Idol contestant prepares for career

EAST COUNTY — A year ago, Sam Woolf remembers sitting in a friend’s East County home watching himself on television for the first time.

The former Braden River High student remembers how nervous he felt that his classmates, friends and family would soon watch his audition for “American Idol.”

“That was a really exciting time,” Woolf said. “It’s crazy that this has all happened even still.”

One year and a nationwide Idol tour later, Woolf is still amused by strangers approaching him for photos and questions about the show. When he visited family in East County over the holidays, the 18-year-old loved the curious glances and greetings he received while shopping at The Mall at University Town Center.

As Idol continues auditions during its 14th season, Woolf is trying to make it on his own as a musician. December 31, he ended 2014 with the release of five songs that make up an extended play (EP) — a recording that features more than one song, but not enough songs to be considered an album.

The five-song compilation titled “Pretend” features songs “What More Can I Say?” “An Old New Home,” “The Same,” “Close to Me” and “Pretend.”

The songs are available for $1.29 each on iTunes and cdbaby.com. Individual songs as well as the entire compilation are available for purchase.

So far, Woolf said he has received positive feedback from Idol fans and former middle and high school classmates.

The EP reached No. 9 on the Billboard Heatseekers list of up-and-coming artists.

“It’s just nice to finally have a place here people can listen to my music,” Woolf said. “I’m really excited the EP is finally out.”

Woolf hopes to launch a tour in 2015, but will first make an East County stop at Winterfest at Lakewood Ranch, Feb. 28. Woolf is among the event’s lineup of performers.