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First-Year Student Opens for American Idol Finalist

When Alex Vasquez '28 took to the Foothills stage, they felt every word of their song, “Homesick.”

“It was the first show my family couldn’t be at,” Vasquez said. “I almost started to cry, but then I looked out and saw all my friends and classmates cheering me on. And I felt so happy.”

Performing as J0tsy, the eclectic singer-songwriter opened for a nearly sold-out crowd at “An Evening With Drew Angus,” a Hartwick 2011 graduate and finalist in the 2016 season of American Idol.

Alex Vasquez '28 performing

“Drew and his team were so sweet. I got to chat with him beforehand, and he gave me a lot of good advice about making a life as a musician after graduation. He really gave me the confidence to perform.”

Alex Vasquez '28

Double Major in Music and Business

Bassist and artist-in-residence Evan Jagels recommended Vasquez as the opener. “I joined the jazz combo and he had me sing ‘Autumn Leaves’ with the band,” they said. “That led to the opportunity to open for Drew.”

The show at Foothills was also J0tsy’s first gig since they arrived on campus. “My brother Christopher was a SUNY Oneonta graduate,” Vasquez said. “He was the one who introduced me to the Oneonta music scene.”

Christopher was also the one who gave them their signature ukulele. “I stole his ukulele from his room and learned to play it secretly,” they said. “But when he caught me, he wasn’t mad. He was kind of proud and bought me my own.”

Vasquez performed three songs; “Relation-ships,” “Homesick” and a cover of “Promise” by Icelandic singer Laufey.

“I had so much fun,” they said. “And the audience was so great. I can’t wait to perform again.”

September 25, 2024
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