Westlake's Josh Ledet performs in front of ''American Idol'' judges on Wednesday. (Michael Becker, FOX / Special to the American Press).
Westlake's Josh Ledet performs in front of ''American Idol'' judges on Wednesday. (Michael Becker, FOX / Special to the American Press).
Westlake's Ledet voted off 'American Idol'
Last Modified: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:43 PM
By Johnathan Manning / American Press
There was little disappointment in the Ledet household Thursday night, even as youngest son Joshua was eliminated from “American Idol.”
Ledet’s departure left Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez to compete on next week’s finale of Fox’s singing talent show.
As has been the case all year, the elimination wasn’t announced until the final minutes of the show.
“Actually we clapped because we were so happy and proud he made it this far,” said older sister Trista Ledet-Ames.
Ledet-Ames said the family gathered to watch the show at the Westlake home of their parents, Nathaniel and Jacklyn Ledet.
“To see Joshua live his dream and go that far, you couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Ledet’s older brother, Jason Ledet. “I’m so proud of my brother. He came from a little bitty town and he showed the world his talent. And, he rebirthed old R&B.”
Ledet was the first Louisianian to reach top three on the show, a distinction that brought with it a homecoming and parade.
Between 7,000 and 8,000 people turned out for the parade down Westlake’s Sampson Street Saturday afternoon and 7,900 attended a concert at Burton Coliseum.
“I’m good with what happened,” Ledet’s father, Nathaniel, said. “He always told me he wanted to make top three and come home and have a parade, and he did that.
“I always told Josh, no matter what happens, he’s still the best singer in the world to me. I told him that early on.”
Ledet’s departure song was as gracious as Hollie Cavanagh’s was the previous week. Ledet sang one of his hottest numbers, “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and brought his mother onto the stage with him as he sang.
Nathaniel said he had talked to Joshua and Jacklyn, and both were doing well.
“We said before the show and after, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times,’” Ledet-Ames said.
Jason Ledet said finishing third could actually help Joshua in his career because he won’t be tied to a record contract.
Ledet, a 20-year-old Westlake High graduate, was consistently praised for his renditions of soul songs.
He tried out for “American Idol” three times to land a spot on the show.
“He’s persistent, so I don’t think that’s the last you’ll see of him,” Ledet-Ames said.
What others said through email about Ledet:
“While I’m sad that Josh won’t be in next week’s finale, I’m still so very proud of him! He went from little old SWLA to number three on the biggest show on TV. We love you, Josh! Thanks for making us proud!” — Angela Walker.
“So proud of the stellar ending that he provided on the show in front of millions of people! There is nothing better than humility and Southern manners that Josh displayed” — Vicki Sensat.
“I am disappointed that Josh didn’t make it to the finale, because it would have been great for Southwest Louisiana. But, I was doing research the other night, and noticed that only a couple of the winners went on to greatness, and yet the runners-up became more popular … I believe Josh is going to go far” — Jaimi Hansen.
“I know Joshua Ledet will be a great success!!! He is already a superstar!!” — Rachel McConathy Broussard Gayle.
Posted By: Michelle On: 5/19/2012
Title: So very proud
I am so very proud of Josh and his achievements. He represented himself and this area in a mature and professional manner. He is the best singer Idol has ever had. And yes he WILL do great things. Hold your head high
Posted By: Holly On: 5/18/2012
Title: You're Just getting Started!
Joshua is so special and I feel so proud of him. Being from Lake Charles, I am just amazed by his accomplishments in such a short period of time. The Lord surely has other plans for him. To Joshua, I say ," You touched my heart and soul and may God Bless you in your career lifting everyone up when you share the gift of your wonderful voice.
Posted By: Holly S.-Tomball,Texas On: 5/18/2012
Title: Josh, I'm so proud of you!
Joshua, you blessed me every week as you sang from your soul. The Lord has blessed you with a mighty voice that will continue to bless others as you go through your life. Please know how proud my husband and I are of you, sweet boy, and I will always keep you in my prayers to fulfill your dreams as a singer. Though I was disappointed in the voters Thursday night, there's a reason for everything that happens. Much greater things are coming your way! God Bless you and your dear family. With love from a Lake Charles native and teacher now living in Texas.
