Local “American Idol” wannabe Heejun Han is heading back home after taking ninth place.
The Queens singer is due back in the Big Apple tomorrow after being voted off of “Idol” Thursday night — amidst criticism of his singing abilities and skepticism over how seriously he was taking the competition.
“Everyone has different tastes,” Han, 22, told reporters during a conference call yesterday. “I can’t please everyone, so I’m just happy [with] the fact that I made it this far.”
Unlike other booted “Idol” contestants, Han didn’t mention an immediate desire to start working on a solo album.
Instead, he talked about a possible acting career — a seeming natural fit for the jokester persona that became Han’s trademark throughout the season. After being voted off the show, Han said that “Idol” judge Randy Jackson pulled him aside and said to him, “ ‘Dude, you’re a great singer, but, dawg, you have to be in a sitcom.’
“I said, ‘Well, Randy, I just got voted off from a singing competition and that’s all the advice you can give me?’ ”
Still, Han noted, “I’m not going to be picky about anything, I really want to make something out of this, regardless if it’s a sitcom, movie or anything — if they’re willing to work with me, I’ll do it.”
While he waits for casting directors to call, Han will be busy preparing for the traditional “American Idols” Live Tour this summer.
“The things that I show[ed] during the competition on TV are not going to be half as crazy as I’m going to show on the tour,” Han promised.
“It’s not a competition anymore, so I’m just going to have crazy, crazy fun with my audience.”