American Idol redemption for 1 WNY native

In 2017, Erika Hill auditioned for American Idol in New York City and heard some of the most magic words in show business. "You're going to Hollywood."

"It was like crying and emotions and makeup was everywhere it was a disaster!" Hill said. 

Hill has been singing all her life, so when she got that golden ticket and made it to the Hollywood round of American Idol, she saw a chance at a future in the business. 

"You never know," Hill said, "You never know what it could be... it feels like infinite possibilities."

Unfortunately for Hill, she would be cut in Hollywood. 

"I've been rejected so many times that it's just part of it and you learn from it every single time" Hill said. 

But, while she had been eliminated from Idol competition, it would not be eliminated from her life. The West Seneca native would learn a few months later that American Idol was coming to Buffalo for auditions. 

"I'm going to be able to get up in the morning, get ready for (the audition) like it's any other show and just walk there."

With a special rendition of "I've got a spell on you" ready as her audition song, Hill is hoping to cast a spell on the judges, and get that golden ticket in her hands once again. 

"Are you the next American Idol?", 7EWN asked, "Of course, of course i'm the next American Idol!"

American Idol is will return on WKBW 7ABC in 2019.  

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