Posted By: Dianne Lampman On: 5/18/2012
Title: How Great is Josh? WOW
Josh has such a beautiful voice and as Jimmy said he will go far. Someone is already waiting to give him a record contract. He could be the next James Brown or Sammy Davis, Jr. -- Las Vegas here you go Josh
Posted By: mike wall On: 5/18/2012
Title: GREAT JOB JOSH
It is hard for a small area of people to out vote a large area. Again CONGRATS
Posted By: Marie On: 5/18/2012
Title: Joshua Ledet Our American Idol
On Thursday evening I attend adoration at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Texas. I raced home and the look on my husband's face told me that America let me down again. It is my belief that America still look at the color of your skin and not the talent or ability of the person. They did it again. No way Joshua should have been voted off. He is clearly without a doubt the best singer on American Idol 2012. The rules must be changed such that America won't be the deciding factor.
Yes, Phillip and Jessica are outstanding singers and performers, but if Jessica wasn't saved by the Judges she would have been gone long ago. America just won't do the right thing.
I am so disappointed. I just want Joshua to know he is the best. He is " Our American Idol".
Posted By: John Polizzio On: 5/18/2012
Title:
Joshua, you are the best! You displayed tremendous talent, honor, and class throughout the competition. Best wishes to you and your wonderful family. Praise the Lord!
From John in Laplace, LA
Posted By: BettyCrochet On: 5/18/2012
Title: Congratulations !!
Josh you are so extremely talented , but I was most impressed with your mature, humble yet very poised personality. A true hero in every sense. God knows best, and has an even better plan for you, But, you know that, and it shows . Your are a fine example and witness to the youth in our world. Keep God in your heart and sing on, Son, you are the best!!!!
Posted By: Sharron Dodson On: 5/18/2012
Title:
i am so proud of Josh! as i know everyone is, couldn't hold back the tears at his last preformance, not only does he have a WONDERFUL voice, he has heart and that makes him SO SPECIAL!!! God Bless U Josh!
Posted By: Jen On: 5/18/2012
Title:
Josh might have been eliminated from the top 3 tonight but, in the long run, he was actually the biggest winner of all! What most folks may not realize is...the Lord used His save tonight in rescuing Josh. God has better plans for our local hero & the best is yet to come for Johsua.
A quote from the movie Facing the Giants sums it up best:
"...if we win, we praise Him. And if we lose, we praise Him. Either way we honor Him with our actions and our attitudes. So I'm askin' you... What are you living for? I resolve to give God everything I've got, then I'll leave the results up to Him."
Posted By: Felecia On: 5/18/2012
Title:
Joshua i was a big fan of ur from first day i heard u sing.I Will call others to watch, listen, and vote for u.I hope u don't let this stop u.U didn't make it on American Idol but u can do on ur own at ur own pace.I still believe n u like i did on the first day.It was something lowdown done with the voting count and the tv station the last two nights; U r still a winner n my Book and u as a Black person did get to the final 3.God gave u that gifted, talentive, voice not Jimmy so take heep to the advice/notes and Be Better in the rebound.
Posted By: Lucille Vincent Jordan. On: 5/18/2012
Title: Voteing issues
We are very proud of Josh. He will still do very well. I am somewhat upset that last nite was the first time since we have been votieing that the lines were not working. Not only in parts of washington but also in Dallas,TX, and Westlake/
Mossville, La. I only got to vote in the LAST half hour.
Posted By: Rhonda On: 5/18/2012
Title:
It's just Gods way of saying...."STAY TUNED".
Posted By: Michiru Kusaka On: 5/18/2012
Title: paintings by kusaka
I was honored to meet Joshua Saturday. He was a delight and so sweet. Joshua will be a SUPERSTAR soon....
Posted By: Miranda ledet On: 5/18/2012
Title:
Josh Ledet is such a remarkable young man with such favor on his life. We are to say he is from Louisiana!
Keep on singing Josh! You will do great things! We love u!
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