Demi Lovato, left, and Simon Cowell are among the judges of “The X-Factor” on Fox. Former DMACC student Jeff Brinkman is among the contestants. Photo by Ray Mickshaw/Fox/MCT
By Miriah Masching
The X-Factor, the award-winning, international phenomenon, is back for its third season. Four judges traveled the country in search of contestants who they believe have the x-factor. Contestants perform in front of the judges as well as an audience to prove they have what it takes to make it this industry.
For the first time ever in the X-Factor history, a DMACC Alumni had the opportunity to compete on this show.
Jeff Brinkman was born and raised in Ankeny. After high school Brinkman attended DMACC and received a degree in commercial art.
“DMACC had an excellent graphic design program and also the cost was low, but the main reason was the hands on training. I learn by doing so DMACC was the best choice for my learning skills,” said Brinkman, when asked why he chose to go to DMACC. He also enjoyed hanging out in building five and meeting many new friends that he still keeps in touch with today.
After graduating from DMACC, Brinkman moved to Colorado. He started at a desk job but decided that sitting behind a desk wasn’t for him. His wife had a business walking dogs and Jeff decided to open a doggy day care.
“The dog business just took off, I started out with just a few dogs and it just grew. I rented a farm and would pick the dogs up and drop them back off at the end of the day.” Brinkman’s doggy day care was in business for seven years but was put on hold.
“I wanted to let go and jump back into the music care and that is exactly what I did with auditioning for the X-Factor.”
Brinkman was a hit on the show from the first time he sang to the instant he told the judges he ran a doggy day care.
“The X-Factor was an overwhelming experience; it was a totally different experience than anything I have ever done.” Jeff has continually received positive and helpful critiques from all of the judges and also from other contestants.
“This experience was great, coming from Iowa I was taught to always stay humble and I felt that made it easier for me to keep things in perspective and interact with others better.”
Unfortunately Brinkman never made it to the live rounds and was eliminated based on his song choice, not the actual performance. Brinkman has two albums currently on ITunes and also plays concerts for many charities as well as shows of his own. He hopes to soon be playing concerts in Iowa in the upcoming future. You can find more information about his upcoming shows and music on his website jeffbrinkmanmusic.com.
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