Felicia Barton, a worship leader at Freedom Fellowship Church of God in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been selected to be in the top 36 of Season 8 of American Idol.
Felicia grew up singing in her home church where her father Rick Hocker is the pastor. She grew up attending youth camps since she was a little girl, traveling on STEP mission trips and eventually leading worship in state and local meetings. Felicia was the national runner up in teen talent vocal solo competition in 2000. She is now married, 26 years old and mother to a little boy, Malachi. For the last several years she has served with her husband, Loren, as worship leaders at Freedom Fellowship.
After successfully auditioning in Louisville, Kentucky, Felicia completed what is known as “Hollywood Week” of the American Idol competition. On February 12 all seemed to be lost as the judges eliminated Felicia as they named the final 36. However, the following Thursday morning a press release from American Idol revealed that the judges had decided to bring Felicia back to Hollywood and make her part of the final 36 contestants.
“During the next few weeks millions of viewers across the nation will have an opportunity to vote with America to determine who will be the next American Idol winner,” stated her father. “In the Church of God we already know Felicia’s heart for the Lord. Who better to stand on the national stage, but one of our own. Let’s all get behind her and vote her on to victory!”
You can keep up to date on Felicia’s progress through several Web sites including www.americanidol.com, www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/felicia_barton, or www.comegetfree.org.