'American Idol Golden Ticket' Awardee To Perform Live In Monroe

MONROE, CT — A little bit of Hollywood is coming to Monroe, Friday, July 12.

Teen singing sensation Carmen Olivia will be performing live at Marcello’s Italian Eatery on Clock Tower Square in Monroe, located at 477 Main Street.

Born Olivia Hirsch in Bethel, the songstress was awarded a "golden ticket" on the March 24 episode of "American Idol" after getting a "yes" from all three from judges: Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. The shiny ducat meant the performer has hit the Big Time, and the next round of auditions in Hollywood. In March, she told her followers on Instagram that she had been eliminated in the competition, but was undeterred.

"In all seriousness this experience felt magical. I was surrounded by so many incredible, inspiring people and I left feeling more knowledge and more confident than ever," she posted.

Olivia's career took off in January 2022 when a video of her performing a cover of "Finger’s Crossed" by Lauren Spencer Smith at a Bethel High School went viral. It currently has 1.7 million likes, and vaulted her into TikTok stardom, where her work was seen by an "American Idol" staffer. Since then, she has performed on local stages in Mohegan Sun Arena and Norwalk's District Music Hall.

The performance at Marcello’s is scheduled from 8-11 p.m., and reservations are encouraged.