Sonika Vaid performs Wednesday night on American Idol.
Courtesy Fox

Vineyard American Idol Contestant Advances

Sara Brown
Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 12:57pm
UPDATED Friday, February 12, 2016 - 1:00pm

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21 Comments

Sonika Vaid, an American Idol contestant with Vineyard ties, has been named one of the top 14 contestants in the reality competition.

After making it through as one of the top 24 finalists, Ms. Vaid, 20, performed Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars’ Safe & Sound wearing a floor-length gown during a live performance Wednesday. She earned praise from the show’s judges.

“I was making some notes and then you started singing — your voice is so good, Sonika, it’s just...it just is,” judge Keith Urban said.

“I agree, judge Jennifer Lopez said. “Your voice is so beautiful. It’s seriously...choose songs that make you feel something, instead of stuff that suits your voice. Stuff that makes your heart sing.”

Her parents, Anna and Ken Vaid, were shown in the audience.

During the results show on Thursday, the judges announced that Ms. Vaid would be going through to the next round.

The singer is from Weston and Martha’s Vineyard; according to assessor records, her family owns a home in Vineyard Haven.

Next week the other 12 final contestants will perform. The show airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox.

American Idol

Reality television

Comments (21)

brucejordan, boiseidaho

shecouldwinitall/isaidthataboutkellyclarkson

February 11, 2016 - 1:45pm

misstheoldvineyard, ob

She should not be representing the Vineyard being only a summer resident. She should represent her own town. Don't throw the Vineyard out there to get notoriety from the name. It's not right and I am irate about this because there are many island kids, true Vineyarders who would make it if the could get to these places to try out. Could be that they can't afford to get there. It's not right. You are a "summer" resident, period.

February 11, 2016 - 8:31pm

Rob C., Edg.

Just be happy for people. It's that simple. Complaining won't do much good. Good article.

February 11, 2016 - 11:18pm

Gary, Cape Cod

NO NAME; get a life are you saying just because she is a summer resident her family shouldnt pay taxes on the home..... she lives part-time on the vineyard Please get a life and stop being so jealous and stupied. Her parents should become failures so the other kids on the vineyard can have the same chance. If there is talent in the kids in the vineyard there certainly is enough people and money to support any kids dream,,,, what narrow, prejudicial and elitist talk and thinking......

February 12, 2016 - 9:56am

Misstheoldvineyard, Ob

Roy Sharon. There does that make you happy?

February 14, 2016 - 9:32am

PJ, Edg

I agree completely.

February 12, 2016 - 1:30pm

misstheoldvineyard, ob

Pathetic how you people have turned my comment into jealousy. Furthest thing on my mind. I think her voice is amazing and I look forward to hearing her each week. What I am saying is ,don't be someone you're not.The first time she was on air she stated she was from Weston. Then all of a sudden the next week she's from Marthas Vineyard. WESTON, Mass. — January 7, 2016 American Idol’s final season premiered Wednesday night and we know at least one Massachusetts singer got to audition in front of the judges. FOX25’s Sara Underwood caught up with Weston native Sonika Vaid on her big chance of making her voice heard. Full Interview: Mass. native auditions on American Idol "The first time I can remember singing was when I was three years old at my sisters first birthday and I sang ‘You are My Sunshine,’" she said. Vaid has been singing ever since, gaining confidence in her voice and herself. One place she loves to perform is it a park in town. “For whoever wanted to come, it was a free for all. Our school would set up performances and things like Oktoberfest and I would sign up for performances,” she said. Sonika had her biggest performance yet when she scored an audition in front the American Idol judges. “My heart was pounding the whole entire time. I couldn't tell if I was going to cry or laugh uncontrollably,” she said. “So many emotions were going through my mind and I just tried to stay as calm as I could.” For her audition, Sonika sang “Look at Me” by Idol winner Carrie Underwood. "It's such a beautiful song and it came naturally to me and it felt right to sing,” she said. She can't tell us what Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. said of her performance but… “I think I did a pretty good job, I hope I did a pretty good job, I hope they liked it.” Sonika's audition is under strict secrecy, so much so that she could not sing for us or tell us if she made it, but we’ll find out during the auditions. Ok so there it is. I guess an after thought was that she would get more attention being from a well known place. You know since the presidents have made us so popular. So get off your high horses and your interpretations of my comment. That's all I have to say about it. I'm out. share image

February 13, 2016 - 4:22pm

jd, edgartown

How selfish and mean spirited.

February 16, 2016 - 9:31am

Islandgal, VH

I agree with misstheoldvineyard. It's upsetting on a couple different levels. One is that if you watch the show, under her name it says Martha's Vineyard as oppose to Weston, where she is actually from. Owning a house here does give you "ties" to the Vineyard as the article says, However, all her interviews from Fox News, etc...clearly have her in Weston, her hometown, discussing her singing stardom. But on live television it says MV as her hometown. It's confusing and misleading which i personally don't appreciate since i do watch the show, and am an islander. If I were a Weston resident, i would be somewhat offended to not have it read Weston as her hometown where she went to school, made friends and where she lives a majority of the time.Especially if she is going to do interviews etc... saying so. Nonetheless, it's not about who is or are not excited and happy for her success. I would hope any person could appreciate the success of a young person trying to make it with their talents, regardless of where they are from, i know i do. For me and my opinion of this false representation, its more about the truth behind it all and how it clearly can encourage negative reactions from the onlookers. Point blank: If you are not from here, don't say that you are on a National TV Show, when you clearly are from somewhere else and say so yourself. (See below) We get enough attention here already, show your hometown some more love instead. http://www.myfoxboston.com/entertainment/massachusetts-native-auditions-for-american-idol-the-farewell-season/13240790

February 12, 2016 - 1:09pm

Rob C.

