In the middle of Amanda Overmyer’s “American Idol” audition that aired last Tuesday, Paula Abdul held up her hand for the 23-year-old Mulberry resident to stop.

“I think you’re authentic and real, and I love you,” Abdul told her. “You’re the real deal.”

Overmyer, a 2001 graduate of Delphi High School, is currently competing on Season 7 of “American Idol.” She grew up in Camden, and now works as a nurse at Lincare in Kokomo. Her mother, Kathy Overmyer, lives in Lafayette, and her father, C.J. Overmyer, resides in Camden.

Amanda attended Ivy Tech and Purdue University where she majored in nursing.

C.J. said Amanda has always enjoyed singing. She’s participated in many musical events, and competed in singing competitions over the years.

“She started singing at a very young age,” he said.

Amanda was involved in an entertainment group throughout high school. She spent time performing in Lafayette and at the Logansport Mall. She also was a vocalist with several local rock bands, including a Lafayette band, Steeleto.

C.J. said his daughter’s favorite genre of music is rock and roll, which she got into in her late teens.

Amanda auditioned for “American Idol” in August in Atlanta. With blond bangs and dark brown hair, clad in black clothing and dark makeup, she stood out in the crowd of performers.

The producers from “American Idol” followed Amanda to Indiana to tape her life as a nurse and what she does in her spare time.

In the segment, Amanda said she visits patients’ homes and teaches them about their respiratory diseases, and how to use equipment to treat them.

“To be honest with you, this is just a crossroads in my life,” she said in the segment. “Is this going to be what I make money at, or is my job going to be what I make money at? I’m happy either way.”

After going to a patients’ home, Amanda hopped on a motorcycle to show what she does in her free time.

“I got into motorcycle riding at a young age,” she said on the show. “Everyone I knew rode.”

At the audition, she belted out “Mean Woman” by Janis Joplin.

Simon Cowell asked her to sing another song, so she sang Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Travelin’ Band.”

“I’m distinctive enough and different enough to stand out,” she said in the segment. “So I think I’ll definitely catch some attention, but it’s just going to be a matter of whether they dig it or not.”

The judges were impressed. Each approved for her to move on in the competition.

“The rock and roll nurse is through to Hollywood,” Randy Jackson said.

C.J. describes his daughter’s “American Idol” experience as a “test” for her to figure out whether she wants to pursue her singing passion or continue her career in nursing.

“She has always dreamed of a career in music, and decided to give ‘American Idol’ a try to solidify what direction she would commit her efforts to,” he said. “At the time of her decision, she was developing a very successful career as a nurse, and wanted to take a chance to see if music could be her future.”

C.J. says Amanda has been spending her days wrapped up with the popular TV show.

“She’s tied up with the whole process,” he said.

He didn’t disclose whether she had made it in the top 24 finalists or not, but added that he speaks with her daily.

American Idol airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on FOX.

Melissa Soria may be reached at (574) 732-5143 or via e-mail at melissa.soria@pharostribune.com