Von Smith
Week # Theme Song choice Original artist
Audition N/A Over the Rainbow Judy Garland
Hollywood First Solo If the Rain Must Fall James Morrison
Hollywood Second Solo Sir Duke Stevie Wonder
Top 36/Group 3 Billboard Hot 100 You 're All I Need to Get By Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Wild Card N/A Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word Elton John
Career
In 2009 Smith auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol , with mixed reviews from the judges . However , they accepted him for the Hollywood Round . During the Hollywood Round , Smith 's version of `` If the Rain Must Fall '' caused Simon Cowell to call it `` indulgent nonsense . '' The other judges overlooked Simon 's comment , and accepted Smith into the Top 36 . [ 3 ] He was eliminated on March 4 , 2009 after singing `` You 're All I Need to Get By '' , but was brought back to wild card performance on March 5 , picking `` Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word '' as his next song , but was eliminated once again .
Vaughn Lee Von Smith (born June 15, 1986) is an American singer and internet personality. Smith gained success via his YouTube videos. These garnered national attention, which led to an appearance on The View in February 2007. He soon signed a recording contract with Kon Live Distribution. In 2009 he auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol getting into the Top 36. In 2012 he was featured in the season finale of the Opening Act reality talent show.