K-Pop Crossover: Korean-American Singer Jhameel Makes It Through 'American Idol' Auditions [EXCLUSIVE]

Korean-American vocalist Jhameel won over the judges with his voice and origami at his "American Idol" audition. The first Korean-American artist to advance on the immensely popular reality singing competition is now preparing for the next round.

The 24-year-old Oakland, Calif. resident is no stranger to K-pop fans. A featured performer at last summer's KCON festival, KpopStarz last spoke to Jhameel shortly before he made his nationwide television debut on Jan. 8.

Now an official "American Idol" contestant, Jhameel spoke to KpopStarz earlier this week about his experience so far on the televised national singing competition, in an exclusive interview.

"I'm putting every ounce of effort I have in me to represent who I really am and who my fans are as honestly as possible at every step," he said.

"It's definitely not an easy thing to do under pressure, but I'm very proud of how it's turned out so far." 

But that doesn't mean Jhameel is shooting for perfection.

"My main goal through the show is sharing the message that your imperfections can be your greatest strengths, with as many people as possible," he said. "The more people hear that message, the happier that makes me. And yes, it does translate to inner confidence." 

Here is a clip of Jhameel's audition.

Yet, Jhameel understands the responsibility that comes with being the first Korean-American entertainer to make the cut for "American Idol."

"I feel a pressure to represent the entire Asian American community as open, kind, and passionate," he said.

"If I were to be completely honest, I think we have a reputation of being an intelligent and strong, yet closed, community. I want people to open their minds to there being all different types of people within our community, each with their own unique strengths and qualities...I want people to see themselves in us, to relate with us, to fight for the same things with us." 

And he's taking inspiration from a fellow Korean performer.

"A lot of people have been telling me that I remind them of [Big Bang frontman] G-Dragon," he said.

"I've been following him. He does an unbelievable job at having a unique and bold style and continuously making music with strong soul. I have quite a few things I can learn from him."

American Idol will be broadcasting the last audition episode, held at San Francisco's Cow Palace, on Wednesday and Thursday on FOX.

Watch Jhameel step into another kind of "Lion's Den" here.

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Jhameel
American Idol
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