Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) is thrilled to be bringing Madison VanDenburg, American Idol top three contestant and Shaker High School student, to the New York State Capitol today to introduce her on the floor of the Assembly chamber in honor of her incredible achievements thus far on the popular national singing competition.

“We in Colonie, Albany and in fact, across New York, are beyond proud of Madison’s achievements and are so elated to have her back home, even it’s just for today,” Assemblymember Phil Steck said. “We as a community are excited to celebrate everything she’s done so far and give her all the local encouragement she needs to win the entire competition.”

Madison began her performing career at the young age of eight years old, when she learned how to both play the piano and sing at the same time. She began these early lessons with Ms. Ginger Miller, a close family friend and accomplished musician in her own right. According to Ms. Miller, Madison performed in her first recital at age eight, added on guitar at age 10, and then began playing together with her sister, Taylor, in Saratoga. By the time she was 12, she was playing to crowds of hundreds and receiving standing ovations. At age 15, she formed a duo with Ms. Miller’s nephew, Dennis Dominic, where they frequently played in local clubs. Two years ago, Madison joined a band with Ms. Miller’s son, Roy Miller on drums, Tom Gruett on guitar and Adam Peterson on base. Obviously incredibly delighted, “She deserves to go to the top,” said Miller. “She has worked very hard and I am very proud of her!”

Madison auditioned for American Idol back in October along with over 100,000 hopefuls, and was one of 40 contestants to make it to the Hollywood rounds, which began airing in March. Her Shaker classmates and friends have been gathering together for the last four weeks to cheer Madison on in the form of viewing parties, first at the Colonie Elks Cub, and more recently at the high school, where Assemblymember Steck attended and watched her perform on the show.

This past Sunday night, over 350 people gathered in the Shaker High auditorium as Madison advanced from the top five contestants to the top three. Aside from being recognized on the floor of the Assembly this afternoon, the Town of Colonie has a few exciting events planned for Madison, including:

• 1:30 pm – A pep rally at Shaker High School (for Shaker High students ONLY – media is invited)
• 4:15 pm – Parade and Performance at The Crossings of Colonie (open to the public).

Please find all of the details for these events on the North Colonie website: https://www.northcolonie.org/madison-vandenburgs-american-idol-hometown-hero-visit-information-parking-shuttles-concert-and-more/.

“Madison has a huge weekend coming up where she and the other two remaining contestants compete for the huge honor of becoming the 2019 American Idol in a three-hour episode on Sunday,” Steck said. “It is exciting to be supporting her in this endeavor. I thank Madison for putting Colonie on the national entertainment map.”