Amanda Overmyer
Encyclopedia
Amanda Lindsay Overmyer (born October 26, 1984) is an American
rock
singer-songwriter
from Camden, Indiana
who was the eleventh place finalist on the seventh season
of American Idol
. Following her run on Idol, Overmyer released her debut album Solidify on December 10, 2008 and is currently working on her second album with her band.
and was stationed there. Overmyer and her family eventually moved back to Indiana, where she grew up in Camden, Indiana
and attended Delphi Community High School
in Delphi, Indiana
. She received a nursing degree from Ivy Tech Community College, and is a health-care specialist dealing predominantly in respiratory issues.
Some of Overmyer's favorite past gigs were the ones sponsored by ABATE
of Indiana. Through this association and its biker members, Overmyer enjoyed another passion — Harley-Davidson
motorcycles. Her immediate family all enjoy motorcycles as well. Overmyer is married to Casey Taylor, her longtime boyfriend from Mulberry, Indiana.
As a young girl competing in 4-H
sponsored talent contests and later in WAZY
Idol in Lafayette, Indiana
, Amanda always dreamt of a career in music. In her late teens, Overmyer joined a local band. Since then she has been the lead singer of several bands, including Steeleto and Ruinaces. She lists Bob Seger
, Janis Joplin
, Creedence Clearwater Revival
, and Guns 'n' Roses as among her chief influences. Although Overmyer already had a successful career as a nurse, she also was curious to see if she could be a professional musician, and trying out for American Idol gave her the best chance to test the waters without risk.
, more so for her personality. Overmyer was eliminated on the March 19, 2008 episode of American Idol
, putting her in 11th place and just missing out on the tour along with David Hernandez
.
After her ouster on the April 23, 2008 episode, fellow finalist Carly Smithson
stated in her
post-exit interviews that Amanda Overmyer had been her favorite singer of the
competition.
Overmyer is currently the only contestant from Indiana
to become a finalist in American Idol history.
, Live with Regis and Kelly
, and The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet
. She has also been performing professionally ever since American Idol.
On May 24, 2008 Overmyer headlined the Women of Rock show at the Whisky A Go Go
in West Hollywood, CA. She debuted 4 original songs, "Play On", "Fail to Compromise", "Fight Like A Son", and "Love Me Like You Want."
Overmyer performed at the Harley Davidson Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI on August 27, 28 and 29th 2008. She also performed at a homecoming gig in Lafayette,IN on September 19, where she debuted new music from her album.
On December 10, 2008, Overmyer released her debut album "Solidify". "Play On" was the debut single from the album and is dedicated to her husband. The album is available for digital download on her website, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Tradebit, Napster and Rhapsody.http://amandaovermyer.com/html/the-latest-news-on-amanda/71-itunes-offers-solidify The album was produced by Los Angeles-based producer Rocco Guarino.
The album is also now in most stores in the United States; some states may not have the album yet, but are expected to.
To date her biggest show was in her hometown of Lafayette, Indiana
during the summer of 2009, where nearly 14,000 fans came out and watched her perform with her band. In 2009, her band went through a lineup change, and Overmyer auditioned a session guitarist from Purdue University
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
from Camden, Indiana
Camden, Indiana
Camden is a town in Jackson Township, Carroll County, Indiana, United States. The population was 611 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lafayette, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
who was the eleventh place finalist on the seventh season
American Idol (season 7)
The seventh season of American Idol, the annual reality show and singing competition, began on January 15, 2008 and concluded on May 21, 2008. Ryan Seacrest continued to host the show with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson returning as judges...
of American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
. Following her run on Idol, Overmyer released her debut album Solidify on December 10, 2008 and is currently working on her second album with her band.
Early life
Overmyer was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1984; her father was serving in the United States Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and was stationed there. Overmyer and her family eventually moved back to Indiana, where she grew up in Camden, Indiana
Camden, Indiana
Camden is a town in Jackson Township, Carroll County, Indiana, United States. The population was 611 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lafayette, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and attended Delphi Community High School
Delphi Community High School
Delphi Community High School is a public secondary school located in Delphi, Indiana. The school serves about 520 students in grades 9 to 12 in the Delphi Community School Corporation district...
in Delphi, Indiana
Delphi, Indiana
Delphi is a city in and the county seat of Carroll County, Indiana, United States. Located twenty minutes northeast of Lafayette, it is part of the Lafayette, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area...
