The Tribune

By LESH HAVING auditioned for American Idol (AI) three previous times, Long Island Bahamian native Mathenee Treco described his golden ticket experience on the fourth go around as surreal. Receiving three successful yes votes from judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, Mathenee's rendition of the Beatles classic "Hey Jude" turned out better than he ever imagined. In an AI video blog, during last week's auditions, the 25 year old singer said "a weird stroke of faith" is what pushed him to audition. "I had come in town to help my sister move out of her new house. I was working; I had just got a new job and it was literally like 'boom'. American Idol had finished and they were like auditions are happening," said Mathenee. To his surprise, he went on to AI's website only to find that auditions were being held in his town, Denver Colorado, the following week. " I was like 'woah' okay, this is a sign from God, let me go do this," he said. "I am the next American Idol because I think the world is ready for someone (like me) to win this show and hang with the big boys in the music industry now," he said. Mathenee resided in Colorado from the age of six According to a family members, he spent Summer vacations in the Bahamas. His older brother, Gregory, who is also known as Mathenee's manager, told The Tribune he is extremely proud of his baby brother. When Mathenee walked out of the audition room with the golden ticket in hand, Gregory said it was a special moment. "He finally gets his big chance. He is so immensely talented and so ready for this. We are thrilled," said Gregory. Mathenee has already advanced further than tens of thousands of other hopefuls, and Bahamians should be very proud of his accomplishment, said Gregory. Apart from Mathenee's performance, there were a number of other outstanding moments during last week's auditions. Angie Zeiderman for instance, who described herself as the "vintage glitter queen", delivered a hyped rendition of "If You Got It, Flaunt It." Throwing herself from side to side on the singing platform, Angie at one time dropped to her knees as she performed. The judges were not impressed with her Broadway-like performance, and sent her home. They allowed her to sing another song, "Blue Bayou", and almost like a brand new contestant, she made an impressive showing. In the end she got a golden ticket. There was also the "Magic Cyclops", one of the weirdest audition performances of the season so far. Before going into the auditioning room, the Davenport, Iowa native revealed that he had to leave his hometown because of huge gambling debts. He said people do not talk to him because of his "homeless and frightening" appearance. Dressed in colors of the American flag, with a bandana wrapped around his forehead, he sang both Neil Diamond's "Cracklin' Rose" and Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville." In the middle of his performance, Randy excused himself to go to the bathroom. Jennifer and Steven gave the Magic Cyclops a resounding no vote. Tonight, American Idol auditions will continue in Portland, following auditions in St Louis on Thursday. It is also said that Madonna will be giving a preview of her new single "Give Me All Your Lovin," during Thursday's episode.