Rough Night for Charleston "American Idol" Tryouts As One Local Makes The Cut
Staff report
American Idol
London Weidberg, 24, of Sullivan's Island made the American Idol cut.
As South Carolina remained in the national spotlight this week -- mainly through a heated presidential primary debate in Myrtle Beach -- the sparks also flew in a less serious competition in Charleston: "American Idol" tryouts from the summer that aired Wednesday night on Fox.
The judges of the show generally gave the 10,000 who showed up for two days of tryouts in Charleston bad reviews, with several dubious performers calling the contest rigged and storming off the set.
Still, 23 of the several thousand were reported to make it to the next phase of the show in Hollywood. Only a handful -- three of those -- apparently were actually from South Carolina (one from Sullivan's Island.)
The show started by making comparisons of two South Carolina contestants to successful North Carolina winners or runners-up, of which there have been several: Clay Aiken, Kelly Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Fantasia Barro.
But, that's where any Carolina similarities seemed to end.
Judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson gave only significant airtime to only four contestants who made the cut: brother and sister Michelle and Jeffrey Lampkin from Fort Mill and Newberry respectively; Amy Flynn, a teen dance team captain from Knoxville, Tenn.; and the only apparent local star, London Weidberg, 24, of Sullivan's Island.
Weidberg, who grew up on Sullivan's Island, had put her singing career on hold for several years while her father, who died three years ago, had cancer. But since his death she has devoted her career to him.
Her performance of a Billie Holiday song received solid reviews from the judges.
The most dramatic moments of the show were when South Carolinians were rejected, feeling they had been slighted.
Cowell, as usual, did not hold back his comments saving one of the toughest for Aretha Coder, a wayward New Yorker who ended up at the Charleston tryouts and gave a Whitney Houston song a try.
"You murdered that song," Cowell said. "You can't sing."
Joshua Bosen of Beaufort, who put on a colorful and failed attempt to sing an undetermined song resulted in shouting and charges that the judges were biased against the state.
"Y'all should never have come to South Carolina," Bosen said before running out of the set and loudly shoving a door open. "This show is faked and rigged!"
Not all of those rejected in Charleston were upset. A female C-17 pilot from Charleston Air Force Base, Lindsey Goodmon, who belted out a great performance of Black Velvet, somehow was rejected by the judges. But, she simply smiled and strolled off the set, taking it in stride.
Now in its seventh season, "Idol" filmed the opening of the episode at Boone Hall Plantation's Avenue of Oaks.
Entertainment Website Zap2it contributed to this report.
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datadiva (anonymous) says...
Doesn't matter much archdude considering the types of people across the nation who actually WATCH American Idol - not the most enlightened crowd.
January 24, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
Uh, who cares. I watched the auditions and I really didn't think this girl was very good. But she's "home grown" so I guess it's news worthy.
January 24, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
Like the Jerry Springer show Idol is mindless entertainment. People watch to see the bad singers as well as the good ones. It's expected for someone to act up or get mad at this stage of the new season. It's part of the show.
January 24, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
It's just the old "The Gong Show" shaken up a bit. If you've seen one...
January 24, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amylrod (anonymous) says...
It really doesn't matter where American Idol decides to hold auditions. People who want to give it a go come from all corners of the U.S. There will always be individuals who will make a scene or who just can't sing. You'll see more of the same next week and the next week. American Idol decides what they want to air in order to get people talking and mostly, for ratings.
January 24, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proudmomma (anonymous) says...
P&C forgot to mention Chris Sligh from last season from Greenville.
January 24, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
I like the sister and brother last night. They were so animated & full of energy
Bow-shica-wow-wow..lol
January 24, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
Actually archdude, I moved here from the North but wouldn't use American Idol as a basis for relocation - I think most people are smarter than that.
BUT... I did happen to see Cocoa Beach on Postcards From Buster with my children several years ago and decided to go there for vacation because of that. AND, the first time I ever even HEARD the term "Gullah" were from references to shows I had seen with my kids on Nickelodeon and again on Postcards from Buster...
So, I'd go with a PBS show as a basis rather than something like American Idol and I think most people would also considering, like someone else mentioned, everyone understands that not all people auditioned are even from the general area. :)
January 24, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cass2fried (anonymous) says...
Who knows what the trio of judges were looking for in their "quest" in Charleston? I do think that the Air Force pilot was, by far, the most talented of the bunch! The brother/sister duo were funny, though, with the brother having the strongest voice...
January 24, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chucktonian (anonymous) says...
I don't get it. AI comes to Charleston, then proceeds to broadcast auditions fron North Carolina trailer trash. What gives?
January 24, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
This show is crap!
January 24, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
idennis (anonymous) says...
Coldbeer...
