Idol contestant’s step dad in hit-and-run

American Idol’s “Rocky” contestant from Elmhurst may have a bigger bout on her hands - her step dad was mowed down by a hit-and-run driver on Monday, January 29, and the family is now fighting to see their father make a full recovery.
“He’s hooked up to a million things,” said 27-year-old Idol contestant Porcelana Patino on Monday, February 5.
“My dad isn’t able to be aware of who comes in and out.”
As of Tuesday, February 6, her dad, Mario Astudillo, 53, was still listed in critical condition, said an Elmhurst Hospital spokesperson, after the accident that left him with a broken shoulder, leg and ribs.
Astudillo had been headed to work as a maintenance man at LGS Sky Chefs at 5 a.m. Monday in Elmhurst when he was hit. That evening, Patino was by Astudillo’s side - just as her taped audition on the popular reality-song show aired.
Patino garnered praise for her rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “Love Without a Limit” from all three judges, even begrudgingly from Simon Cowell, who gave her a “Well done, sweetheart.”
Patino, who was at the Hospital when the show aired, had to watch a tape of the show, which included a short introduction of her training to the tune of “Eye of a Tiger” from “Rocky.” For the past year, Patino has been working lose 20 pounds and whip herself into shape for the show.
Still, the buff songstress was more concerned about her pop than her shot at pop stardom.
“It’s scary,” she said. “I’m very worried.”