Kelsey Temme INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — When Kelsey Temme walked into her college class earlier this month, she had no idea she was about to receive life-changing news. The 19-year-old radiography student at Indiana University Kokomo learned she had won the American Idol Silver Ticket Award after more than 1,000 people voted for her during a two-week campaign. Her classmates erupted in celebration when she shared the news. “I have always wanted to compete on a show like this,” Temme said. Now, Temme is preparing for the next step: an audition in front of American Idol executive producers, where she will perform one of three songs she has selected for the opportunity. Temme, who sings at her church and performs worship, pop and country music, said her path to American Idol has been years in the making. Her late grandmother was one of her biggest supporters and regularly encouraged Temme to audition for shows such as American Idol. Although her grandmother is not here to see the moment, Temme said her encouragement continues to inspire her. “She gave me the courage to do this,” Temme said. Temme also credits her faith for her musical abilities. “I feel like God gave me this gift to share,” she said. Temme said she is excited about the possibility of eventually performing in front of American Idol judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie. “I love all three of them,” she said. “They each bring something different to the show, and I can’t wait for the chance to perform for them.” The Silver Ticket Award was determined through public voting and allows Temme to bypass the initial open auditions and move directly to an audition with the show’s executive producers. The voting campaign showed the support Temme has from her community, with more than 1,000 votes cast during the two-week period. Temme is balancing her radiography studies with her musical ambitions as she prepares for the next stage of the competition. As she chooses her audition song, she said she is carrying the support of her church community, the memory of her grandmother and the encouragement of the people who voted for her. “This is just the beginning,” Temme said. ...read more read less