Albany Native Sings With Pat Benatar On American Idol

Watch Madison VanDenburg, American Idol contestant and Albany area resident, sing with Pat Benatar. Wow!

17-year-old Madison Vandenburg from Cohoes makes it into the final 14 on American Idol. Vandenburg, who attends Shaker High School, sang “We Belong,” with legendary rockers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Here it is in case you missed on on Sunday night.

The final 14 will advance to live competition next week, where the viewing audience will vote.

Madison VanDenburg follows Moriah Formica, who is also from the Albany area, and was also a contestant on American Idol and The Voice. Katy Perry says "There must be something in the upstate New York water," but, no Katy, the connection between the girls is their voice coach Lesley O’Donnell.

The Daily Gazette reports O’Donnell, a Burnt Hills native, has worked with Formica and VanDenburg for several years and has seen both their voices and careers grow at Modern Day Music in Clifton Park.

O’Donnell tells the Daily Gazette:

“Just hearing these powerhouse voices in these little girls and then to know what their dreams are and to see them realize their dreams is a reward for me...Several are hoping to audition for “The Voice” or “American Idol” and they have a serious shot at getting on either show"

Pat Benatar thinks VanDenburg is pretty amazing too as she said, “Madison is a great singer. She has this confidence about herself and this vocal prestige. You put those two things together, you can anything.”

Best of Luck! We'll be watching!

[Information from Daily Gazette]