Former airman turned celebrity judges AMC Icon

IL, UNITED STATES

10.25.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Amber Kelly-Herard 

Air Mobility Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - A few years ago, J. Rome was a security forces senior airman checking identification cards at the gates of Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

On Oct. 25, J. Rome was served as a judge for Air Mobility Command Icon at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., after recently winning ABC's "Duets" singing competition.

"I was so excited to push someone in the right direction," said J. Rome. "I could inspire them to go after their dreams."

J. Rome also called his "Duets" parter Jennifer Nettles for some advice on judging.

"I knew J. Rome from Tops in Blue; this was a good opportunity for him as his career is developing," said Tom Edwards, Air Force Personnel Center Entertainment Office chief.

J. Rome's journey going from an airman to singing competition winner was not always glamorous.

While working as a security forces entry controller, by chance a friend of his mentioned Tops in Blue. He did a little research, decided to audition and was selected to go on tour.

"It was amazing, you get to travel everywhere," said the Laurel, Md., native. "I loved the fact that it was so hands on."

"We setup and tore down the stage," he continued. "We gave everything our bodies had while singing and then we had to move a 33,000-pound stage, but I was so happy to do it."

Being in Tops in Blue taught J. Rome a lot.

"Tops in Blue made me fall in love with music again," he said. "It was the greatest experience of my life and it made me a better performer, singer and man overall."

Shortly after, J. Rome separated from the Air Force to pursue modeling. After a few jobs, he met a chef who had heard about his music writing skills.

"We started writing and recording in his basement," J. Rome said. "This is where I started to develop my writing skills."

While living with his fellow writer, he took a holiday job at a gym that ended up lasting for two years.

"When they offered me a management position, I knew it was time to quit," said J. Rome. "I knew if I took the position I would stay."

Three months after quitting, J. Rome landed a role playing Michael Jackson for the United Kingdom's version of "Thriller."

Shortly after, J. Rome found himself juggling offers from most major singing competition television shows. Ultimately, he chose "Duets."

Currently, J. Rome is working on an album.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2012
• Date Posted: 10.30.2012 10:53
• Story ID: 96979
• Location: IL, US
• Hometown: LAUREL, MD, US