Watch N.J. Police Officer Handcuff 'American Idol' Judge Before Giving 'Arresting' Singing Performance
What to know
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Sea Girt Police Officer Julia Sienna Santiago earned a Golden Ticket on American Idol after a televised audition Monday.
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Santiago incorporated a law enforcement-themed introduction before performing Connie Talbot’s “I Would.”
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All three judges voted yes, advancing her to Hollywood Week in Nashville, Tennessee.
Source Officer.com News
A New Jersey police officer advanced to Hollywood Week on American Idol after earning a Golden Ticket during Monday's episode.
Julia Sienna Santiago, a special officer with the Sea Girt Police Department, appeared in uniform during her audition and incorporated a law enforcement-themed introduction before performing Connie Talbot’s “I Would,” the Asbury Park Press reports. But Santiago's big show-stopping performance happened when she wasn't singing.
During the broadcast, Santiago told judge Luke Bryan he had violated “Code Idol 26.” She then placed him "under arrest" and put him in handcuffs as part of the segment.
“I loved it. I loved it. No, really, really great,” Bryan said before asking for the keys to the cuffs.
Santiago, 20, is a student at Rutgers University, and she has performed the National Anthem at multiple Jersey Shore events, as well as competed in local and regional performance programs, according to the Asbury Park Press. She earned a Golden Ticket in the 2023 Freehold Idol competition and participated in training through Rock It! Academy.
"HOLLYWOOD WEEK HERE I COMEEEEEE," she wrote in an Instagram post.