PEORIA, Ill. – It’s not every day an “American Idol” star and runner-up visits the area.
But, Bloomington-Normal native Leah Marlene came to Peoria Tuesday, providing support and song for the children at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Marlene sang her new song “Flowers” going from room to room visiting patients.
(Will Stevenson/1470 & 100.3 WMBD)
“This song has carried me through a very healing process in my life,” said Marlene. “I think it’s a very hopeful song that I know has touched a lot of people, and helped them in their own healing journeys. I just don’t think there could be a better song to sing to these kids that are battling all their different battles here today.”
Marlene came up with the song as part of a mental health crisis she had in her own life.
She placed third in Season 20 of “American Idol.”
As for life during, and after, “American Idol?”
“[It’s] definitely a surreal experience,” said Marlene. “I feel like now that I’ve lived in it for so long, it’s becoming more normal. I’m finding my routine, and balances in it. When I look back on this year, it’s still really hard to believe everything that’s happened in the last 365 days of my life.”
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