Aaron Kelly “American Idol” fans know that 16-year-old Aaron Kelly is one of the 24 semifinalists.

His name should be familiar to many Carroll County residents because he has performed here several times, including for Old Settlers, at the Cutler Patio, and in Flora at the former Jack of All Trades auction house.

The Comet had stories about him in 2004 and 2005, and ran pictures of him performing at the 2005 and 2008 Old Settlers event in Delphi.

Kelly lives in Sonestown, Pa., but he has relatives and friends in Carroll County. Two local residents who are following his career closely are Delores Howe of Flora, a cousin, and Rosie Clawson of Delphi, a great-aunt. Clawson is a sister to Kelly’s paternal grandmother, Marthalee Kelly of Nokomis, FL., formerly of Flora.

“He’s a natural at singing,” Howe said. “And he’s so polite; you don’t see that much anymore.”

Howe said he’s performed at least twice at Old Settlers and drew a sizable crowd.

“He is young, but he can really sing,” she said. “He has as good a chance as anyone else (at being the next American Idol).”

The 12 female semifinalists performed Tuesday night, and the 12 male semifinalists will perform tonight.

“Simon likes him,” Clawson said. “Aaron’s doing real well, and hopefully he’ll go on.” She said when America votes, he should get plenty of votes from Carroll County, including hers.

According to Kelly’s web site, he has been singing since he was nine years old. He is a senior at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. He says he loves cyber school because it allows him to work at his own pace, which means working ahead. Besides singing, he loves writing songs, family vacations, roller coasters, and photography.

He started out as a country singer and performed wearing a cowboy hat, but now does not exclusively sing country, and has not worn the hat on American Idol.

He won the “American Idol Experience” at DisneyWorld, which resulted in an automatic audition in front of the American Idol judges for season nine.

Kelly has been compared to season seven finalist David Archuleta because of his boyish looks and charm.

Kelly has performed around the country. In 2004, he was awarded Male Vocalist of the Year and Male Entertainer of the Year by the Tennessee Country Music Association. He was awarded the same titles for 2005 by the North American Country Music Association. Also in 2005, he appeared on the national TV show, “America’s Most Talented Kids.” He landed an independent recording contract at age 10, and has written and co-written several songs.

He has been billed as a “Legend in the Works,” and a “Rising Star.”

Kelly was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Kelly and Greg Kelly, when he was a toddler. Delores Howe said the couple recognized their son’s talent at a very young age, when he started singing with the radio.

Photo source: American Idol web site