Local Singer Competing to Be Next American Idol

Another talented local singer is garnering national attention.

Taylor Bahin, 15, a Bethlehem resident and sophomore at Archer High School, is currently competing on "American Idol."

Now in its 11th season, "American Idol" holds auditions across the country in search of the next great singing star. Bahin, who auditioned in Savannah last summer, is one of just over 300 performers selected to go to Hollywood to compete for a chance to be a finalist on the show. Over 100,000 aspiring singers auditioned for the show last year.

During Hollywood week, contestants perform before judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Contestants perform individually and in groups with the best moving on to the semifinal rounds.

Bahin made it through the individual performances and advanced to the group rounds. During the group rounds, Idol hopefuls must team up with other contestants to perform a group number in front of the judges. The group round episodes began airing last week and will continue Wednesday, Feb. 15 and Thursday, Feb. 16.

Bahin's mother Jennifer Baker said the entire experience has been "amazing."

"I'm just really, really proud of her," Baker said.

Baker is not the only one proud to see Bahin working towards her dream. , said she was extremely proud when she learned Bahin had made it to Hollywood week on "American Idol."

"I just wanted to burst at the seams with pride and announce it to the world," Siska recalled.

Bahin, a former Junior Miss Dacula (seventh grade title), participated in the Miss Dacula pageant program for three years and is a founding member of the Miss Dacula Touring Talent Troupe.

“She is a wonderful young lady,” Siska added.

According to Baker, in addition to working on her music career, Bahin is also continuing in pageants and was recently crowned Miss Sophomore at Archer High School. However, singing is her main focus.

"This is what she wants to do," Baker said.

Bahin joins and as the latest Dacula-area performers to land in the spotlight.

For more information, follow Taylor Bahin on Facebook or @TaylorBahin on Twitter.