A Tragic Piece of Entertainment News

Do you remember this girl?

We live in a time of fame. The twenty-first century has ushered in a phenomenon of fame without work. Because of our reality television, contest television shows, and desire to always know more about even slightly public figures, we have celebrities who aren’t even actors, singers, athletes, etc. People just like us are well known. And this isn’t to say that these people don’t deserve it (though some don’t, aka Heidi and Spencer, Audrina Patridge, etc.). But this dynamic is why we know Alexis Cohen.

Alexis Cohen, 23, originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, appeared on the seventh season of American Idol, and her audition was constantly replayed throughout the season because of her spunk and attitude. She was remembered for not having the best singing voice, but for making some great television by not being afraid to speak her mind to the judges. She became a sort of comic relief for that season - but no one was laughing at her, we were laughing with her. Whether it seemed like it or not, Alexis was in on the joke.

Alexis was killed Saturday, July 25th, 2009 in Seaside Heights, NJ - taken away much, much too young. The case is getting attention not only because we know Alexis, but because the driver, Daniel Bark, fled the scene and is now being charged with hit-and-run. He may also be charged with aggravated manslaughter and death by auto. The young woman was walking to get something to eat when she was struck and killed.

If one good thing comes out of our increased value on fame, it’s that we get to know people like Alexis, and that we can remember her - what little we knew of her - when she is wrongfully taken away. Our thoughts go out to her family.

July 28th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in News | (0)