Residents in Yonkers will be rooting for 21-year-old Amara Valerio during American Idol on Sunday.

Valerio is a former Yonkers Junior Idol and Yonkers Idol contestant.  She started singing in second grade when she joined her church choir.  Now she is headed to Hollywood’s big stage after auditioning for American Idol. 

She says the process has boosted her confidence. 

“I’ve realized that there’s no traditional path, there’s no right or wrong way to pursue being an artist, and to pursue music, and it taught me a lot that just working hard and doing what you love that your passion is going to shine through. So, it’s giving me more confidence along this journey of mine, even though it’s kind of unique, it’s all meant to be, so that’s been awesome,” Valerio says.

Valerio 's debut on American Idol will be on Sunday night after the Oscars.