Loving, caring, talented, and outstanding are some of the words used to describe Jacee Badeaux by students at Belmont University before my exclusive interview with him. I sat down with Jacee to find out more about both his charismatic personality and music career.
Born in the historical, lively city of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jacee was raised with a large influence in both music and faith. Jacee's dad, Walter, is a hard-working plumber and a caring father who helped pushed Jacee in his music career. Jacee's mom, Lana, was described to me as a sweet, creative, and an influential woman. Lana teaches art at L.J Alleman Middle School in Lafayette, Louisiana, and she would bring Jacee into the front office during the afternoon hours. At the age of three, Jacee started to sing. He would stand on chairs and sing to the secretaries, and this was Jacee's first recollection of performing. Jacee continued singing around the house "annoying" his parents.
Jacee Badeaux after the release of his For the Love of Music
Jacee later attended L.J. Alleman Middle School, where he would be able to express his impeccable singing ability. Late in his Middle School year, Jacee performed more out in public at talent shows, to friends, and to whomever was in hearing distance. At the age of 15, Jacee's music career skyrocketed by getting the first after winning the Baton Rouge Idol. Winning the Baton Rouge Idol pushed Jacee to the front of the line to audition on the highly recognized American Idol. If it were not for the influence of Rascal Flatts in Jacee's audition, his nerves might have gotten the best of him. Jacee's audition song was Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Ottis Redding. With this, Jacee's journey began in American Idol.
Jacee at his audition for American Idol
Jacee Badeaux established a well-rounded group of friends and a support system throughout his time in American Idol. Even Scotty McCreery, the winner of season 10, was well-connected to Jacee and his family from the get-go. McCreery was within close contact with Jacee even after he was voted off of the show before making the Top 40. Jacee was heart broken. Jacee committed to his success in American Idol, but the effects of losing did not break Jacee's spirit.
Jacee on the Ellen Degeneres show
Immediately after being voted off of American Idol, Jacee was invited onto the Ellen Degeneres show while in choir practice where his mom pulled him from to class to be on the show. Not only did Jacee receive national recognition, but his faith in his music returned after seeing the positive impact he had. Jacee carried this confidence with him through the rest of his high school career before finding his way to Belmont University. Jacee continues to write phenomenal, inspiring music in his spare time.
I had one last question that came about before concluding the interview: "How do you feel about American Idol ending?" In response, Jacee said, "While I am sad that American Idol is ending, I am hopeful that some form of the show will continue." Jacee Badeaux, a true and committed musician who has inspired many, and will continue to create amazing pieces of music.
