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'The X Factor,' 'American Idol' contestant to perform at library

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, "The X Factor" and "American Idol" contestant Jillian Jensen will showcase her musical talents at Naperville Public Library on Oct. 20.

Jensen, a fan favorite, delivered a powerful singing performance two years ago in front of celebrity judges including Simon Cowell, Britney Spears and one of her favorite musicians Demi Lovato. Jensen's memorable segment on season two's "The X Factor" focused on how she was bullied in school. By the end of her tear-jerking song, not even the intimidating Cowell had a dry eye.

"It was definitely the most emotional moment of my life," the 22-year-old Massachusetts native

said. "It was one of those things where I was trying to be composed."

Today, Jensen is playing gigs, making music videos and promoting her new album titled "Stages" released Sept. 15. And at 4 p.m. Oct. 20, she will visit the 95th Street Library to perform songs off her recently released CD as well as raise awareness against bullying. From junior high to high school, Jensen knows firsthand about the effects of bullying.

"It started out with me making a decision that kind of exiled me from anyone else," Jensen said about what triggered the torment from students. "Sometimes making the right decision, you'll be standing alone."

In later years once the singer started posting videos of her songs on the Internet, she was hit with harsh cyberbullying.

"I was an easy target. I was always putting myself out there," she said, adding that she had to find the confidence to further her music. "Regardless about what people are saying about you, you are going to soar."

According to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, nearly one in three students report being bullied during the school year. And with the increase of social media use with today's youth, cyberbullying is on the rise.

However, Jensen believes during hard times, individuals who pursue what they most love to do - whether it is sports, science or art - will shine.

"You have to put all your focus into that. For me, it was music," she said. "My main slogan is success will be your greatest revenge."

While Jensen's music has helped her move on and even some individuals who bullied her in the past have tried to make amends, she still is dedicated to speaking out against bullying at libraries and schools.

"Every school, there's always kids that will stay afterward," she said. "I tell them if you want to stay, I will talk to you until the bell rings. I think helping others that have gone through the same thing as yourself - it's very cleansing."

Library staff as well as the event's community sponsors also are happy to support Jensen in her mission to stick up against bullies. The program is funded by the SECA grant from the City of Naperville as well as Naperville Park District, Edward Hospital-Linden Oaks, Hilton-Lisle Naperville Hotel, Naperville Exchange Club and DuPage Child Abuse Prevention Coalition.

"A program like this helps to acknowledge that bullying occurs; that it is not OK; and that there are ways to address it," Executive Director Julie Rothenfluh said. "I see the library's role as creating greater awareness, recognizing that bullying is a problem and providing a safe environment to discuss the problem. Then, as with other issues, the library can help provide resources our community needs to address the problem."

Jensen as well as her boyfriend and musician Alex Preston, who she met while competing on "American Idol," are excited to be in the Chicago area again, as her last trip to town was when she played at the Hard Rock Café in Chicago.

After Jensen's performance at 95th Street Library, located at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, a question-and-answer session will take place. Attendees also can stick around after the all-ages program to meet Jensen and dine on pizza.

The first 75 teens in attendance will win free movie passes, and a drawing at the end of the event will send one lucky teen home with a $100 Amazon gift card.

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