Another SC singer continues ‘American Idol’ dream, one goes home

In the end, one South Carolina singer made it to the next round on “American Idol” Monday and one went home.

Mariah Faith, who was an early standout for the judges during auditions, joined what grew to be the Top 26, instead of the usual 24. They will compete at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii beginning April 16 and 17.

Cut Monday was Preston Duffee of Hartsville.

The episode was called Showstoppers The Final Judgment, and there were a lot of tears among many of the 29 who did not make it.

Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan each stressed the level of talent in this year’s group and noted that many, many fine singers were cut.

Faith, who is from Conway, was chosen after her audition to open a concert featuring last year’s winner, Noah Thompson and runner up, Hunter Girl.

She reiterated on the show Monday her previous comment that singing with them was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Bryan asked whether being chosen for the top 24 could top it. She said likely and then he told her she made it. Bryan said she was special because she is a soul singer who loves country.

When she faced the judges before she learned her fate she cried for all the people she had come to know who were going home.

She said she was proud of her performance because she put herself out there, moving effortlessly around the stage as she sang. She had said in previous shows stage presence was her weakness. It wasn’t Monday.

She said she was particularly happy she was able to sing for her mother.

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 where she could 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.

During Monday’s show, Faith’s mother said she wished her husband could have been there to see Faith perform.

“He believed in her when I didn’t,” her mother said, adding later, he was looking down from heaven. Photos of him and Faith were shown during the show.

Duffee, who Perry previously described as a young Luke Bryan, took the cut in stride, saying, “It’s all good. I made some great friends.”

The judges praised his work ethic and energy but said his vocals were not as strong as others.

On Facebook, he said, “I completely agree with the judges and their decision. My voice definitely didn’t stack up against my fellow contestants.”

He also said watch for new music from him this year.

Warren Peay, an appliance repairman from Bamberg, was chosen to continue in the competition on the episode broadcast Sunday night.

In all, eight singers from South Carolina were chosen for the Hollywood round. In addition to Peay, Faith and Duffee, Hollywood round contestants were Aiden Adair of Clover, Tripp Taylor of Florence, Janora Brown of Lake City, Brayden Philips of Lancaster, and Ophrah Kablan of Clio.

South Carolina has had one Idol winner, Beaufort native Candice Glover, in the 12th season. She has since released one album and appeared on Broadway.