On April 5, 2020, “American Idol” contestant Sophia Wackerman advanced to the top 20. (Note: Later in April, Sophia took on her brother James’ name as her last name and now goes by Sophia James.) As part of the show, they did a feature about Sophia’s relationship with her brother James, who has Fragile X syndrome. The show reached 8.05 million viewers.
Fun Fact: James played the drums at an NFXF International Fragile X Conference several years ago!
The next day after the feature aired, Sophia posted her response to all the incoming reactions to her brother’s story on Twitter (now X):
Thank you to all who are sharing their stories about #FragileXSyndrome. I was lucky to have the opportunity to tell my brother’s story on American Idol last night. I have tears in my eyes knowing that there’s a loving, supportive community there.🧡 #FragileXAwareness
— Sophia James (@sophiajmusic) April 6, 2020
Sophia ended up making the top 10, saying, “TOP. TEN. I’m still in shock. Follow your dreams. They can come true. Mine did tonight (and it’s all thanks to you guys).”
Later, Billboard magazine asked the contestants about their proudest moment for the season. Here’s what Sophia had to say:
“My proudest moment on the show was not music related at all — it was being able to bring my brother James on the show and bring light to Fragile X syndrome. It is quite a rare disability and doesn’t get much attention in the media, so to be able to bring awareness to it on a national platform was a monumental honor. There were so many families affected by Fragile X syndrome that reached out to me after that episode aired, shared their own stories of their loved ones and thanked me for bringing awareness to it. I felt so proud to be able to connect with these families and make them feel represented. Most of all, I was so proud to see my brother shine so bright on the show we grew up watching together.”
2020 International Fragile X Conference
Life as a Sibling of Someone with Fragile X Syndrome
To help spread awareness of Fragile X syndrome and life as a sibling of someone living with Fragile X, Sophia delivered the keynote address on the opening day of the 17th NFXF International Fragile X Conference. There is so much in what she says — take the time to watch or read it (the transcript is included). It’s well worth your time.
July 30, 2020
00 h 24 m
