Von Lee Smith

Vaughn Lee « Von » Smith (born June 15, 1986) is an American singer and internet personality.

Smith gained some success via his YouTube videos.

These garnered him national attention, which led to an appearance on The View in February 2007.

Soon thereafter he was offered, and eventually signed, a recording contract with Kon Live Distribution.

In 2009 he auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol getting into the Top 36 before being eliminated.

In 2012 Smith was featured as the ultimate « opening act » for the season finale of the United States reality show of the same name, performing as the opener at Lady Gaga’s Brisbane, Australia show on June 14, 2012.

In 2009 Smith auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol, with mixed reviews from the judges. However, they accepted him for the Hollywood Round.

During the Hollywood Round, Von’s version of « If the Rain Must Fall » caused Simon Cowell to call it « indulgent nonsense. »

The other judges overlooked Simon’s comment, and accepted Von into the Top 36.

He was eliminated on March 4, 2009 after singing « You’re All I Need to Get By », but was brought back to wild card performance on March 5, picking « Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word » as his next song, but was eliminated once again.

Week # ThemeSong choiceOriginal artist
Audition N/A »Over the Rainbow »Judy Garland

Hollywood First Solo »If the Rain Must Fall »James Morrison

Hollywood Second Solo »Sir Duke »Stevie Wonder

Top 36/Group 3 Billboard Hot 100 »You’re All I Need to Get By »Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell