Hillsborough's 'American Idol' Hopefuls Advance in Top 13

Two students from the Hillsborough County School District have moved forward in pursuit of their “American Idol” dreams.

She’s been called “a towering presence with her 6-foot frame and a voice that’s even bigger.”

He’s been called out for his “rich roots in gospel music and a tone that’s as smooth as butter.”

As noted in the The Tampa Tribune, Shannon Magrane and Jeremy Rosado hail from Blake High School and Durant High School, respectively. 

Local fans are rooting for their hometown performers: she, a 16-year-old student at Blake’s magnet school for the arts; he, a Durant graduate and 19-year-old student at Hillsborough Community College.

According to People magazine, Ryan Seacrest announced that 33 million votes were cast over two days.

Magrane, who is from the Carrollwood area, received a clear nod forward with the top 10 vote-getters, joining Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Heejun Han, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, Colton Dixon and Jermaine Jones.

Rosado, of the Greater Brandon community of Valrico, advanced as a wild-card draw, along with Deandre Brackensick and Erika Van Pelt.

Rosado reportedly fell to the floor in tears before rushing to the judges for hugs.

American Idol returns today, when the contestants pay tribute to the late Whitney Houston.

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RELATED COVERAGE:

• From TBO.com: Hillsborough Schools Claim 'Idol' Hopefuls