Westover reservist Blaire Sieber talks about 'American Idol'

The 26-year-old singer has advanced to the performance round in Las Vegas next week.

Wearing cowboy boots and crooning a country tune, “American Idol” contestant Blaire Christian Sieber gives little hint that she spends her off-stage hours as a loadmaster on a mammoth C-5 Galaxy cargo jet.

The 26-year-old technical sergeant, who spent six years in active duty before entering the Air Force Reserve in 2009, has been stationed at Westover since April. During her military career, the San Diego native has taken part in numerous missions to the Far East, Europe and the Middle East.

But it is her voice, not military record, which advanced her to the Top 75 (or so) on Season 11 of the popular Fox reality TV series “American Idol.”

In a telephone interview, Sieber described the past several weeks as a blur with a successful audition in Savannah, advancement in Hollywood and the upcoming performance round in Las Vegas. Of the approximately 100,000 “Idol” hopefuls, only 309 made it to Hollywood and only a quarter of them, including Sieber, will compete in Las Vegas next week.

However, even eagle-eye viewers may have a hard time spotting Sieber in the throng of contestants.

“If it were up to me, it would be called ‘Blaire Idol,’” Sieber said with a laugh. “Everybody wants to see themselves on TV. It’s always disheartening.”

Watching the episodes, which air on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Sieber said she now realizes what it takes to make it on-the-air.

“I am a very good singer, but I didn’t have any of those ‘holy crap’ moments,” she said. “Now, I keep thinking, ‘How can I blow the roof off?’”

Sieber has been able to balance “American Idol” with her commitment to the Air Force Reserve. (She flew on a supply mission to Texas last weekend). However, her obligations to “Idol” cost Sieber two of her three civilian jobs – wine boutique saleswoman and waitress. She is still a certified nursing assistant in eastern Massachusetts.

Sieber, who was raised in Arizona, began her singing journey as a teenager in the Cinderella Scholarship Program in 1997. Her musical idols were Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and the late Whitney Houston.

Then, a friend turned her on to country music. “I didn’t get into country until ninth grade,” Sieber said. “I was the kind of person who thought it was kind of sappy.”

She developed an appreciation for “outlaw country,” and counts Miranda Lambert as one of her favorite performers. “She has the attitude I can relate to.”

While in the Air Force, Sieber began singing at small, private retirement ceremonies and eventually was asked to sing at the 60th anniversary of the Air Force Ball.

Her interest in the National Hockey League prompted her to sing the National Anthem at sporting events. She sang at NHL playoff series games in 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Sieber had competed in Season 10 of “American Idol,” but did not advance beyond the Hollywood round.

She advised other “Idol” hopefuls that the regional “cattle call” auditions are critical and the odds of success are obviously not in their favor.

“People seem to think a loud voice will get you in,” Sieber said. “It’s about control and fine-tuning those vulnerable gentle notes.”