Ukrainian Anthony Fedorov among top six on 'American Idol'

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The final seven contestants on the popular television program "American Idol," the reality show currently in its fourth season, have been whittled from the original 100,000 who auditioned. Among the remaining six contestants vying for the right to be called the next "American Idol" is 19-year-old Anthony Fedorov, a Ukrainian who lives in Trevose, Pa.

Mr. Fedorov was born in Ukraine and is now in his third semester at Bucks County Community College near his home in Pennsylvania. In addition to his school work, Mr. Fedorov is pursuing a singing career in New York City.

According to the Associated Press, Mr. Fedorov began singing when he was 6 and has no formal training. When he was a baby he had a lump near his vocal cords removed. Later, when he was 4, surgeons removed the rest of the lump and then performed an emergency tracheotomy, leaving him with a pronounced scar on his throat. Soon after the surgery doctors told Mr. Fedorov he would never be able to speak, much less sing again.

Mr. Fedorov auditioned for a spot on "American Idol" in Cleveland, and later spoke about what it meant to be a finalist on the show.

"My definition of an 'American Idol' is someone who is dedicated to what they do, someone who is real and true, and someone who affects all the lives he/she touches in a positive way. This does not only apply to music," Mr. Fedorov told the AP.

Mr. Fedorov said he considers his family to be heroes in his life and said he would thank them first if he won the competition. If he doesn't win, Mr. Fedorov said he plans to pursue his dream of signing professionally and finishing college.

The Bucks County (Pennsylvania) Courier Times reported that Anthony's real name is Anatoliy.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, April 24, 2005, No. 17, Vol. LXXIII

| Home Page |