Lee University Alumnus Clark Beckham Advances to Finals of American Idol
May 7, 2015–Lee University Class of 2014 alumnus Clark Beckham advanced into the finals of “American Idol” at the end of Wednesday night’s episode. Beckham, 22, of White House, Tennessee, will be joined by two other finalists, Jax Cole, 19, from New Jersey and Nick Fradiani, 29, of Connecticut.
The stage is set for the two-night final on FOX this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12 and 13. The finale comes after months of auditions of thousands of potential contestants from across the nation. The three contestants making it this far have survived based on nationwide votes via text, online and phone. The winner, chosen by a nationwide vote and announced on live television this Wednesday, will be awarded a major recording contract.
Clark Beckham performs on the set of American Idol (photo by Michael Becker/FOX. Click on photo to enlarge).
In last night’s two hour live episode the “Idol’s” Final Four sang three songs and videos of visits to their hometown were shown. Members of Lee University’s Campus Choir made a surprise visit to White House, Tenn., to join Beckham in a couple of songs during the hometown concert. Beckham sang in the Campus Choir while a student at Lee, and publicly acknowledged the powerful influence his experience with the choir and Lee University had upon his life. The choir, dressed in Lee University T-shirts, could be heard singing the chorus “Great and Mighty” throughout the last portion of the video.
In addition to the judges’ comments, this year’s contestants have been mentored by record producer Scott Borchetta who last week chastised Beckham, portraying him as unwilling to listen to the professional’s advice.
According to a report by the Chattanooga Times-Free Press, Lee University professor Dan Buck said, “I know Clark very well and that is definitely not true of him. He respects those opinions but at the same time he wants to be his own man, be true to his music. I think Scott Borchetta was a little rude with Clark and out of character.”
Apparently the critique did not have a negative impact on Beckham’s ability to advance.
Beckham’s three songs in Wednesday night’s performance were all chosen for him, conceivably to reflect the singer’s style. The three judges chose “Earned It,” by the Weekend; “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding, which was the hometown choice; and “Beautiful Day” by U2, Borchetta’s choice.
Winning the competition is based on the number of votes cast for the contestant via electronic avenues. Those with the least number of votes each week are sent home. Last night, contestant Rayvon Owen of Richmond, Virginia was ousted, but will be one of the Top Five who will tour 27 cities this summer on the “American Idol Tour.”
Voting remains open for the three remaining contestants until Tuesday, May 12 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Up to 20 votes can be cast for each contestant from each method. To cast votes for Beckham, go to www.americanidol.com, text the number “9” to 21523, or call 1-866-436-5709.
The three finalists sing for votes Tuesday night and the winner of Season 14 will be crowned on Wednesday.
