

PHOTOS: Season 7 Auditions : Cities : Philadelphia

Photo #101 http://www.americanidol.com/photos/?set=416&seq=100

Samotta McKeever, most commonly known as "Sam", has courageously picked up the torch where Dr. Nazon left off and decided to continue the legend of Chicago's Original Open Mic. Realizing the importance of a vehicle with the history of "Open Mic", Sam decided that she just couldn't stand by and watch such a glorious history die in the rubble and waste of bricks and mortar that once was the Cotton Club.

Noting that it was once the launching pad for some of today's biggest stars, i.e., R. Kelly, Bernie Mac, Adele Givens, Art Porter, etc., she sought to find a new home and to keep hope alive for the many undiscovered new stars of tomorrow.

An actress, former beauty queen, on stage background singer for R. Kelly and lead choreographer for Bernie Mac's Who Ya Wit' Tour, and host of the Cotton Club's Open Mic for the past 3 years prior to its closing, Samotta is also the manager of Chicago's fast rising new star A'wun.

Okay. I am completely baffled. I don't get it. I cannot comprehend why they chose that dude that ended up bombing on a Disney song after they cut her. Angela made me cry on both occasions I have seen her sing. The Idol judges have succeeded in making me ill.

Is American Idol searching for the talented or the talentless???? I think they made a huge mistake on this one. She already had my vote and we hadn't even gotten to the audience vote yet. **Totally disappointed**

I have no idea. I mean, BLEEP her father just got killed. Wth, i seriously have the most pitty for her. I was pis sed when they put that idiot who want to become president through and not her. What kind of crap is that. I mean cmon.

I really liked Angela, thought she was one of the best to audition. I have no idea why they would have cut her, gee have a heart already Randy, Paula, Simon, with all she is dealing with and then her dad passing away I think she deserved a little free hand.. I'd bet she'd have gotten better and knocked their socks off. Their loss. Well really Our Loss..

Tonigh was a true testimony as to the cruelties of Hollywood.....your personal life means nothing - which is the way it is. But......that being said..........Angela was a true talent! I agree the "presidential" candidate was no where near her as for talent. I truly believe they wanted to stick an eccentric type in the running just for controversy. I hope someone else spotted Angela during these auditions. She really deserves a chance...no matter what's gone on in her personal life.

I'm baffled too. Will America have a chance to save anyone? Some I totally don't get passed right through. Did they show the earlier audition that resulted in her getting into the 2nd chance group? Everyone on the back row was so surprised. They had already figured they were going home. This year won't be the best if they sacrifice talent for variety.

If the producers are trying to make American Idol season 7 better than season 6 THEY JUST BLEW IT!! Not letting Angela go through is gonna backfire on Nigel and Simon this year big time . She will be the next big star without American idol , Yes i hope she does come back nex year and tries again and i hope that Simon, Randy and Paula stop taking the sleeping pills they took this year because they passed up some pretty amazing talent. I guess we will just have to wait and see who the top 24 finalist are going to be and then deceide from those who we are gonna vote for and hope and pray that some of our favorties make it to the top 12 in 8 weeks

I have been watching A.I from the first season on and I am really upset that they let this talented person slip by. If i were a producer,I would pick her up in a minute. I know that Simon,Paula and Randy made a huge mistake. It looks like they want to strengthen the Male competition this year since it has been pretty much weak in the past few seasons but Talent is Talent and Angela has it. Sorry judges, you blew it!!!!

I am so glad that I am not the only one who thinks she Angela should have stayed... She has such a good spirit and amazing voice. I can't believe they sent her home and let Kristy Lee Cook stay... That makes me so mad

Angela should have never been cut. This just goes to show you the judges don't know what they're doing. I'm from the Chi and I've seen her perform live dozens of times and she is truly gifted. To be honest I think she can outsing anyone who has previously won AI. I have no reason to watch this BS show anymore. I propose an AI BLEEP!!!!

# mzdanielle Says:
January 17th, 2008 at 8:01 pm

Ms.Martin is using her child to earn her fame she dosen’t even care for her child. The child’s Grandmother cares for the girl so she derseves all the credit.

# AngelaMartinFan Says:
January 17th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

I don’t know Angela Martin Personally, but I seriously doubt that she is “using” her daughter to achieve her fame.

She is a talented singer and deserves a lot of credit for getting this far.

The fact that her family helps her with her daughter is a wonderful thing. Sounds like a strong and supportive family to me…which is great!!

In addition, it seems that she is proving to be a great inspiration to others, see previous comments on this post, that have a family member dealing with Rett Syndrome. I think she’ll make a great American Idol! Go Angela!!

I'm sorry but this has to be said...

A'Wun, Konvict, Gaga!