Charly Lowry returns home to Pembroke after "American Idol" adventure

By Earl Jordon Jr.
Staff Writer

On Feb. 23 Charly Lowry performed Aretha ranklin‘s “Chain of Fools” in front of millions on the Fox hit show “American Idol.” Lowry had a lot of talented competition. The semi-finalists were separated into groups of eight. Two contestants from each group were chosen to proceed into the next round. Lowry was in the third group, which the judges felt was the best group of contestants in the history of all three seasons of the show. America was then looked upon to vote for their favorite two contestants into the next round.

After Lowry’s performance the judges had a lot to say. Paula thought Lowry had a beautiful voice but I was looking for a tighter performance.

“I agree with Paula you do have a good voice, but your vocal-pitch was everywhere,” Simon said.

During an interview shown after her performance Lowry stated, “I thought I did good out there.”

On Feb. 25 after more than 13 million viewers voted on the national call-in voting, the results were finally in. Latoya London, with 32 percent of the votes and Amy Adams were the two contestants who were chosen to proceed into the semi-finals.

Unfortunately Charly did not survive the elimination process to be America’s new Idol, but Lowry did make an impression on her hometown of Pembroke. Businesses throughout town decorated company signs wishing Lowry luck as she competed.

Even students at UNCP held parties in their dorms and apartments to watch as Lowry worked toward her dreams. In the UC more than 80 people joined together to watch Lowry’s performance.

Hopefully this will not be the end of Lowry’s musical career. Maybe the ride in the national spotlight was inspiration for her to conquer her dreams.

Who would have ever thought the girl next door would have made it this far?