American Idol Season 8 Taylor Vaifanua - Another Mormon Sensation?

The moment I saw Taylor Vaifanua audition in Salt Lake City, Utah - for American Idol Season 8,my MODAR (Mormon Radar) immediately went through the roof! LOL Now mind you, there were many who auditioned in SLC, but Ms. Taylor Vaifanua just had "that" look, of which many LDS members will know exactly what I am talking about; and the reason that you, too - are asking the same question... IS Taylor Vaifanua a Mormon?

Now for those of you who might have a problem (again) that I am focusing in on an American Idol Contestant, just because they might happen to be a Mormon - you can read my many responses to that concern, on either one of my other "Mormon" American Idol Hubs...

• David Archuleta Mormon on American Idol

• Brook White Mormon on American Idol

• David Cook - The American Idol (not a Mormon)

There is no doubt that Taylor Vaifanua has a quality that screams STAR! From what I hear around the blogosphere - the judges love her. I guess we will still have to wait, and see how America feels.

Here is one reviewer's comments about Taylor Vaifanua, following the Salt Lake City, audtions:

Taylor Vaifanua, 16, is from Utah also. She’s also extremely tall and gorgeous - if she’d been born in LA, she’d already be modeling full time. She belted out “Joyful, Joyful” in a gorgeous voice.

You can read more about the Salt Lake City, Utah auditions, and Taylor Vaifanua HERE...

I decided to put on my "detective" hat, and see what I could learn about Taylor Vaifanua, even though we still really have no idea just how far she will actually go, on American Idol Season 8. So, lets get a jump start!

One thing we know for sure, is that there is already a website bearing her name, and currently under construction. Right now, there is nothing to see. We also know that Taylor has a MySpace page, with very little actual information about Taylor on it...

Apparently, American Idol has requested that she remove everything that she can, off of the Internet. Don't you just love that? The more they can control a contestant's marketing/brand - the better chance they have to promote them in a controlled environment. A monopoly if you will. I imagine that they do this with most of their contestants that they feel "might" make it as a top contestant. American Idol has their own website, where they like to provide the information about their contestants. It's a money thing, to be sure.

However, Taylor Vaifanua has a past, that cannot be completely hidden from the public. Not the kind that you might be thinking, but a past that includes - her singing and acting career up to this point; and that American Idol, can't touch!

A Utah based entertainment company, focusing on local talent and spear headed by David Loeffler and Sam Schultz - produced the local T.V. show "Create the Group". Taylor Vaifanua, after going through a rigorous reality audition process, made that group! You can visit createthegroup.net to see episodes of the show. It is also my understanding, that David Loeffler is the group's manager.

Taylor Vaifanua Profile on Music Jobs USA

This find is really quite a gem. Here is what Taylor posted on the "About Me" section of Music Jobs USA - last updated 04/23/07. So, it's fairly current.

I am half Pacific Islander, I have a unique ethnic look, and look much older than I am! I am 15 years old, 5'10 inches tall. I recorded my first Independent CD at only age 13. I am trying to break into Disney, Nickelodeon, or any like Companies, that pertain to teens. I love to perform,and feel that I have been blessed with incredible talent. I have been singing and dancing since I was about 5. I feel I have so much to offer in the world with teens today. You can see some of my own music videos on my website @ www.taylorvaifanua.com, and see concert clips, rehearsal clips, photos, hear my music, etc. I love to perform for school assemblies, and I have 5 dancers that dance with me, including my older sister.We look forward to shopping a film that has been written especially for me, and my group, about teens, in a band, sort of like a cheetah girls/parent trap film. It is an incredible script, and it is now ready to shop to different people. We hope to be filming by early next year.

Note: Taylor Vaifanua's website is down, and currently under construction.

Fun Highlights About Taylor Vaifanua...

Taylor Vaifanua has enjoyed singing since she could talk, and her love for it was apparent at a very young age. As a child, Taylor lived in Western Samoa for five years. While living in Samoa, and at the age of 5, she began to develop the skill of Polynesian dancing. She has performed alongside of her sister, and with many different dance groups. Taylor also enjoys hip hop, jazz and ballet.

With all of Taylor's dance and musical ability, it should come as no surprise to find out, that she also has experience in musical theater. You might be interested to know, that Taylor Vaifanua was a backup dancer in the very popular production of High School Musical 2!

Of course, Taylor Vaifanua's greatest love is her music! Taylor recorded her first independent album at the age of 13. Apparently, Taylor is not shy, and loves performing in front of large groups of people; and has had many opportunities to do so.

Last but certainly not least, is Taylor's participation in the making of the movie "The First Christmas" which was released in 2005, by Liken the Scriptures.

Taylor Vaifanua is also an amazing athlete. She loves basketball, volleyball, surfing, and has even run track.  What a girl!

How Far Will Taylor Vaifanua Go On American Idol Season 8?

Who knows? Because after all, anything is possible in Hollywood. There is no doubt, that Taylor Vaifanua is one motivated young women. At the ripe young age of 16, she has already accomplished a great deal. Whether or not American Idol is her ultimate avenue to stardom, remains to be seen, but Taylor will be successful - of that, I am confident. Good luck Taylor!

tDMg

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