Keith's American Idol dream gets caught up in red tape

Keith, 28, who has lived in the United States for the past three years, was chosen as one of the lucky 13 to make it through from around 12,000 hopefuls who turned up for the Chicago auditions with his stunning version of Bryan Adams' song Heaven. He was all set for the next stage in Hollywood when the show's producers rescinded his "golden ticket" because he lacks permanent resident status.

So, despite impressing the judges – including Simon Cowell and guest Shania Twain – Keith unfortunately had to drop out of the hugely popular competition.

Read the full story in this week's Larne Times.

Catch up with Keith on http://www.keithsemple.com/fr_index.cfm

News on his band, 7th Heaven can be found at:

http://www.7thheavenband.com/ He also has a facebook fansite both for himself and 7th Heaven and these can be accessed by typing in the names when you log on. Keith also has his own youtube channel, where he can be seen performing many of his own songs and cover versions too – just type Keith Semple on the youtube site. His band’s website can be found at www.7thheavenband.com

He too has been using the internet to keep up with what’s happening back in Larne.

“I’ve been listening to Chaine FM online to my uncle Murray McDowell and Keni Brownlow and I’d love to say a big ‘hello’ to them. Best wishes also to Mr Jimmy Christie of Larne Grammar School and all my love to all my family,” he said.