Charleston Will Be Getting Its Idol On

Could the next American Idol be from Charleston? Next month, and that would be July, American Idol is coming to the best town around. The wanna-be's and could-be's will compete for the opportunity to fulfill a dream by securing a spot that would take them to "Hollywood, Baby". Well, for a select few it will be a dream come true, for others a disappointment turned darkest nightmare. Idol fans have seen it season after season, tears of ecstasy  and tears of agony. Thousands will audition, few will be chosen. Keep your expectations reasonable and it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity of fun and the ultimate experience, but never the end of the world. Talent is discovered in many ways.

Charleston has produced outstanding talent before. One Charleston singer/songwriter, who had a dream to sing, has deep roots in the Lowcountry. The performer's family goes back many generations and first gained fame as a lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a rock band founded in 1986 with a fishy name. The band charted six top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. In time the singer went solo and then country. This Charleston performer is described as having a rich baritone voice. The sentimental ballads and bright hooks that are a part of his recordings made this person the most successful African-American country singer since Charley Pride. The band's name was Hootie and the Blowfish, and its lead singer, Darius Rucker. Many of his songs were inspired by his own life experiences.

Rucker’s success in the country music format was recently recognized at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Top New Artist title and again with ACM, Teen Choice, and AMA Award nominations. His 2008 Album release, Learn To Live, produced three consecutive No. 1 singles and Top 5 smash, “History In The Making.” His second country album, Charleston, SC 1966, a title which pays tribute to one of Rucker's biggest influences, Radney Foster, includes the multiple-week #1 hit single, "Come Back Song," and his Top 10 single, "This."

The registration for American Idol will occur July 20 and July 21 and auditions will take place July 22 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Potential contestants will be coming from all over South Carolina and no doubt other states, but not only contestants will be coming, their families and supporters will be accompanying them. How does that all add up? Charleston will be rocking that week, heavy with inspiration and perspiration. The beaches will be heating up, the restaurants will be cooking, and the nightlife will be sizzling. It will be an opportunity to see the diversity that is built into this country. Expect the crowd to be predominantly young and ambitious. That's what it is all about, with an emphasis on having a good time. Get your Charleston on, the best town around.

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