Modern Orthodox high school student makes top 24 contestants in 'American Idol'

(JNS) - If Danielle Finn had to choose between her faith and her dreams, it would have been a bummer.

In her initial tryout on Zoom, the 17-year-old senior at Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles told producers of "American Idol" that she observes the Sabbath. As she progressed during in-person auditions on a Friday when she was one of 59 contestants to be judged, she and her family knew that there was a problem.

"We were a little bit freaking out, that I wouldn't be able to compete," Finn told JNS, noting her observance comes first.

The solution? The producers allowed her to be among the firs...