Gainesville woman to appear on 'American Idol'

GAINESVILLE - One of the performers on the "American Idol" TV talent show Tuesday will be a 21-year-old Gainesville woman. Vanessa Olverez, who will sing during her appearance on the show, is the daughter of Elizabeth Parillo and says in an interview on the "American Idol" Web site that what is happening to her "really hasn't sunk in."

"I don't think it's really hit me yet that, that my life is about to drastically change," Olivarez said.

Olivarez is a chemical assistant who does hair color highlights on the side at a beauty salon, and is known among family and friends for her own everchanging hair colors and styles. Her mother says her daughter has always been interested in singing.

"She has always been singing. Ever since she was a little girl, three-years-old, she just always like to sing and dance and I knew someday she would do something with that gift," Elizabeth Parillo said.

Olivarez has had formal singing training - six months of vocal training at the Gwinnett School of Fine Arts in 1997 - and has performed at a number of restaurants and lounges, including the Monkey Barrel in Gainesville.

Her favorite songs are "You're In My blood" by Joni Mitchell and "Out Here On My Own" by Irene Cara.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/2/183184