Bucky expected to show softer side tonight
Its ladies night for Bucky Covington fans.
The 28-year-old Rockingham American Idol star is expected to do a ballad during tonights country music-themed American Idol elimination round.
I think hes gonna slow it down a bit, twin brother Rocky said Monday evening. Hes singing it great.
I feel good about it, Bucky said in a phone interview late Monday from Hollywood, though he added he wasnt too positive that I should have slowed it down, but thats what a lot of the fans have been asking for.
Bucky had a lot of good country songs to choose from, Rocky said, and decided to showcase his vocals with his selection.
Thats what hes kinda going after here, Rocky said, adding song choice is crucial at this point in the talent show. Its a tricky call on any song you want to do now.
What are the judges going to say? Is it going to backfire with the fans? Are people going to want a dance thing? Are people getting tired of the mike toss? Its a tough decision.
Bucky agreed.
A lot more is expected of you the further along you get in Idol, he said. You have to keep changing things up and getting better every week.
One thing will remain the same for Bucky: his new outlaw country look, which he debuted to rave reviews on last weeks Idol.
I think he is going to stick with the hat ... for country week, definitely, Rocky said.
Given the country theme, fans and critics alike are expecting much from Bucky the lone male country vocalist on the show. But Buckys up to the task, his brother said.
He always works better under pressure. If you ask me, I thought his best performance so far was during Stevie Wonder week, Rocky said. Bucky sang Wonders Superstition on that show.
If everybodys expecting him to blow it out on country week, it might be kinda tough to shock em. But hell be all right.
Hes ready.
Father Gene Covington agreed.
I talked to Bucky (Sunday) morning, Gene said. He feels real comfortable about the country theme. Hes excited about it.
I think hes gotta good song picked out. Im looking forward to it.
Bucky, who was reached briefly between rehearsals, said hes having a ball and loving every minute of it, though he admits the pace gets more hectic each week. In the last week, hes met Rascal Flatts, spent time with Kenny Rogers and sang with Queen.
I cant tell you how much I appreciate everyone in Richmond County and the nation giving me this opportunity, he said. Maybe some day Ill be able to say thank you enough. I just hope we can keep this thing going.
Bucky Bash
Rockys band, Caddy Wampus, will get Bucky fans in the mood for Idol tonight during Bucky Bash at Rockinghams Cole Plaza.
I had a ball out there last week, and people were real respectful and quiet during the show, Rocky said. It was cool. Tonight should be off the hook!
Caddy Wampus, which features Rocky, Eric Whitfield, Sammy Glidewell,
Scooter Still and Jimbo Bullard, will play from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Steve Airy is providing sound and lights at no charge.
At 8 p.m., Idol will be shown on the big screen, courtesy of Rockingham, Rockingham Downtown Corp. and Time Warner Cable.
Bucky Bash will include several non-profit food vendors, including the Richmond County Band Boosters Association (hot dogs and hamburgers), L.J. Bell School (popcorn and candy) and the Richmond County Humane Society (barbecue sandwiches).
BSTees will be selling its Vote for Bucky T-shirts and Sweet Tea & Biscuits T-shirts. Three dollars from each shirt sold goes to the Covington family to help defray the costs of Buckys extended stay in Hollywood.
Terra Covington, Buckys sister-in-law, will be selling Bucky window decals. Rock 92.3 FMs Deidre and Goatboy will be there tonight, as well as Big Waves WLWL 770 AM.
Come on out, bring your lawn chairs and cell phones and get ready for a fun time, organizer Kim Williams said. And vote for Bucky, of course!