‘American Idol’ sends 3 NJ singers to Hollywood this season

The new season of "American Idol" has given Golden Tickets to three New Jersey singers, who will rep the state's North, South and Central (if you believe that exists) on the singing competition show.

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To start off, I wanted to say thank you to all of you that have been watching and excited to see if my audition was on TV. Unfortunately though, my audition won’t be aired. Butttt I did have the amazing opportunity to sing in front of @katyperry @lukebryan and @lionelrichie and receive a golden ticket to Hollywood!! So happy to finally to announce this to you guys! Thank you for all your prayers, wishing me good luck, and just all your love that you’ve been sending since when I first tried out for the show. I love you all 💛 I can’t promise that you’ll see me in Hollywood, but you might wanna keep watching just in case 😎 Thank you guys again for all the support... it means the world

A post shared by Sydney (@syd.sherwood) on Mar 18, 2019 at 2:49pm PDT

Sydney Sherwood, of Marlboro, was the latest to confirm her trip to Hollywood for the second season of the series on ABC. The teen, who attends Calvary Christian School in Old Bridge, shared her news in a photo with her little brother, a young cancer survivor, Billy.

After dealing with Billy's massive tumor as a toddler and his recovery, the Sherwood family began two nonprofits aimed at pediatric cancer research and support.

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NEW MUSIC. NEW SEASON. New single“American Born” and the new season of @americanidol all drop tomorrow! Y’all ready for the big day?! #americanidol #thenextidol . . . . #music #newmusic #nashville #tennessee #singer #songwriter #country #countrymusic #guitar #louisville #kentucky

A post shared by Payton Taylor (@paytontaylormusic) on Mar 2, 2019 at 5:27pm PST

Payton Taylor, originally from the Turnersville section of Washington Township in Gloucester County, has secured a pass to Hollywood for the second year in a row.

She chatted on air with New Jersey 101.5's Bill Spadea on Monday and explained that she and her sister handed back their tickets last season, so as not to stoke any jealousy between siblings. You can listen below:

Rounding out the three Jersey hopefuls on Idol this season is a recent high school student from North Jersey. Taylor Van Cleave, of Norwood in Bergen County, auditioned in Denver late last year surrounded by his family. He was part of the Class of 2018 at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan.

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Be there March 3rd 8|7c on ABC, one week! #americanidol @americanidol @katyperry @lukebryan @lionelrichie

A post shared by Taylor Van Cleave (@taylorvancleaveofficial) on Feb 24, 2019 at 3:35pm PST

All three Jersey hopefuls were headed to the next round of the competition with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, and host Ryan Seacrest.

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