If the name Anthony Fedorov sounds familiar, it should. The season four American Idol finalist won the hearts of Americans everywhere while he was competing and transforming in front of our very eyes every single week. While country goddess Carrie Underwood ultimately won the crown that season, Anthony has gone on to win the hearts of Americans across the country.
The 26-year old performer was born in the Ukraine, but immigrated to the United States as a small boy. He’s proficient in English, of course, but also sings in other languages as well. For his Idol journey, Anthony said it was the most incredible experience of his life.
“I really enjoyed every second of it,” he told me during a telephone interview. “You go through these incredible experiences on that show…it really shows you just how your life can truly be.”
After the summer concert series, Anthony found himself without the whole support system that he had gotten used to during the auditions and taping of the show.
“I’m so grateful for the experience, but I learned the hard way that I haven’t made it yet. Idol is an incredible launching pad, but it’s up to you to make it happen.”
After signing a record deal with Airgo Music, Anthony hit the studios for over two months to record his first EP, Never Over.
“I named this after one of the songs on my album, and it is dedicated to my brother.”
His voice changed when he mentioned his brother, Denis, who died from complications of a connective tissue-related cancer at 28 years old. Since then, Anthony has tirelessly supported the Sarcoma Foundation of America, serving as a past spokesman and currently as a member of the board of directors.
“What makes these cancers deadly is they are often misdiagnosed.”
Anthony said his brother was misdiagnosed for over eight months before doctors correctly identified the cancer. “By that point in time, it was too late. People need to know and get tested if you feel a lump somewhere.”
Recording his album hasn’t been Anthony’s sole attention. He’s a regular performing on the stage in productions all over the world. He completed a two year run as Joseph in the stage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was during that time that he put a lot more focus on his personal health and appearance.
Bottom line: the man is a certified hunk, but when I told him so, I got a polite chuckle in response. He’s still very modest.
“I completely transformed my body,” he said. “It’s about eating the right foods, working out, staying active and focusing.”
His hard work has produced results for sure. Anthony recently signed as a model for the Kaback Model Management in Philadelphia.
“I’m growing as a man, an artist and a performer,” he said. It won’t be long before the first modeling gigs start coming in, so I asked him what direction he wants his career to take.
“Its all about how bad you want it,” he told me. “Reach for your dreams and don’t give up…ever. Wherever my career leads me, that’s where I will go.”
This summer, this career will lead him to Seattle, Washington where he will play Roger in the stage production of RENT at the 5th Ave. Theater. The play runs from July 21 to Aug. 19.
“I’m pretty excited about this role,” he said. Rehearsals begin in June.
While Anthony is quick to agree that a lot is happening in his career right now that could be the understatement of the year.
“There’s a lot going to be happening in my musical career.”
That’s for sure. And on stage too. And even in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans at a baseball stadium. If you’ve never heard this guy sing the National Anthem, then you should stop reading and find him on YouTube. The man has an absolutely spectacular voice, and his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is simply the best I’ve heard in a long, long time.
“It’s more than just a song for me,” he said. “I really appreciate what the song stands for. I love how people have been with me every step of the way on my journey. That’s America. It uplifts me…I feel like I’m carrying the whole country on my shoulders when I’m singing it.”
For now, Anthony is focused on putting together the right people to manage everything in his career and open new opportunities.
“The most important thing is the people you have around you,” he said. “We’re trying to assemble a team together to make it all happen.”
Anthony said he has been waiting for a long time for it all to come together. Somehow, I think 2012 is the year of Anthony Fedorov. Check him out and you’ll find a special person behind an amazing voice.