Jealousy won't get you very far. Great for this paper to report the facts! This is the best island newspaper.

February 12, 2016 - 5:25pm

Gary, Cape Cod

IslandGal What is the difference between live television and taped? The beggining shows were taped. Only the later shows were live. Since she is in school and has the gift of two homes she might be spending more of her time from school in there MV home and not Weston where I grew up. I might say MV also because it is such a beautiful place and I have and she may have many fine memories from those experiences. Is she somehow infracting on your life or anyone elses by naming MV . Can you tell me exactly how much time Sonika spends in Weston as compared to MV. There is nothing confusing about what she says only the distorted thinking and rediculous reactions to a very talented beautiful refind young lady making her way . There is NOTHING FALSE about her representation... just the negitive interpretation of the readers looking to be some kind of victim themselves and complainer. God Bless you Sonika and keep singing with that beautiful instrument you have. I could listen to you all day ........Can't wait to purchase your first release.

February 12, 2016 - 3:38pm

Sonia Santario, OB

Thanks for writing this story. I hope she wins. Maybe the MVG can throw a party on viewing night.

February 12, 2016 - 9:04pm

Wmo, Frederick, md

Don't hang it on her, I'll bet the producers have some culpability.

February 14, 2016 - 1:50am

J, where I hang my hat

you home is where your heart is- that simple

February 14, 2016 - 10:32am

Gary, Cape Cod

Perfect why is it such a big deal why not be happy is that what the air in MV does to you???

February 14, 2016 - 12:06pm

islandgal, VH

Gary, Cape Cod. You made some valid points and i am mature enough to take your comments in and consider them. One thing i appreciate about human interaction is the ability to have an opinion and be able to voice it to encourage an open discussion. Although not all may agree to your opinion, there is opportunity to change or influence a change of perspective. I found your first reply to my comment as something worthy to consider and was happy to have someone express questions that made me think a little more about what i was thinking and possibly feeling about that matter. Your questions were forth right and very well mannered. However, after reading your second comment of why it was such a big deal, and why can't people just be happy, and lastly, ending with an incredibly rude and judgmental comment such as "is that what the air in MV does to you" It seems to me that you are not one of those people looking to stick up for another person and be able to express your opinion in a mature way. Instead, you yourself began to throw stones and turn this "discussion" into and argument. If you actually read what i wrote, i never once expressed anything along the lines of not being happy for her, or that i didnt wish her well, or that i actually happened to really like her and her singing. In fact, i clearly stated that regardless of where you are from, i would hope anybody could be happy for young talent trying to make it. I may have worded it wrong, and maybe you took it differently from what i was meaning to say but, my point was directly in reference to the residency confusion.(Which again you had valid points about which i actually did consider and started to agree with you) I don't usually participate in online bickering to someone i dont know, but since you found it appropriate to hit below the belt with a condescending comment, i am going to stoop to your level and end with this. MV is an island, you can't be "in" an island. Unless we are surrounded by a bubble, that would go for the air here too. Enjoy the rest of your week. GO SONIKA!!

February 16, 2016 - 10:32am

Wendy Vickers, Cincinnati

For heaven's sake. If you pay taxes on MV, don't use the schools, and use only minimal summer services, the island should be thrilled. You win. The island should also be thrilled at any national mention that brings attention and subsequent renters and tourist dollars come summer. As a life time summer resident I can tell you the Vineyard is definitely where my heart is. Chillax. Let the little girl have her moment in the sun, and ride her shirt tails. Be happy.

February 16, 2016 - 11:33am

SusanM, WH, CT

let's not get in an uproar cuz the off-island MEDIA has chosen to put MV out there once again.....evidently there are some in charge of the "bios" who think that by include "MV" will improve their viewership......we are not fooled....

February 16, 2016 - 5:16pm

Gary, CapeCod, Costa Rica

Wendy Vickers I agree be happy its simple........I also don't think anyone s trying to fool anyone Prehaps the show was the one who thought it would be nice to mention both of her residences so that would be fair and factual....

February 23, 2016 - 1:30pm

bornandraisedonMV, MV

Unless you live on the Vineyard year round and understand the struggles of the average, true, islander, you have no business claiming that you are from Martha's Vineyard. "Home is where the heart is" only holds so true...Are you supporting the community of the Vineyard through thick and thin? Or is your relationship with the island just the 'fantasy' of the summer months? I resent that Sonika Vaid claims that she is from the Vineyard seemingly to get votes. She has no idea what it is like to be a true islander, born, raised, and educated here.

February 25, 2016 - 10:05pm

Gary, Cape Cod

Hey BornandraisedonMV do you think MV has cornered the market on struggles No matter where you are and what type of life we all have struggles Vaid family pays taxes on the property they own and I have an idea given the stable generous kind doctor he is he is contributing to the island. LET ME INFORM YOU IN NO WAY COMING FROM MARTHA VINEYARD COULD OR WOULD ENHANCE VOTES for what reason???? Because you think your so special???? Since when can you read into the mind of her knowledge and idea of being a true islander.....Give me a break it appears your an elitist and not a very thoughtful person. Sonika by the way is pre-med student who is very very smart and sweet and kind and you should be thrilled she spends any time in your precious MV. By your discription it seems to be such a difficult place for you to survive. May god be with you. Gary

March 18, 2016 - 10:46am

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