Life after American Idol: Sonika Vaid

BOSTON — American Idol's run may have come to an end, for now, but the show's talent continues to make its mark in the music industry.

Weston's own Sonika Vaid realized her dream of appearing on idol and the experience transformed her music career.

From singing alongside her mom at home to singing before the entire country! It's been an incredible ride for Sonika, who finished in the top 5 of American Idol.

“Idol has really changed my life in the sense that I have made so many connections with so many amazing vocalists who share the same passion as me. There are so many opportunities that have come my way,” she said.

To think, she didn't like her chances going into her Denver audition.

“I was like oh, I'm second to last, they're just ready to cut everyone at the end of it, because they've probably filled all their spots or something like that. But going in there I sang my heart out,” she said.

The judges agreed especially Harry Connick Jr. who said “I think you can win.”

“I went home and I practiced as hard as I could,” Sonika said.

From that moment forward sonika was off and running and making it through round after round...all the while becoming more familiar with the judges.

Sonika has been back and forth to California in recent weeks and is now set to go into the studio and record her first song.

Sonika's currently in the recording studio in L.A. and shot her first video yesterday. She has a busy summer planned. On July 3 she'll sing the national anthem at the Red Sox game at Fenway and on July 4 she'll sing at Harborfest in Marblehead.

Cox Media Group