She’s going to Hollywood and hopefully her stay will be long enough to crack the top 12 females and earn her a place when the competition really gets going.

Paris Bennett, an 17 year old Fayetteville, Ga. resident and granddaughter of Grammy Award winning gospel singer Ann Nesby, traveled to Greensboro, NC for the American Idol auditions, which were aired on FOX on Tuesday night, and went through to Hollywood on a unanimous vote from judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Bennett’s audition featured the songs “Cowboy Take Me Away,” by The Dixie Chicks and “Take Five” from Billie Holliday. After her performance Cowell asked where Bennett had been hiding and Abdul stated that she got chills, while Jackson commented that she had the roots, making a reference to Nesby.

The Internet is already buzzing about the young singer with message boards already debating just how far she’ll go. The New York Post’s Adam Buckman went so far to say that the contest was over and a probable winner (Bennett) has emerged.

Starr’s Mill students are also excited. The clip of her audition was shown during announcements on Wednesday morning and students are already speculating on whether or not she will go all the way.

American Idol requires the contestants and their friends and family members to remain tight-lipped until after the season is over, but The Citizen will be following Bennett’s journey from here on out.

On Feb. 8, the competition moves to Hollywood and the final 12 male and female contestants will be announced on Feb. 14 and 15.

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