Too bad your brain cells didn't suceed...
January 25, 2008 at 4:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rollnwflo (anonymous) says...
So, people will stop moving here because of AI? If that's the case let's have them back every year. As far as the entertainment value (if any) of the show, you can always read a book.
January 25, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clemson91 (anonymous) says...
Dear "Chucktonian",
The fact that you use the term "Chucktown" certainly proves that you are not from Charleston. Who started this term and how do we get it to stop??? My guess is that it was started by some dumb yankee like yourself that thought it would be cute to give our beautiful city a nickname. So, stop calling it Chucktown and stop calling yourself a Chucktonian. Call it what it is...Charleston...and call yourself just another stupid yankee that needs to find his way back north. The locals, however, will continue to refer to themselves as Charlestonians.
January 25, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
meesta_challie (anonymous) says...
Thank you so much, clemson91 !
Who invented that ridiculous chuck thing anyway ?
January 25, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
So AI is mindless entertainment, so what. I get enough reality everyday. There's nothing wrong with seeing something that might make you smile or laugh. Laughing is very healthy for us, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and lessens all the results of those ailments. I don't think there's anyone thinking those few goofy people are a reflection of Charleston itself.
Everyone, loosen up some, find something to enjoy in your life.
January 25, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
People always have to bring "yankees" into every conversation about Charleston. Both NORTHERNERS and SOUTHERNERS have their faults. My goodness, can everyone get over the whole North versus South crap? The South lost, end of story. Don't be bitter. I'm a southerner but get mistaken for a yankee quite often. I just laugh at their stupidity. I think it's actually really funny to hear someone assume you are from a particular place, based on comments and opinions left in these forums. I've referred to Charleston as Chucktown and most of SHS referred to it as such when I was in school. It's not that awkward for locals to use the term. I guess because I didn't use the term ya'll in this post, people won't believe I'm from the south. LOL.
January 25, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clemson91 (anonymous) says...
Hey_U_Guys
I am assuming you mean Summerville High School when you say you went to SHS. In case they moved SHS to Charleston, Summerville High School is in Summerville! So, it really doesn't matter what y'all called it in Summerville. So, if people in Summerville want to call Charleston Chucktown, go ahead...as far as real Charlestonians, we'll continue to call it Charleston.
January 25, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
I really wish I was clemson91. I wish my biggest problem was that someone called the town I lived in a different name than I cared for. What exactly is a "real Charlestonian" anyway? And is someone from 15 miles up the road on a lower rung on the ladder than a "real Charlestonian"? Just wondering?
January 25, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
The "Real Charlestonians" are the women in the market weaving baskets.
January 25, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
good luck to you and pay no attention to the nay sayers.
beemz
b=beautiful
e=elated
e=ego tripping
m=married
z=zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
January 25, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clemson91 (anonymous) says...
Archdude and forget...talk about needing to get a life!
A true Charlestonian is someone that was born and raised in Charleston.
If you have any Indian friends that were here when the settlers arrived in the late 1600's, I would gladly refer to them as true Charlestonians, as you wish. The basket ladies at the market...I think they come from roadside stands off Hwy 17 in Mt Pleasant, so I'm not sure if they qualify. Oh, what the heck, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Just because Chuck is a nickname for Charles doesn't mean you can just start substituting Chucktown for Charleston. It just sounds dumb.
Why don't we start calling Summerville "The season between spring and fall Ville". You see why it doesn't work?
Johns Island - "Johns land surrounded by water"
Goose Creek - "Big mean bird that likes to squawk Creek"
James Island - "Jim's Island"
So stop calling it Chucktown! It's a dead giveaway that you're not from here!
January 25, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
I knew it was bad when I heard someone singing "Pour Some Sugar On Me" during the tryouts. It sounded more like Tone Deaf Leppard.
January 25, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
I'm sure that in this life clemson could find something else that he finds offensive. If not, I say - good for you! You must have an enviable life free from any worthwhile dilemmas.
But, if being a "real Charlestonian" is supposed to be impressive, I may have you beat. I myself am a "real Bostonian". Ivy league education and debutantes....the whole thing.
January 25, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
asmileor24u (anonymous) says...
Another SeaCoast singer makes it to Hollywood on American Idol! From the audition tape (below), it seems like London barely made it! Sheesh! London is a frequent solo and background singer at the church and sings with church choir, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfMhfc...
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/j...
She's has amazing vocal talent, and is definitely as good as Jordin Sparks (from last year), as good or better than any I've seen on American Idol. If she gets to show what she can do, you will have your socks blown off.
P.S. I saw Lance and London (husband and wife now married) jet lagged and smiling, and all either of them could say was "I'm under contract and cannot talk about anything..."
January 28, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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