. She received a nursing degree from Ivy Tech Community College, and is a health-care specialist dealing predominantly in respiratory issues.
Some of Overmyer's favorite past gigs were the ones sponsored by ABATE
ABATE
State motorcyclists' rights organizations exist in about 32 US states, 25 of which call themselves "ABATE of ," the rest going by various other names. SMROs advocate for a point of view in motorcycling that is, in general, hostile to mandatory helmet laws, required motorcycle safety inspections,...
of Indiana. Through this association and its biker members, Overmyer enjoyed another passion — Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorcycles. Her immediate family all enjoy motorcycles as well. Overmyer is married to Casey Taylor, her longtime boyfriend from Mulberry, Indiana.
As a young girl competing in 4-H
4-H
4-H in the United States is a youth organization administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture , with the mission of "engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development." The name represents...
sponsored talent contests and later in WAZY
WAZY
WAZY-FM, "Z96.5" is an FM radio station owned by Artistic Media Partners in Lafayette, Indiana. The station operates on the FM radio frequency of 96.5 MHz, FM channel 243. . The studios are located at 3824 South 18th Street in Lafayette, Indiana....
Idol in Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
, Amanda always dreamt of a career in music. In her late teens, Overmyer joined a local band. Since then she has been the lead singer of several bands, including Steeleto and Ruinaces. She lists Bob Seger
Bob Seger
Robert Clark "Bob" Seger is an American rock and roll singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist.As a locally successful Detroit-area artist, he performed and recorded as Bob Seger and the Last Heard and Bob Seger System throughout the 1960s...
, Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin
Janis Lyn Joplin was an American singer, songwriter, painter, dancer and music arranger. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later as a solo artist with her backing groups, The Kozmic Blues Band and The Full Tilt Boogie Band...
, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a number of successful singles drawn from various albums....
, and Guns 'n' Roses as among her chief influences. Although Overmyer already had a successful career as a nurse, she also was curious to see if she could be a professional musician, and trying out for American Idol gave her the best chance to test the waters without risk.
Overview
The American Idol judges have often compared her sound to Janis Joplin. She was a favorite candidate over at Vote for the WorstVote for the Worst
VoteForTheWorst.com is a website that is devoted to voting for the worst, most entertaining, most hated or quirkiest contestants on the Fox Network television series American Idol...
, more so for her personality. Overmyer was eliminated on the March 19, 2008 episode of American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
, putting her in 11th place and just missing out on the tour along with David Hernandez
David Hernandez
David Anthony Hernandez is an American singer and the twelfth place finalist of FOX's seventh season of the television series American Idol.-Biography:...
.
After her ouster on the April 23, 2008 episode, fellow finalist Carly Smithson
Carly Smithson
Carly Smithson is an Irish soul/pop rock singer-songwriter and actress from San Diego, California who was the sixth place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol. In 2001, Smithson released her first studio album for MCA Records called Ultimate High. Smithson was dropped from the record...
stated in her
post-exit interviews that Amanda Overmyer had been her favorite singer of the
competition.
Overmyer is currently the only contestant from Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
to become a finalist in American Idol history.
