MALLORIE McILWAIN/Sun-Gazette Brennan Hepler’s family gathered to watch him perform on the American Idol live shows Sunday. Family members ranging from siblings, parents, many nephews and one niece were excitedly posing with their matching “Beane” t-shirts. Top row from left: Emerson Lehman, nephew, Jared Lehman, Charlie Lehman, Wayne Sheppard, Tammy Sheppard, Heath Cipriani, step-brother. Middle row from left: Natasha Lehman, step-sister, Olive Lehman, Shelly Hepler, step-mother, Chris Hepler, father, Gus Lehman, Tony Ruth, step-father, Bobbie Ruth, mother, Brock Hepler, brother.

After a unique and upbeat take on “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, Brennan “Beane” Hepler, of Loyalsock Township, did not make it into American Idol’s top nine.

“We thought it was one of his better performances, there was definitely disappointment,” Chris Hepler, dad, said. “I spoke with Brennan after the show … he is in a very, very good place, which made the disappointment a little easier for us. He is handling it better than we were.”

“I am endlessly proud of him,” said Dave Brumbaugh, executive director of the Uptown Music Collective and Beane’s past teacher. “The show just demonstrated to others what I always knew about Beane. He’s the real deal with a world-class voice, humble to a fault and a great person in every way.”

Brumbaugh said that two of his favorite performances of Beane’s included “What’s Going On” and his duet with Josh Groban.

“He’s made quite the name for himself, he’s demonstrated that he’s got the goods,” Brumbaugh continued. “I expect great things from this young man.”

“A lot of opportunities could come from this … what that is, nobody is sure of right now. But we are very optimistic to see what this could lead to for him,” Chris said.

“Every week it felt like he brought a completely different style. It wasn’t the same style or music every week. It was very entertaining for us as the family. What people see of Brennan on TV is what you get in person.”

“I think that now that the train has left the station, he just needs to keep doing the hard work he’s been (doing) and it will come to him,” Brumbaugh said.

“I just think he is so kind,” Bobbie Ruth, mom, said. “He is not really nervous, just calm and he has a lot of confidence.”

“Even though Brennan was one of the lucky ones who seemed to just open their mouth and beautiful music tumbles out … Brennan never took any of it for granted. He was always focused on his performance, always working with enthusiasm.”

Bobbie added that she was very excited for his experience on the show, especially with many closures in COVID, he wasn’t able to perform regularly.

After the show, Brennan posted to his Instagram with a photo captioned, “the most incredible ride. I’m so grateful for the love that you all have given to me.”

In the moments before the show aired, Beane’s family were gathered together, wearing their matching BEANE T-shirts.

While there were some nerves, there was also a lot of excitement, laughter and tears of joy.

The judges loved his performance again this week.

“It is in your blood Beane,” Katy Perry said. “I think you are ready for the stage and to go on tour.”

“We are all just super proud,” Chris said with tears in his eyes. “It has been an emotional ride.”

“On behalf of my family and Brennan, we thank everybody for their kind words and support during this journey of his,” Chris continued.

He added that Brennan was very appreciative of all the local support.