SC singer’s ‘American Idol’ journey continues after the first Hollywood week show airs

One South Carolina singer made it through to the next round on American Idol during Sunday’s Hollywood round broadcast — Mariah Faith, a much touted singer among the judges.

Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were so taken with her during her audition they arranged for her to sing at a concert featuring last year’s winner, Noah Thompson and runner up, Hunter Girl.

The 21-year-old from Conway, S.C., said during Sunday’s show, “No experience will be able to top that.”

Probably moving on to the duet round, which will air Monday night, offers close competition.

Each singer selected Sunday will pick someone who did not make it on the show to sing with them. About 150 singers made it to the Hollywood round.

Sunday’s featured performers were mentored by a former Idol contestant to help them in one of three categories — songwriting, stage presence or confidence. Faith chose stage presence and worked with Thompson.

She said after seeing Thompson and Hunter Girl perform she was moved to choose that option.

When she finished singing Perry and Bryan turned to one another and said “style.”

Mariah Faith is her stage name. Her last name is Drocella. She lived in Baltimore until she was 8, when her stepfather said they needed to move someplace to help her develop her singing talent.

She has described her stepfather as someone she and her mother had been waiting for, but sadly in her senior year of high school he died of a heart attack.

Also appearing Sunday night was Brayden Philips, a college student and football player from Lancaster. His singing segment was about 20 seconds long and he, too, worked on confidence.

His mentoring meeting was not shown.

He’s been a member of Red Rose Band, which primarily plays in Myrtle Beach.

Ophrah Kablan, 20, who grew up in Laurens but lives in Clio, was not chosen as well, but took it in stride.

“When one door closes, another opens,” she said in a voiceover as she left the stage.

The judges called her a “notable standout.” She did not perform Sunday night.

In her audition, she sang the Aretha Franklin song. “Baby I Love You” with such feeling the judges leapt to their feet and started singing as if it was a gospel meeting.

Kablan is a nail technician.

Eight South Carolina singers were selected for Hollywood week. All the contestants were in the audience during the show.

The others from South Carolina are Aiden Adair of Clover, Warren Peay of Bamberg, Tripp Taylor of Florence, Janora Brown of Lake City, and Preston Duffee of Hartsville.

Show publicists have not announced who will perform during the duet round to air at 8 p.m. Monday.