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Rockford native advances on ‘Idol'
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| Bennett |
By Rebekah Danaher
Daily News staff writer
As area residents tune into “American Idol” this week, they'll be looking for a familiar face.
Rockford native Paris Bennett is one of the final 24 in the hugely popular talent show airing on the Fox network.
It wasn't that long ago Paris was a Rockford resident. Now she's on her way to becoming America's idol.
The show's contestants are judged by on-air judges and by call-in votes from viewers. There are 24 contestants remaining. The 12 women competed Tuesday; the 12 men performed again Wednesday and the votes from the audience will come in tonight.
The lowest vote getter for both the men and women will be eliminated from the competition when the show airs tonight at 7 p.m.
Bennett is the great-granddaughter of the Rev. Perry and Shirley Bennett of Rockford. Perry has been the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Rockford for 35 years.
Reached by phone Wednesday, Shirley Bennett said she has eagerly watched her 17-year-old granddaughter move up through the ranks of performers.
“I just thought she was excellent and I hope everybody will call in and vote for her,” she said.
Paris lived in Rockford until the age of 13, attending St. Paul Academy, Whitehead Elementary School and Christian Life School.
Now she resides in Fayetteville, Ga. with her mother Jamecia. Shirley keeps in contact with Jamecia and Paris and even heard from the young star Tuesday night from Hollywood.
Shirley says she isn't surprised Paris has made her way to television.
“Since she was 2 or 3 she always sang,” Shirley said.
Paris comes from a long line of talent. Her maternal grandmother, Shirley's daughter, is acclaimed Grammy Award winner and former Rockford resident Ann Nesby, known predominantly in gospel music circles. Jamecia also was a gospel music performer.
Shirley said she herself loves to sing a lot and says there was always music in the household - probably a reason for Paris' interest. But it also runs in the blood.
Perry has a strong voice and enjoys singing at his church.
“I guess they picked it up from both sides,” Shirley said.
Shirley says her husband is immensely proud of their great-granddaughter and even has nearly been late to Bible study in order to watch her perform on the show.
Shirley couldn't be prouder of her girls who have brought fame to their family in gracious ways.
“God has rewarded me for what I have put into them and He has blessed them to have that talent,” she said.
Most of all, Shirley is thankful her children chose to use their abilities for good and have taken the high road toward success.
“With God's help they have kept their minds,” she said. “God has blessed them to do a successful job with the talent.”
Shirley said the support from other Rockfordians has been great. She encourages area fans to watch the show and to vote for Paris.
Rockford native Paris Bennett is one of the final 24 in the hugely popular talent show airing on the Fox network.
It wasn't that long ago Paris was a Rockford resident. Now she's on her way to becoming America's idol.
The show's contestants are judged by on-air judges and by call-in votes from viewers. There are 24 contestants remaining. The 12 women competed Tuesday; the 12 men performed again Wednesday and the votes from the audience will come in tonight.
The lowest vote getter for both the men and women will be eliminated from the competition when the show airs tonight at 7 p.m.
Bennett is the great-granddaughter of the Rev. Perry and Shirley Bennett of Rockford. Perry has been the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Rockford for 35 years.
Reached by phone Wednesday, Shirley Bennett said she has eagerly watched her 17-year-old granddaughter move up through the ranks of performers.
“I just thought she was excellent and I hope everybody will call in and vote for her,” she said.
Paris lived in Rockford until the age of 13, attending St. Paul Academy, Whitehead Elementary School and Christian Life School.
Now she resides in Fayetteville, Ga. with her mother Jamecia. Shirley keeps in contact with Jamecia and Paris and even heard from the young star Tuesday night from Hollywood.
Shirley says she isn't surprised Paris has made her way to television.
“Since she was 2 or 3 she always sang,” Shirley said.
Paris comes from a long line of talent. Her maternal grandmother, Shirley's daughter, is acclaimed Grammy Award winner and former Rockford resident Ann Nesby, known predominantly in gospel music circles. Jamecia also was a gospel music performer.
Shirley said she herself loves to sing a lot and says there was always music in the household - probably a reason for Paris' interest. But it also runs in the blood.
Perry has a strong voice and enjoys singing at his church.
“I guess they picked it up from both sides,” Shirley said.
Shirley says her husband is immensely proud of their great-granddaughter and even has nearly been late to Bible study in order to watch her perform on the show.
Shirley couldn't be prouder of her girls who have brought fame to their family in gracious ways.
“God has rewarded me for what I have put into them and He has blessed them to have that talent,” she said.
Most of all, Shirley is thankful her children chose to use their abilities for good and have taken the high road toward success.
“With God's help they have kept their minds,” she said. “God has blessed them to do a successful job with the talent.”
Shirley said the support from other Rockfordians has been great. She encourages area fans to watch the show and to vote for Paris.
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