Brennan Hepler

After a unanimous decision by the judges, Loyalsock Township’s very own “Beane,” or Brennan Hepler, has secured a spot in the top 12.

This week’s American Idol was a two-night event. On Sunday the top 16 artists were revealed and sang for America’s vote to then see if they made it into the top 12 on Monday. America voted to keep the top 10 while the judges chose two artists from the bottom five to make the top 12.

Those in the bottom five, Beane included, had to “sing for their lives” and the judges got to choose two to make it into the top 12.

“The first hour I had butterflies in my stomach,” Chris Hepler, Beane’s dad, said. “My emotions were super high. When they made the announcement that he wasn’t in the top 10 it was like the wind was taken out of me but I knew he had a shot to make it in the top 12.”

In the “sing for his life” performance, he performed an emotional solo covering “Grow As We Go” by Ben Platt.

“When he got up and sang that Ben Platt song … I knew he had put himself in a very good spot to get in,” Hepler added. “When they announced he made it into the top 12, my house erupted with cheers. There was not a dry eye in the living room.”

“I am so proud of you,” Lionel Richie said on the show. “You were so relaxed, you were so calm, you grew into your artistry.”

He added that in Beane’s “stellar” performance, he “just relaxed into his talent.”

Katy Perry, who has deemed herself a “Beanie Baby” or Beane fan, said “there is only one Beane. I love seeing you grow. I think you are just going forward. Your evolution has been amazing to watch.”

Even Paula Abdul, who was taking the place of Luke Bryan’s absence due to COVID-19, added “we are mesmerized by you. I think everything about you is very special and unique.”

On Sunday, Beane performed in an upbeat piece covering “Searching for a Feeling” by Thirdstory.

The judge’s comments again, were positive.

“It is awesome to see all of these shades of Beane,” Perry said.

“Words can’t really describe the excitement myself and my family feel right now,” Hepler said.

He added that Brennan Facetimed the family after the show and was “calm” and “in such a good place.”

“He is just really enjoying this,” Hepler said. “It makes you proud as a parent to see one of your children, who is possibly obtaining his life dream of being a performer. It is al lhe has ever wanted to do. It is neat to see this come to fruition.”

You can watch Beane sing to make the top 10 this Sunday on American Idol at 8 p.m. on ABC. Voting will happen live and can be done through the American Idol app, online or via text. Check out the American Idol Twitter for more information. Beane’s number for voting will appear on the screen after his performance.

You can vote on all three platforms 10 times each.