SMITHTOWN
American Idol Opens Door
For Smithtown Contestant
Joe Murena from Smithtown finds success

By Christy Brothers/ info@longislandernews.com

Smithtown American Idol contestant Joe Murena’s life has found new opportunities since returning home from the show in March. American Idol, which completed its fourth season last May, relies on votes from viewers to determine who stays and who goes. The contestant that receives the least amount of votes is sent home.

Since returning home, Murena, who is 27, has just finished taping a television pilot. The pilot was filmed in New York City and is expected to hit TV in the fall. Murena did not give many details away but said, “It’s great, it’s awesome.” Now Murena is busy working on a new pop-rock album. Murena, along with four other musicians are working on the album, which is called Murena Project. The album is expected to be released this December.

When he returned home to Islip Airport, Murena said, “There were like a 1,000 people there.” Murena was a court clerk in Central Islip before American Idol. He took a leave of absence, but did not return because he was too busy working with his band and making appearances.

“When I got home, my life was a whirlwind. My life isn’t the same,” said Murena. Since his return he has used his fame to help others. Murena has participated in two-cancer research fundraisers, helped raise autism awareness and sang the national anthem at Shea Stadium. “I don’t consider myself a celebrity, but if it helps, I’m glad,” Murena said. Schools on Long Island have also utilized his talents. In April, Murena visited William E. Deluca Elementary School in North Babylon. At the elementary school, Murena read to the kindergarteners, sang a song and answered questions. In May, he visited Smithtown High School where he sang “Smithtown Cares.”

Murena auditioned for American Idol in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I was excited. It was a fun process. Trying out with thousands of people is insane,” said Murena. The Idol said that he never really got nervous during the audition because it was all excitement. Murena said that he is not bitter he did not win American Idol. “I don’t know. I think Carrie’s great, but I would’ve liked to see Vonzell (Soloman) win.” Murena said from the beginning, he, along with other contestants thought the two finalists would be Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice.

This was the first year that American Idol raised the audition age to 28. Murena said that since most of the contestants were older there was not too much gossip that went on backstage. In 2003, Murena won Party 105’s Long Island Idol contest. After winning, the prize included meeting the American Idol judges and having a song he recorded played on the air. So Murena actually met the judges two years before he was a contestant.

The continued support from family and friends has been great, Murena said. “My whole family was great. So many people long to be an actor or singer and don’t have support from their family,” Murena said. “I love my job. I love the people,” said Murena. “My main goal is my music.”