janell-wheeler

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Last year, we had an “American Idol” contender dating a ballroom champion (Joanna Pacitti and Mark Ballas — still together, though her “Idol” run was cut short). For Season 9, we could be looking at the pairing of an “Idol” hopeful with one of football's great hopes — Orlando auditioner Janell Wheeler whose reported on-again, off-again boyfriend is Tim Tebow, a 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and star quarterback for the Florida Gators. Tebow was also recently the center of controversy because of his decision to appear in an anti-abortion ad paid for by conservative Christian group Focus on the Family. In the 30-second spot, which aired during Super Bowl XLIV, he joined his mother, Pam, as she recounted her decision to carry a pregnancy to term, despite exposure to amoebiasis and a doctor's recommendation to terminate.

Check out some pre-Idol music from these Orlando hopefuls: Jermaine Purifory had a sweet soulful voice, he’s got a couple of My Spaces HERE and HERE , a Facebook page . Jermaine at work in the studio HERE , and an original song called “I Give You My Heart” HERE . Beatboxer, Jay Stone , has a MySpace , Facebook and You Tube channel HERE . Brittany Starr James , part of the brief trio of girls who made it through near the end of the episode, has a MySpace , Facebook , and You Tube channel HERE .