For a video of Brandon Elder’s American Idol audition that landed him a spot in the competition, view this link:
BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Millbrook Tunes on the Green Concert Series
Thursday, June 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Village Green
Featuring Brandon Elder, a former competitor on American Idol, from Arab, Alabama.
The City of Millbrook and the Millbrook Parks and Recreation Department will host their second in a series of four concerts this coming Thursday at the Village Green. The event is FREE and open to the public.
This week’s featured performer is Brandon Elder, of Arab, Alabama who competed on American Idol two years ago. Elder will take the stage promptly at 6:30 p.m. but come early for the best seating.
During his initial audition two years ago, Elder shared his story with Idol judges. He said that his life may have started out with some difficulty, but over the years it made him strong, and feeling blessed. He considers himself very lucky.
Elder, now 25, was born to a 15-year-old mother, who he said was obviously very young an unprepared for the rigors of raising a child. He revealed that she traded him for a car.
However, the person who took him in was also unprepared for raising a child, and Elder was eventually adopted by a single mother, Patricia Elder. Patricia Elder worked multiple jobs as Brandon was growing up to provide everything he needed.
At the young age of 14, Elder learned that his mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was during this time that he began to teach himself to play a guitar his mother had purchased for him. As her cancer progressed, he would often sing for her entertainment.
Sadly, his Mom passed awayin April of 2016. His audition for Idol Judges was a song he wrote entitled “Gone,” which was made as a tribute to Patricia.
So how did Brandon get scheduled to perform in Millbrook? Interestingly enough I was a chance meeting between Elder and Millbrook Parks and Recreation Director Scott Davis. The two met on the golf course, and struck up a conversation. Davis asked if he would be interested in Tunes on the Green, and he was. Davis discussed the possibility with Tunes on the Green organizers, and a plan was made.
“With the COVID-19 issues, it has put a hitch in Elder’s ability to travel and perform, so I am really looking forward to his visit here to Millbrook,” Davis said.
To see Brandon in person, and get the chance to speak with him, come out Thursday to Tunes on the Green. Bring your chairs, blankets, but remember no alcohol is allowed. This is a family-friendly event. Food vendors will be on site as well with paid concessions.
