Michiana Idol contestant honors late sister with audition

American Idol hopefuls in Michiana faced three judges Saturday at University Park Mall hoping to make the top 10 amongst 60 contestants.

Those top 10 singers won front of the line passes that can be used to skip the line for Idol auditions in Chicago and perform in front of show producers. 

The first winner, John Garrido, dedicated his audition to his late sister who died from complications due to cerebral palsy. He called his mom first to tell her the good news. 

"This could be a new beginning," Garrido said. "It could actually happen and to know I"m the first person to get this it makes me feel very good and I'm happy I could honor my sister like that."

Garrido sang "I Believe," the same song Idol winner Fantasia Barrino sang back in 2004.

"I felt like she was speaking to me," Garrido said. "I made a promise to my sister then that no matter what I would do whatever it takes to get on stage."

Garrido said he believes his sister was in the audition room with him to see him make good on that promise.

"Fifteen seconds of courage can change your life and this could've been it," Garrido said.