Although he won’t progress to the final round of American Idol, Port Townsend musician Kalan Wolfe is grateful he made it as far as he did. “I was surprised when I was cut, but it wasn’t crushing or anything,” he said. “I had a great experience with American Idol, and there are many other avenues that I am excited to pursue.” Wolfe said he first auditioned for the show in August in Seattle. He was one of about 60,000 musicians nationwide who auditioned for a chance to compete on the show for the 2019 season, he said. From the 1,000 or so people who auditioned in Seattle, 12 moved forward, Wolfe said. And he was one of just under 200 people who earned a coveted Gold Ticket to Hollywood on the show. Wolfe’s wife, Keely Hatton, remains proud of her husband for making it so far on the show, she said. “Not many did, and that is a real accomplishment. There is some really stunning talent out there, and it’s totally OK that he wasn’t what they were looking for.” Besides, the couple made memories that will last a lifetime, she said. “Kalan and I had a blast the rest of our trip in LA after he was cut in Hollywood Week. We didn’t sit around wishing things were different, but walked away with a smile, knowing that we were able to have a fun experience that not many others do.” The last song Wolfe performed - “Zombie” by the Cranberries - was a favorite of his, he said. “In hindsight, I wish that I had listened to the judges’ advice,” the guitarist said. “I had already shown them that I could give big energy and stage presence. I think what they were wanting was for me to slow things down a little and show that I had some variety.” Wolfe said he is disappointed he didn’t progress further, but that the experience will drive him even harder than ever. “It’s certainly not going to hold me back, and if anything, the experience of making it so far on American Idol is only fuel for the fire.” Wolfe said he is currently working on a third studio album, and is pouring his energy into that project now that his stint on American Idol has concluded. He is slated to headline for the Okanogan Family Faire and has also submitted an online audition for NPR’s Tiny desk contest. For more information about Wolfe, visit kalanwolfe.com.