Phil Stacey, whose grandmother Myrtle Horn lives in Waco, will be performing on the Fox network’s American Idol program Tuesday night between 8 and 9 p.m.
The number of contestants is down to 10, but only nine will remain after this week.
The results of last week’s round encouraged Stacey’s local relatives, said his aunt, Darlene Cornett. “Even Simon Cowell was complimentary to Phil after his performance last week,” she said. “We think Phil is gaining momentum.”
In last week’s competition, Stacey sang “Every Breath You Take,” which was a hit for Sting and The Police.
“Now that he’s made it to the top 10, we want him to relax and just have fun,” said Cornett, whose sister Adrell Stacey is Phil’s mother.
When interviewed late last week, Cornett said she had just copied a videotape of Stacey’s American Idol performances for his grandmother. “I’m sure she’ll watch them over and over,” she said.
In addition to Cornett, Stacey’s mother has three other sisters and two brothers who still live in Madison County. Another brother lives in Cynthiana.
After Tuesday night’s program, the public will have until 11 p.m. to cast ballots that will decide which contestants stay in the running for another week.
“All of Phil’s supporters should remember that votes made by telephoning the toll-free number displayed during the show are free, and anyone can vote as many times as they can get through,” Cornett said. “If you get a busy signal, you just have to keep trying.”
Fans also may vote via text message, but there may be charges associated with text messaging, depending on the messenger’s phone service.
A 29 year-old U.S. Navy enlisted man in the based in Jacksonville, Fla., most of Stacey’s naval service has involved singing with military music groups. The Navy has been supportive of his venture on American Idol, Stacey said in an interview on AmericanIdol.com.
A friend of Stacey’s wife’s has made a house in Los Angeles available to her, and she was able to bring her to children there from Florida so Phil can see them “almost every day,” he said.
The support of family has been crucial on his quest to be the American Idol, Stacey said. His first audition took place after his wife went into labor with their second child.
Stacey’s grandfather, the late Carlie Horn, was pastor of the Berea Church of God on Richmond Road for eight years.
While Stacey never lived in Madison County, he visited his mother’s home county often, his local relatives say. His mother and some of his aunts and uncles graduated from Berea Community School.
Phil and his wife, Kendra, were married in Berea by his grandfather. Stacey’s father also is a Church of God minister. He now pastors a church in Henderson, Tenn.
After graduating from high school in Wichita, Kan., Stacey earned a bachelor’s degree from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., and a master’s degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
One of his ambitions, he told AmericanIdol.com, is to earn a Ph.D. so people can call him Dr. Phil.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.
Local News
Local relatives of American Idol contestant say ‘vote often’
- Local News
-
-
Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
-
Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
-
Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
-
Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. -
Tea party setting sights on state legislature
Nearly a dozen tea party candidates, including one of Kentucky's most recognizable fiscal conservatives, have set their sights on state legislative seats up for election this year.
Louisville businessman Phil Moffett, who finished second in the GOP's three-way gubernatorial primary last year, delivered candidacy papers last week to run for a House seat, hoping to bolster the tea party's foothold in the state Capitol.
Such a move has been slower in coming to Kentucky than other states. -
Trial date set in murder case
The attorney for a Berea man accused of murder has had his client evaluated by an “expert” witness, he said Thursday in Madison Circuit Court.
A report of the evaluation of Mitchell Ray Turner, 34, has been shared with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, attorney Brian Barker said during a pretrial conference in the case.
“The commonwealth would like more information before they decide if they want to do their own evaluation,” Barker told Judge Jean Chenault Logue. -
State financial actions putting strain on MEPCO
State government’s efforts to cut its spending and shift more of its financial burden to local governments, school boards and public agencies is beginning to take its toll on MEPCO, the home health organization run by the Madison County Board of Health.
Last week, MEPCO, which serves residents of Madison, Estill and Powell counties, reported a $455,500 deficit at the midpoint of its fiscal year.
The deficit was recorded even after MEPCO has cut expenses by about $383,000. - More Local News Headlines
-
Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
