National audience got to vote for favorites

08:38 AM EST on Friday, February 24, 2006

By MARK WASHBURN / The Charlotte Observer

From Fox Photos

North Carolina's four 'American Idol' finalists are (from top left, clockwise) Bucky Covington, 28, Rockingham; Heather Cox, 22, Jonesville; Chris Daughtry, 26, McLeansville; and Kellie Pickler, 19, Albemarle.

Kellie Pickler of Albemarle and the other North Carolinians made it through the first round of "American Idol" Thursday night and will be singing on Fox TV next week.

She gave the strongest performance of the N.C. contestants on Tuesday, despite a case of nerves. Pickler, 19, sang Martina McBride's "How Far."

Also in the running are Heather Cox, 22, of Jonesville; Bucky Covington, 28, of Rockingham; and Chris Daughtry, 26, of McLeansville.

Pickler has emerged as one of the most recognizable semifinalists, based largely on her personal hardships that include a father in prison and a mother who abandoned her, and her fresh innocence. She revealed that the trip to Hollywood was the first plane trip she has taken.

"You've got the likability factor up to here," judge Paula Abdul told her on Tuesday's show, raising a hand above her head.

"I'm really nervous," Pickler told host Ryan Seacrest.

This week's eliminations were the first time the national audience could vote after weeks of auditions. Cut were Becky O'Donohue, Stevie Scott, Bobby Bennett and Patrick Hall.

Next week, men will sing Tuesday, women on Wednesday. Another elimination of four contestants is Thursday.

Cox had been fighting a sore throat as late as last week.

She sang "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" Tuesday night and got lukewarm reviews. "It was forgettable. You just got it wrong, said judge Simon Cowell. "Your personality just evaporated."

Daughtry sang Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead Or Alive." Abdul said: "You have the true making of a star."

And Covington, who sings in a band and works at a body shop in Hamlet, sang Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man." Judge Randy

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