Jamie Lono Shoots Music Video at Vernon Hills High School

Jamie Lono says his new song, “Reject,” was inspired by his own childhood experiences. 

“It mainly was back in grade school, when I didn’t have many friends,” he said. 

That was back when he was known simply as Jamie Thompson; before his stage name became nationally recognized when made it to the finals on “The Voice” last year.

So when he returned July 9 to Vernon Hills High School, where he graduated in 2007, dozens of teens gathered for the chance to meet him and appear in the music video for his new single.

Lono, who spent the entire day shooting his video at his alma mater, spent the evening surrounded by high school students who will be featured in an energetic scene, dancing and tossing confetti — actually colored sticky notes — in the air as he performs.

The students worked for about two hours, shooting take after take under the heat of the school’s auditorium stage lights until the production crew was satisfied with the results.

“It’s really hot and very crowded and sweaty,” said Grace Christenson, who will be a freshman this fall.

“It’s cool to see that famous people are just like anyone else. He went to my school,” she added. 

She learned of the opportunity from Jamie’s father, Vernon Hills lacrosse coach Bob Thompson, and brought along a friend, fellow freshman Jade Dubiel. 

“It sounded fun to be in a music video,” Dubiel said. 

Jocelyne Taboada, who will be a junior, described the opportunity as “exciting.”

“He comes from the same place we do, so it’s nice,” she said.

Lono said “it just seemed right” to shoot his video at his high school.

“Growing up here and really finding my love of music in high school, and my group of friends, it just worked out,” he said.

As the teens and Lono were filmed, Bob Thompson watched from the audience with his wife, Melissa, and their daughter, Tracey. 

“It’s actually really neat to watch him do it. He’s very professional,” Thompson said. “He amazes me.”

The music video for "Reject" is scheduled to be released in mid-August.

Related: Jamie Lono's Dad: 'We Never Even Knew He Could Sing'