Mocobizscene- A former contestant on “American Idol” who is now performing at the French Quarter was arrested on Thursday night on one count of domestic abuse battery.
Tyrell Maurice Jenkins, a 24-year-old country music singer who performed at a Bourbon Street club under his middle name and appeared on Season 20 of the reality show, requested a low bond at his initial court appearance in Orleans Parish Magistrate Court on Friday afternoon. This would allow him to attend to another pending case in Jefferson Parish.
“Additionally, I am responsible for a pregnant girlfriend and a pregnant dog,” he disclosed to magistrate commissioner Peter Hamilton.
By late Friday, specifics regarding the allegations levied against Jenkins in New Orleans remained unavailable. There was no prompt response from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding the case Jenkins referenced in court.
Jenkins, in his 2022 audition for the televised competition, recounted an eventful existence that defied description. He had resided in at least ten foster homes prior to being placed in one in South Carolina, where a band director instructed him in the composition of music and the operation of multiple instruments.
Jenkins was rewarded with enthusiastic “yes” ballots from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie following his performance of “Whiskey Glasses.” Although his narrative and “flavor” were well received, he did not place among the top 20 contestants in the end.
“I am overjoyed for him.” Do you not realize how devastated he ought to be? Richie stated this following his successful audition, “And he is not.”
Jenkins is not the first country vocalist from Louisiana to be charged following a stint on “American Idol.” Laine Hardy, a native of Baton Rouge and the 2017 season seventeen champion of the show, was arrested in 2022 for wiretapping the LSU dorm room of his ex-girlfriend. He enrolled in a pretrial diversion program earlier this year; by adhering to its stipulations, he can avoid formal charges.
Friday at Jenkins’ initial court appearance, his alleged victim stated that she did not desire a stay-away order. Hamilton established a $1,500 surety.
A first conviction for domestic abuse battery results in a misdemeanor charge, carrying a potential prison term of up to six months. Consequences increase in severity with each subsequent conviction.
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