Fox Chapel cheerleader Sloane Simon to perform on ‘American Idol’

Joyce Hanz | Thursday, March 18, 2021 1:46 p.m.

John Fleenor/ABC

Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore and cheerleader Sloane Simon is a contestant on “American Idol.” Simon auditioned in her Fox Chapel Foxes uniform during her audition in San Diego, has received a “golden ticket” and will compete during Hollywood Week.

Fox Chapel Area High School cheerleader Sloane Simon is going to Hollywood.

The 16-year-old sophomore from O’Hara is a contestant on “American Idol.”

She announced the news Tuesday on her Twitter account.

So my audition didn’t air, but I got THREE YESes and I’M GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!! Make sure you follow my Instagram (@officiallysloane) for updates and tune in to see what happens next! ❤️ @americanidol #americanidol #hollywoodbound pic.twitter.com/KgNSYPlvci

— SLOANE SIMON (@official_sloane) March 15, 2021

Simon auditioned in San Diego earlier this month wearing her red and black Foxes cheer uniform, complete with pom poms, in front of celebrity judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Ritchie.

Her audition included an original song called “Laurel Canyon” and “Brand New Key” by Melanie.

She initially auditioned for the show’s producers in September via a Zoom call minutes before dashing off to cheer her first home football game for Fox Chapel.

Bonnie Berzonski, district coordinator of communications, said the show hasn’t contacted the district.

Singer/songwriter Sloane began performing at age 9.

Her first single, “Talk to Your Girlfriend” is available on Apple Music, Spotify and other music streaming channels.

Her Instagram account shows a video of her performing live at Hollywood’s legendary Viper Room club at age 13.

Sloane was chosen from a pool of thousands nationwide as a 2021 National Young Arts Foundation Winner.

Fox Chapel Area High School principal Michael Hower praised Simon’s accomplishments.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SLOANE SIMON (@officiallysloane)

“Sloane is an intelligent and talented student with great heart,” Hower said. “She works hard and is following her passion. We are excited for her, and we are all cheering her on. Plus, it’s awesome that she auditioned right before a cheer event. That’s dedication. Best of luck.”

O’Hara resident Cherie River’s daughter, Sophie, cheers alongside Sloane on the varsity squad.

She said the entire cheer team was filmed cheering on Sloane by “American Idol” producers in Pittsburgh.

“My daughter said Sloane would spontaneously break out and sing (during practice) and everyone would just stop and listen. My daughter is excited that Sloane is one of the youngest contestants to win a golden ticket,” River said.

River said everyone’s mum on Sloane’s contestant status.

“Nobody knows due the confidentiality agreement all of the girls signed,” River said. “It was hard for them to keep it a secret they were filmed. The cheerleaders tune in each week hoping it’s Sloane’s turn and we are all so proud of her and super excited to see her sing on television after seeing her sing in the school gym.”

Sophie River said she’s excited to share in the “American Idol” excitement with Sloane.

“Sloane is so talented and has a beautiful voice. All of the cheerleaders are thrilled to see our friend and one of the Fox Chapel cheerleaders represent our school,” she said.

“American Idol” airs on ABC Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m.