Performances
| Week # | Theme | Song choice | Original artist | Order # | Result | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audition | N/A | "Turtle Blues""Travelin' Band Travelin' Band "Travelin' Band" is a song written by John Fogerty and originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was included on their 1970 album Cosmo's Factory. Backed with "Who'll Stop the Rain", it was one of three double sided singles from that album to reach the top five on the U.S... " |
Big Brother and the Holding Company Big Brother and the Holding Company Big Brother and the Holding Company is an American rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1965 as part of the same psychedelic music scene that produced the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Airplane. They are best known as the band that featured Janis Joplin as their... Creedence Clearwater Revival Creedence Clearwater Revival Creedence Clearwater Revival was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a number of successful singles drawn from various albums.... |
N/A | Advanced | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hollywood | N/A | "Light My Fire Light My Fire "Light My Fire" is a song by The Doors which was recorded in August 1966 and released the first week of January 1967 on the Doors' debut album. Released as a single in April, it spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and one week on the Cash Box Top 100, nearly a year after... " |
The Doors The Doors The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and guitarist Robby Krieger... |
N/A | Advanced | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hollywood | N/A | "Piece of My Heart Piece of My Heart "Piece of My Heart" is a song written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns and originally recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967. The song came to greater mainstream attention when Big Brother and the Holding Company covered the song in 1968 and had a hit with it... " |
Erma Franklin Erma Franklin Erma Franklin was an American gospel and R&B singer. She was the oldest daughter of Barbara and the Reverend C. L. Franklin and the elder sister of Aretha Franklin... |
N/A | Advanced | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top 24 (12 Women) | 1960s | "Baby, Please Don't Go Baby, Please Don't Go "Baby, Please Don't Go" is a blues song first recorded by Big Joe Williams in 1935. It is related to a group of early 20th century blues and work songs that include "I'm Alabama Bound", "Another Man Done Gone", and "Don't Leave Me Here", and "Turn Your Lamp Down Low".It has become a blues and rock... " |
Big Joe Williams Big Joe Williams Joseph Lee Williams , billed throughout his career as Big Joe Williams, was an American Delta blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, notable for the distinctive sound of his nine-string guitar... |
4 | Safe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top 20 (10 Women) | 1970s | "Carry On Wayward Son Carry On Wayward Son "Carry on Wayward Son" is a progressive rock single recorded by Kansas and written by Kerry Livgren for their 1976 album Leftoverture. In 1977, the song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard pop singles chart, becoming their first Top 40 hit.... " |
Kansas Kansas (band) Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"... |
6 | Safe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top 16 (8 Women) | 1980s | "I Hate Myself for Loving You I Hate Myself for Loving You "I Hate Myself for Loving You" is a 1988 song from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and the first single from the album Up Your Alley. The song reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, Jett's third single to reach the Top 10, but her first since "Crimson and Clover" in 1982... " |
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Joan Jett Joan Jett is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular... |
3 | Safe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top 12 | Lennon/McCartney | "You Can't Do That You Can't Do That "You Can't Do That" is a song written by John Lennon and released by The Beatles as the B-side of their sixth British single "Can't Buy Me Love".-Composition:... " |
The Beatles The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr... |
9 | Safe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top 11 | The Beatles | "Back in the U.S.S.R." | The Beatles The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr... |
1 | Eliminated |
Post Idol
After her elimination from American Idol, Overmyer made appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres ShowThe Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often shortened to Ellen, is an American television talk show hosted by comedian/actress Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it is produced by Telepictures and airs in syndication, including stations owned by NBC Universal. For its first five seasons, the show...
, Live with Regis and Kelly
Live with Regis and Kelly
Live! with Kelly is a syndicated American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. The show has aired since 1983 in New York City and 1988 nationwide. Tony Pigg has been the show's announcer since its inception...
, and The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet
The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet
The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet is an American syndicated morning talk show. Produced by Fox, the show first aired on January 22, 2007 to a number of markets originally through Fox and MyNetworkTV, most in the Fox Television Stations Group...
. She has also been performing professionally ever since American Idol.
On May 24, 2008 Overmyer headlined the Women of Rock show at the Whisky A Go Go
Whisky a Go Go
The Whisky a Go Go is a nightclub in West Hollywood, California, United States. It is located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard, on the Sunset Strip.-History:...
in West Hollywood, CA. She debuted 4 original songs, "Play On", "Fail to Compromise", "Fight Like A Son", and "Love Me Like You Want."
Overmyer performed at the Harley Davidson Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI on August 27, 28 and 29th 2008. She also performed at a homecoming gig in Lafayette,IN on September 19, where she debuted new music from her album.
On December 10, 2008, Overmyer released her debut album "Solidify". "Play On" was the debut single from the album and is dedicated to her husband. The album is available for digital download on her website, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Tradebit, Napster and Rhapsody.http://amandaovermyer.com/html/the-latest-news-on-amanda/71-itunes-offers-solidify The album was produced by Los Angeles-based producer Rocco Guarino.
The album is also now in most stores in the United States; some states may not have the album yet, but are expected to.
To date her biggest show was in her hometown of Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
during the summer of 2009, where nearly 14,000 fans came out and watched her perform with her band. In 2009, her band went through a lineup change, and Overmyer auditioned a session guitarist from Purdue University
Purdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
.
Track listing
- "Fail to Compromise"
- "Love Me Like You Want"
- "Hole in the Wall"
- "Play On"
- "Call Your Mama"
- "Fight Like a Son"
- "Lay It Down"
- "Varmint Rifle"
- "Iroquois Lane"
- "A Long Time"
- "Let's Take It Outside"
- "Pray"