Last year, I decided I was done with American Idol, not just because Simon Cowell left (Randy’s my favorite anyway) but because it was getting to be the same old show season after season. Between the delusional contestants and singers with sob stories, not to mention that pedophile in pimp’s clothing Steven Tyler, I swore I’d never watch another episode again. And then along comes Steffanie Renae*…

The 15-year-old Orange Park resident auditioned in for season 11 in Savannah, which aired last night. And what do you know, she made it through to Hollywood. Renae has been singing for years including such prestigious venues as Rockin Rods in the OP, the Suwannee River Jam and Hernando County Fair and, apparently, impressed the judges enough to get the golden ticket.

Sharon Wilbur, Face of Fox 30/season 8 American Idol contestant/friend of The Specktator, has the scoop from today’s Morning Dish.

Then, I learned from Sharon that Chris Medina of Jacksonville, who made it to Hollywood Week the same season she did (and refused to let me interview him for Jacksonville Magazine, thank you very much), also auditioned in Savannah and got another golden ticket.

While this is great news for Medina and Renae—and Northeast Florida in general—it’s terrible news for me because as the city’s premier D-list celebrity stalker, now I have to watch.

* Note to American Idol, jacksonville.com and any other media outlet that thinks her name is spelled “Stephanie”: It’s not. It’s “SteFFanie” with two F‘s, as in “Face of Fox 30.”

Speaking of the lovely and talented Face of Fox 30, thanks, Sharon, for your help today. And save me some of that Randy caramel popcorn seasoning!

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