Could Brett Altman Be The Next Idol?

We all know that Livingston has, at one time or another, been home to the stars, including author , actress and even former New Jersey Nets coach . However Livingston may soon have another star on the rise and his name is Brett Altman.

Altman, a 2009 graduate of Livingston High School and second year finance major at the Smeal College of Business in Penn State University, was recently selected as a finalist in his school's Blue White Idol contest. The contest is structured similarly to Fox's hit show American Idol in which a large pool of music contestants go head-to-head in hopes of securing a recording contract.

Instead of a record deal, however, the winner of the Blue White Idol contest nets $300, a free semester's worth of textbooks and free weekly Domino's Pizza for the year. In case you were wondering; Brett's first choice of pizza if he were to be named the winner? "I'd choose BBQ Chicken."

Altman explained that the initial round of auditioning was a bit challenging. "I was hoping for Paula Abdul or Jennifer Lopez," Altman said jokingly about the judges. He was then given a microphone and told the start singing. "Singing with the big spotlight and camera on me did make me feel a little nervous."

For his audition piece Brett choose John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change." Familiarity was a major factor in his choice of piece. "I've sung this song for many years and felt very comfortable with it. I know the lyrics very well and feel it fits my range."

Earlier in the week it was announced that Altman along with 15 others were finalists in the competition.

On Monday morning, a Facebook page was created for Altman's supporters. Less than 12 hours later the group had expanded to over 265 members. By Wednesday that number had surpassed 300. Currently the Youtube video of his audition has raked in nearly 1,000 views.

"All the voters and newfound fans have made this such a tremendous experience and I'm thrilled that there is such a positive response to my voice," said Altman in response to the overwhelming amount of support he has received since the video went public on Monday.

Nevertheless, Brett's talent behind the mic may come as a surprise to some."My singing talents have been withheld from others for most of my life. My family and my roommates were the few who had heard me sing at home or the apartment before Penn State Idol."

.He noted that the first time he had ever sang in public was with a friend in Israel over the summer and that he didn't have his first performance until Rock and Roll Day at Camp Funplex, a summer camp located on Route 10 in East Hanover, with his sister Hayley by his side.

How does someone who has never sang in competitive environment before get involved in such a big event in the first place?  "My roommates heard me singing in the shower and always joked about when I'd sing in front of real people. When they heard Penn State Idol was holding tryouts they told me the dates and urged me to try out," he said. "I always believed I had a good voice and knew it was time for it to be heard on a bigger scale."

The sophomore cited Michael Buble, John Mayer, and most importantly his parents as people who have influenced him musically over the years. "My dad is actually a very good singer and I have grown up seeing him sing at many large scale family or work functions. He has been giving me pointers throughout my life and along with my mom's positive re-enforcement I've slowly gained confidence in my voice."

If Altman is selected, he and seven others will compete head-to-head at the school's student center to determine the final four participants before a winner is ultimately named.

When asked about his chances of being victorious, Altman was confident. "I feel really great about my chances. My Youtube video has been in the lead or near the lead the whole way through and I'm confident that will translate into more votes."

He added that the overwhelming support he has received from members of both his college and Livingston community has been an inspiration. "There are numerous dedicated friends and family who want to see me succeed and I couldn't do it without them."

Click here to view Brett's audition tape and cast your vote for your favorite potential Penn State Idol here. Voting ends this Friday at 4 p.m. and voters are allotted one vote per day.