‘American Idol’ moves to live performances with 2 SC singers among top 26. Nationwide voting begins

“American Idol” moves into a whole new phase on Sunday with live shows, voting from viewers and two South Carolina singers performing.

Mariah Faith of Conway and Warren Peay of Bamberg are among the 26 singers remaining in the competition as it moves away from judges’ decisions to a nationwide vote.

The shows broadcast so far were taped in Hollywood at the end of last year. The live competition will be held at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii beginning Sunday and Monday.

The top 20 will perform April 23 and the top 12 revealed on April 24, then the show will revert to airing once a week until the finale May 21.

Faith was among the last singers chosen to continue Monday night and was emotional both in being selected and in talking about the other singers she had come to know who were going home.

More than half of the singers selected for the Hollywood rounds were cut.

Faith, a hair stylist whose real last name is Drocella, was an early favorite of the judges. They arranged for her to open a concert featuring last year’s winner, Noah Thompson and runner up, Hunter Girl.

Judge Luke Bryan has said she was special because she is a soul singer who loves country.

She said on Monday she was particularly happy she was able to sing for her mother, who talked about how proud she was and how much she wished her late husband had been able to be there.

He was an ardent supporter of Faith’s music career, even moving the family from Baltimore to the Myrtle Beach area to give her more exposure.

Previously she had talked about needing to hone her stage presence, which she clearly has done. She sang Waylon Jennings’s “I Ain’t Living Long Like This.”

Peay, an appliance repairman and church worship leader from Bamberg, charmed the judges with an all-out performance of the Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post” without his trademark guitar on Sunday night.

Judge Katy Perry said with surprise, “What the hell? No guitar.”

Known for his long hair and beard, he wore his signature jeans, flannel shirt and cowboy hat.

When Peay sat down before them for their verdict, Judge Luke Bryan said, “What do you think of all this?”

Peay responded, “It’s a long way from home, a little fancy for my taste.”

Richie has predicted Peay would be in the top 10.

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.