https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EztUwvGJtQ

Ukuleles, didgeridoo’s and mini violins worth half a million – one of these odd instruments were part of this season’s memorable appearances on reality television show American Idol. Bushwick resident and local musician Johnny Arco attended the New York auditions with his signature instrument – a mini violin – to sing in front of Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and guest judge Adam Lambert, hoping for a chance to become a hit musician via the popular FOX singing competition.

During his audition Johnny struck up a lively conversation with the judges; his experience of being arrested while singing a Bach harmony in New York City subway stations served as a backdrop to his story. He claimed his coveted mini violin was worth half a million dollars, and used it to carry out a heartfelt Radiohead tune. The judges even seemed to hint that the device was just a thrift-shop find, perhaps somewhere in Brooklyn, only adding to the audition’s overall charm.