Von Presely singing in Kirkwood’s Jazz Transit in November of 2011
On day two of the hit TV show American Idol’s 12th season, Kirkwood Community College presented one of its top voices to the world, albeit for just a brief moment. Former student Alisabeth von Presley was only shown on TV for a short time, but her voice was enough to win over the judges of the singing competition and receive her “golden ticket” to Hollywood.
Von Presley, then Alisabeth Caraway, came to Kirkwood from Marion High School, in 2006. She sang in Kirkwood’s Concert Choir and performed in musical theatre. Her talent was obvious back then to Kirkwood Director of Chorale Activities Ray Salucka.
“Alisabeth is an amazing young lady,” said Salucka. “She has a truly remarkable creative spirit and is multi-talented as a singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, photographer and I’m sure more. I’m not surprised at all to see her do well on Idol.”
Von Presley spent time in New York City, before moving back to Cedar Rapids and coming back to Kirkwood for the 2011-12 school year. She sang in the Concert Chorale, the Madrigal Choir, Jazz Transit, was a lead in Garden of Eden, and in the college’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers.”
She’s known to many in the Cedar Rapids area, with performances at CSPS and Theatre Cedar Rapids, in addition to her numerous concerts and theatrical performances at Kirkwood.
Von Presley was also a member of Kirkwood’s internationally renowned Jazz Transit group that went to the Czech Republic and participated in the Festival of Academic Choirs in 2012. The group won a gold medal, and first place in the jazz division.
Now that she’s added a “golden ticket” to her list of accomplishments, can it go further?
“There is something very special about her,” added Salucka. “She has an energy and positive outlook that is absolutely infectious. She’s made us so proud already. Hopefully we’ll see her go far in the competition and this will take her to even more exciting places.”
For starters, it has. Now the question remains, how long will her stay in Hollywood be? Could she be the next Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood or Phillip Phillips, and win it all?
To see video of Von Presley’s interview on her “Road to Hollywood,” visit American Idol’s website: here.