Neshaminy High School Student Making ‘American Idol’ Debut

Since she was a young girl, Neshaminy High School senior Catie Turner has been a fan of “American Idol.” Tuning in almost religiously was a weekly tradition until the series ended its 15 season run on Fox.

On Sunday, viewers of the show’s ABC revival will see the Middletown 18 year old audition before celebrity judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. The show starts at 8 p.m. on 6abc.

Catie’s journey began years ago when she got the singing bug while watching YouTube videos. At 11, she started singing to family and has auditioned in the years since for other singing competitions, including “American Idol’s” previous outing on Fox several years ago.

Catie’s latest “American Idol” journey started with an audition in Florida last August. She flew down with a family friend for a tour bus open call that took place before several layers of producers.

She was standing around in the Florida sun for hours before a producer said, “you do know you made it.”

“I went ballistic and called my mom,” Catie said.

Catie’s mom, Cathy, said with a laugh that she figured her daughter could visit nearby Disney World if the audition did not go well.

“I told her this is a calling and booked her a plane ticket.”

However, Cathy said she had a hunch this audition would be successful for her daughter.

“Something told me this is it. This is what it’s supposed to be,” the supportive mother said. “This was her calling.”

After getting the green light from “American Idol” producers in Florida, she filmed her TV audition before the celebrity judges in New York City last October.

While she is embargoed from discussing the outcome, Catie said she’s very excited and will be watching the episode with friends, family and neighbors.

“I’m excited to see how my journey unfolds,” she said, adding that her mom invited their whole neighborhood.

The high schooler said she hopes she can make Neshaminy proud, similar to the impact “The Voice” contestant and Pensbury High School graduate Matthew Schuler had on that community.

Catie, who plays guitar and sings, was asked by producers to keep her appearance on the series quiet, but that became hard once students started noticing her in promotions for the show.

“People are just excited, but no one can be as excited as my mom,” Catie said.

“It’s been fabulously exciting to watch her reach for her dream. She’s taught herself,” Cathy said.

“There’s things that were meant to be.”