Who will be the next “American Idol?” Well, it could be Bellport’s own Shannon Gibbons, a 20-year-old singer who will be auditioning on the show this Sunday. Watch her performance at 8 p.m. on March 1, on ABC. 

“It’s something that I’ve dreamed about since I was about 4 or 5 years old,” Gibbons told the Advance this week about being on the show. 

It’s not her first time, either. Gibbons auditioned five years ago after being encouraged by friends and family, and was told that she had a good voice but needed more time to hone her craft. But now she’s back, and she auditioned in Brooklyn in front of the three celebrity judges —Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. 

“They almost don’t even look real,” Gibbons said. 

She added that it was a surreal experience auditioning on the show. She stood on the famous “American Idol” sign and faced the judges, under the lights and in front of the cameras. The singer added that when faced with big opportunities, she’s developed ways to calm her nerves and try her best. Gibbons spent the day waiting for her turn to sing, speaking in interviews, and taking in the atmosphere. Her whole family and a few friends joined her for support. 

“I knew it was going to be a really long day,” she said.

Gibbons has been singing since she’s about 5 years old. Even at that age, she remembers watching “American Idol” and dreaming of being on the show. She always felt the want to perform and sing for others. She’s been in her church choir, school choir, and now a band. Gibbons currently performs with The Om-en, which she has been with for over three years. She’s also pursuing a degree in sociology at Queens College, where she plays soccer. Her family has always been a source of support and encouragement, she said, and they helped keep her on track to improve as a singer. 

“Regardless of what happens on the show, I’m just going to keep going,” Gibbons said.