Things are looking good for Fayetteville’s own “American Idol,” Paris Bennett. After a rocky start in Tuesday night’s performance, Bennett was ushered into a spot as one of the top 12 female contestants tonight.

Tuesday Bennett took the stage in round two of the reality TV show’s Hollywood Week auditions. The second round of auditions welcomed the often-tumultuous group tryouts.
Bennett teamed up with Stephanie Scott, 19, of Fair Oaks, Calif. and Hanna Freeman, 17, of Sandersville, Ga. for her group audition. The ladies led the morning off as the first group to perform and sang “Emotion” by The Bee Gees for judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Cowell had less than gratifying words for the trio, however. “I mean, overall it was a fairly pitiful performance from the three of you. There was no buzz, no chemistry. It wasn’t great,” chastised Cowell.

After some whispered conversations, Jackson read the verdict: “Paris, you’re through to the next round.”

With a smile that could light up a room, Bennett waved her arms in the air with joy. Only one more performance stood between her and the top 12.

Fellow group member Freeman was not voted through to the next round, but Scott managed not only to make it to the next round, but is through to a spot in the top 12.

After one more round of individual auditions, Bennett waited anxiously in one of four rooms to find out if she had made it through to the next round. One room would be cut entirely, three rooms would make it through. After a stressful wait, Bennett was on to the final of round of cuts.

Tonight audiences watched as the judges informed the remaining contestants who would be in the top 12 spots for females and the top 12 spots for males. With only three spots left to go and four remaining girls, Bennett headed up to the deliberation room.

When asked how she felt she did in Hollywood, Bennett responded, “I felt like I lost a little bit of my charisma.” Jackson didn’t make it any easier on Bennett, with a sigh he said, “This is tough for me.” After an excruciating pause, Jackson finally finished by saying, “Welcome, you’re through to the next round.”

Bennett couldn’t wait to get back downstairs to tell her mother, Jamecia Bennett, who was waiting anxiously for the news. “I did it! I’m going!” Bennett managed to say in between celebratory squeals.

Bennett has done it, she’s headed back to Hollywood as one of only 12 female contestants. Next Tuesday, Feb. 21, Bennett and the rest of the female contestants will perform for a live audience, and viewers will have their first chance to vote on who they believe should be the next American Idol.

Be sure to check back here next Tuesday night to find out all you need to know to keep Paris Bennett in the competition with your votes.

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