As a contestant on "American Idol," Jaered N. Andrews put himself before a panel of judges hoping they would find his singing good enough to carry over to the next round.

Monday, Andrews will face only one judge, and the stakes will be much higher.

While success on "American Idol" can lead to a career in music, he's hoping to be able to keep any thoughts of a career alive -- something that would be hard to do from prison.

Andrews, 24, of Austintown, Ohio, is charged with simple assault in connection with the death of Thomas E. Blakeley, 39, of 44 S. Third St., Sharpsville.

Jury selection is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday before Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Thomas R. Dobson.

The case has drawn national attention because of the "American Idol" angle. Andrews claimed he was kicked off the show because of the case.

Andrews had claimed he only witnessed Blakeley's death Nov. 16, but the prosecution case outlined at Andrews' preliminary hearing in March sings a very different tune.

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