Von Smith

Vaughn Lee "Von" Smith (born June 15, 1986) is an American singer and internet personality. Smith gained success via his YouTube videos. These garnered national attention, which led to an appearance on The View in February 2007.[1] He soon signed a recording contract with Kon Live Distribution. In 2009 he auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol getting into the Top 36. In 2012 he was featured in the season finale of the Opening Act reality talent show.[2]

Von Smith
Von Smith in 2010
Background information
Birth nameVaughn Lee Smith
Born (1986-06-15) June 15, 1986
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
GenresPop, R&B
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, youtube personality
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2006–present
LabelsKon Live Distribution
(2006–2009)
Websitevonsmithofficial.com

Career

In 2009 Smith auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol, with mixed reviews from the judges. However, they accepted him for the Hollywood Round. During the Hollywood Round, Smith's version of "If the Rain Must Fall" caused Simon Cowell to call it "indulgent nonsense." The other judges overlooked Simon's comment, and accepted Smith into the Top 36.[3] He was eliminated on March 4, 2009, after singing "You're All I Need to Get By", but was brought back to wild card performance on March 5, picking "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" as his next song, but was eliminated once again.

Week # Theme Song choice Original artist
Audition N/A "Over the Rainbow" Judy Garland
Hollywood First Solo "If the Rain Must Fall" James Morrison
Hollywood Second Solo "Sir Duke" Stevie Wonder
Top 36/Group 3 Billboard Hot 100 "You're All I Need to Get By" Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Wild Card N/A "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" Elton John

In the fall of 2010 he appeared in the concert revue for the Record: Quentin Tarantino in Los Angeles, presented by ROCKLA for Show at Barre. It ran from August to October and also starred Jenna Leigh Green, Autumn Reeser, Ty Taylor, and Audra Mae. Then from November 2010 through January 2011 Smith starred in Show at Barre's For The Record: John Hughes. Also starring Barrett Foa, Tracie Thoms and Ty Taylor.

In 2012 Smith was featured in the season finale of the Opening Act reality talent show, performing as the opening act at Lady Gaga's Brisbane, Australia, show on June 14, 2012.[2]

Smith has also been involved with Postmodern Jukebox,[4] performing covers of popular songs re-imagined into vintage genres including Magic!'s reggae styled, "Rude", which was arranged into a 1950s sock-hop version with backing by Robyn Adele Anderson and Jen Kiple.[5]

References
  1. The View., February 27, 2007.
  2. "Lady Gaga to be featured on E!'s Opening Act". GagaMedia.net. July 10, 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  3. For Some, American Idol is a Second Chance at Fame Yahoo News, February 4, 2009
  4. MICHAEL HAFFORD (March 25, 2016). "This Retro Justin Timberlake Cover Is Captivating". Refinery29. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  5. "Rude – Vintage 1950s Sock Hop – Style MAGIC! Cover ft. Von Smith". YouTube.com. Postmodern Jukebox. June 15, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
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