Haren talks on Fox News about American Idol
Jacob Haren (12), second from left, and former American Idol contestant Arianna Afsar (12), middle right, stand on the set of Fox 5 Morning News with anchors Arthel Neville, Rauol Martinez and Chrissy Russo.
As Jacob Haren (12) was interviewed by Fox News at an American Idol party for friends of contestant Arianna Afsar, he stayed nonchalant and answered each question accordingly. Haren apparently had a sixth sense for interviewing, and Fox saw that. Fox asked Haren to appear on the morning news the next day, Feb. 12. Haren was to speak on Afsar’s behalf and give his perspective on American Idol.
Haren accepted the offer to appear on the news the next morning and arrived at the Fox 5 News station at 5 a.m. He had to wake up at 4 a.m., but the excitement that lay ahead would make it well worth it.
Haren was prepped for a great experience. He was going to have the chance to talk about American Idol, a favorite show of his. Haren would later discover that this would only be his first of four times he would appear on the news.
“It was really cool experiencing all the cameras and being in the studio,” Haren said. “I love the behind-the-scenes stuff, so it’s fun to take part in that.”
Once Haren arrived at the Fox studio, he was able to witness the intense preparation of the news crew.
“It is like madness,” Haren said. “The anchors are always going inside and outside, running all over getting ready.”
Haren had to make sure he was prepared and was able to answer the news anchor’s questions appropriately.
“I wanted to make sure, because I was Arianna’s friend, that I was also representing her,” Haren said. “I didn’t want to say anything stupid.”
Once Haren went on the air, news anchor Raoul Martinez asked him a series of questions about American Idol.
“They asked me how I knew Arianna, what I thought was going to happen, what I thought about her performance, and what I thought about what the judges had to say,” Haren said.
After being hammered with various American Idol questions, Haren was caught off guard when he was asked to show off his own talent.
“They asked me to sing right on the spot,” Haren said. “I ended up singing a verse of ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz. It was really terrifying.”
But despite the surprise request to show off pipes, Haren said he thought he was able to naturally give an accurate analysis of the show.
“I’ve been watching American Idol for a while so I have a good idea about the show,” Haren said.
After his first Fox News appearance, Haren was asked to come on the show four more times to talk about American Idol. Haren’s experience with Fox News helped him learn about the fast-paced entertainment business.
“Knowing how to be flexible and work with people, and to act professional in that type of a situation is really good,” Haren said. “It always helps to be able to talk to producers and be interviewed.”
Haren said he is thankful for the opportunity.
“I was really happy that they asked me and I felt honored that I could represent [Arianna] and be on the show,” Haren said.