Vaughn Lee « Von » Smith (born June 15, 1986) is an American singer and internet personality. <br /><br /> Smith gained some success via his YouTube videos. <br /><br /> These garnered him national attention, which led to an appearance on The View in February 2007.<br /><br /> Soon thereafter he was offered, and eventually signed, a recording contract with Kon Live Distribution.<br /><br /> In 2009 he auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol getting into the Top 36 before being eliminated. <br /><br /> In 2012 Smith was featured as the ultimate « opening act » for the season finale of the United States reality show of the same name, performing as the opener at Lady Gaga’s Brisbane, Australia show on June 14, 2012.<br /><br /> In 2009 Smith auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol, with mixed reviews from the judges. However, they accepted him for the Hollywood Round. <br /><br /> During the Hollywood Round, Von’s version of « If the Rain Must Fall » caused Simon Cowell to call it « indulgent nonsense. » <br /><br />The other judges overlooked Simon’s comment, and accepted Von into the Top 36.<br /><br /> He was eliminated on March 4, 2009 after singing « You’re All I Need to Get By », but was brought back to wild card performance on March 5, picking « Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word » as his next song, but was eliminated once again.<br /><br /> Week # ThemeSong choiceOriginal artist<br /> Audition N/A »Over the Rainbow »Judy Garland<br /><br /> Hollywood First Solo »If the Rain Must Fall »James Morrison<br /><br /> Hollywood Second Solo »Sir Duke »Stevie Wonder<br /><br /> Top 36/Group 3 Billboard Hot 100 »You’re All I Need to Get By »Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell