American Idol Singer Compares Towson To Reality TV

TOWSON, MD — The Towson University singer who has made it to the top eight on "American Idol" has been a fisherman, a church janitor and basketball player. Those were some elements that came out on Monday night's episode, which highlighted the life stories and journeys of the remaining contestants.

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, 26, of Catonsville, is taking the semester off from Towson University as he competes on the ABC television show.

After coming out as a homosexual three years ago to his family — including to his father, who is a pastor — he has shared the challenge of not having his family with him on "American Idol."

That is about to change.

“My performance will be extra special next week because my parents will be there," Harmon said on the episode broadcast on Monday, April 22.

In a surprise visit, his sister, Annie, popped in for the Disney episode in Anaheim, California, which aired on Sunday, April 21. For that, Harmon sang "Candle on the Water" from "Pete's Dragon."

While he has not had his family by his side in the early auditions, he said that being on "American Idol" provided a cast of characters who have offered support throughout the journey.

"It doesn't feel like we're against each other," Harmon told Baltimore magazine. "It feels like we're there for each other and rooting for each other."

In that respect, he said in the interview, "American Idol" is akin to Towson University, where the music department is "small like a conservatory but it doesn't feel competitive and cutthroat..."

The next episode of "American Idol" will be on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC.

These are the finalists:

• Alejandro Aranda, 24, of Pomona, California
• Laci Kaye Booth, 23, of Livingston, Texas
• Walker Burroughs, 20, of Birmingham, Alabama
• Wade Cota, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona
• Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, 26, of Catonsville, Maryland
• Laine Hardy, 18, of Livingston, Louisiana
• Madison Vandenburg, 17, of Cahoes, New York
• Alyssa Raghu, 17, of Orlando, Florida

SEE ALSO: Towson University Singer Makes Top 10 On 'American Idol'