Ex-USC quarterback gives American Idol the thumbs down

COLUMBIA — After an audition Friday in North Charleston, TV's "American Idol" didn't make a fan of Syvelle Newton.

The former South Carolina quarterback sang three songs — one more than he thought he'd belt out — but was eventually cut in his bid to reach the popular amateur talent show's second round.

The athletic native of Wallace wasn't left impressed by the auditioning process, which he said focused too much on laughs and not enough on talent.

"It didn't seem like they were looking for people that could sing, just people they could make fun of," Newton said. "They should let everyone know that before you stand in line all day, if they're trying to make a joke. I'm serious about it. I didn't appreciate that. I know a lot of other people that didn't, either."

Newton said when he arrived at the North Charleston Coliseum, it was "near capacity." The arena holds 14,000 for floor events, a little less for basketball, football and other events.

He waited for his chance, wondering if he'd sing for celebrated judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Instead, Newton performed for judges he'd never seen before.

He started by singing Ray Charles' "I've Got a Woman." The judges asked him to sing another selection, and he picked R&B artist John Legend's "So High."

Newton assumed, since he'd been asked to sing two songs, he might be in good shape to advance. Then, the judges threw him a curve by asking for a third song.

Newton quickly responded by performing The Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud to Beg."

That's when he learned he hadn't made the cut.

"There were some people I heard sing and I don't know how they didn't make it," Newton said. "And someone balancing on their hands made it. I'm serious."

Newton said he'd heard similar complaints about the show's Aug. 14 audition in Atlanta.

"I guess they're just trying to figure out what'll help the show survive," Newton said of the still wildly watched program, which is preparing for its seventh season on Fox.

Newton said he grew up singing in church and, later, with a boys' choir.

The 22-year-old, who completed his USC football career last season but is still a student, says he's two semesters from completing his degree in media arts. After being disappointed by going undrafted in April, he's also working out in hopes of attracting a professional team.

After a brief stay in the Canadian Football League, Newton decided it wasn't for him and returned to Columbia.

Newton, who also played running back, receiver and defensive back at USC, finished with 1,158 passing yards, 456 rushing yards, 574 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns in college.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com.

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