If, like me, you are a chronic Netflix binger, you might recognize Jackie Tohn from her roles in GLOW and Nobody Wants This. However, the Oceanside, New York native, 43, once vied to become the next American Idol. She made it through the Hollywood Rounds before her elimination at the Top 36. And while she didn’t walk away with the trophy, she did have the privilege of being absolutely eviscerated by notorious judge Simon Cowell.
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Jackie Tohn Talks “Interesting and Bizarre” Reality TV Experience
Season 8 of American Idol marked a shift when it aired in early 2009. Kevin Reilly, then the president of Fox Entertainment, declared the show’s intentions to move away from “William Hung-like” contestants in favor of more serious contenders.
At the time, Jackie Tohn’s resume mostly included bit parts on The Nanny, Veronica Mars and The Sopranos. Looking to break into the music industry, she auditioned for judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.
OMG My trading card from when I was on @AmericanIdol !!! https://t.co/7oTJv9LgdK
— Jackie Tohn (@JackieTohn) March 10, 2021
The contestants were whittled down to the top 36 heading into the semi-finals, instead of the top 24 as in past years. If not for that twist, Tohn believes she may have had a legitimate shot at the crown. Instead, she and 23 fellow competitors were cut “immediately.”
“So many of us just got that hatchet,” she said during a Nov. 7 appearance on podcast The Viall Files. “My American Idol experience was so interesting and bizarre, but it was fun. That Top 36 f—ed us because … if there was a 24 and then two off per week, I have in very good faith I would have made the Top 24 and then I wouldn’t have been gone so quickly.”
Jackie Tohn Thinks Simon Cowell Had Something to Do With Her Elimination
With his biting commentary and creative insult repertoire, Simon Cowell gained a reputation for crushing dreams on American Idol. In fact, Tohn believes the British record executive’s scathing comments ultimately sent her home during season 8.
“I think one of the major reasons I got eliminated was because he ripped me to the shreds after that,” she said.
[RELATED: “I Promise You”: Simon Cowell’s Advice to Carrie Underwood Joining ‘American Idol’]
Rather than hold a grudge, Tohn carries the distinction of being berated by Simon Cowell as a badge of honor.
“It was so f—ing cool,” she said. “I know it was a weird, charmed experience until it wasn’t.”
Featured image by Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
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