American Idol in South Mississippi: Part I

There’s a lot of talent in south Mississippi, and American Idol is setting the stage for rising stars from the area. Michael Simeon has made it to the Top 24, and Wednesday night, we’ll find out if the Lumberton native makes it to the Top 12. So what does it take to stretch your dreams this far? News 25 went behind the scenes at some regional American Idol tryouts to find out.

There’s been a lot to sing and dance about as America has watched dreams become a reality for Idol hopefuls, including Lumberton native, Michael Simeon, who has proven he can not only keep up with, but also lead J-Lo on the dance floor. Not everyone would stay center stage and get that coveted golden ticket to Hollywood, but Pass Christian college student, Joe Garrett, came close at the first round of tryouts in New Orleans last year as his mother, Kathy, cheered him on. Garrett says, "I want to be on the big stage, making a living for myself, touring the country."

Ocean Springs High School sophomore, Lizzy Martin, also made the first round of cuts at the New Orleans tryouts, but in the end, she didn’t walk away with that golden ticket. Martin says, "I was broken . I thought my life was done. I was ready to give up singing because of three people in a five minute audition."

But Martin still got some face time and a little unsolicited advice. One Idol contestant says of Martin, "I actually saw some people in the holding room that could use a little bit of help with their hair and makeup."

Not exactly the way most people would want to make their national debut, but Martin is taking it all in stride, making the most of her 15 seconds of fame. Martin also says, "It was funny, but for a second I was thinking to myself, ‘Why would they do that?’ But then I look back on it now and I laugh about it because it is funny. If it was anyone else, I would have laughed."

The three celebrity judges say Martin’s voice is no laughing matter. They told her she has potential. Now all she needs is the polish. Martin says, "I think the next time I walk through that door, I’m going to be more confident. I was in awe, those three sitting in front of me, but they should expect to see much more confident young lady who maybe is a little more edgy than a sweet southern girl."

Maybe next time around, Martin and Garrett will follow in the footsteps of fellow Idol hopeful, who is also known for his southern charm, Michael Simeon. Wednesday night, Simeon takes center stage on American Idol as one of the Top 24 idol contenders, and while no one knows just how far this southern charmer will go, one thing’s for sure, he has a big fan base in south Mississippi, a captive audience sitting on the edges of our seats, and Jennifer Lopez in his arms and corner.