Council House in French Camp hosts two American Idol competitors
French Camp Council House was alive with music Friday, Aug. 28, as two “American Idol” first round competitors entertained hungry patrons.
Isaiah Miller and Thomas Barnes played tunes from a half dozen decades to applause from the diners. Miller and Barnes both had recently entered the first round of “American Idol.”
The long-running, singing competition show "American Idol" is searching for the next superstar. "Idol Across America" has scheduled virtual auditions using custom-built Zoom technology across all 50 states amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The virtual auditions for Mississippi were held Wednesday, Aug. 26. Contestants had the opportunity to sing for "American Idol" producers through the virtual tour stops.
The auditions were the first-ever live, virtual nationwide search, and this is the first time in the show’s 18-season tenure that it will be hosting entirely virtual auditions. The program has adapted due to the pandemic, and all 50 states will be included in this round of auditions, thanks to the new, more accessible online method. Contestants must be ages 15-28 to compete.
This was the first-time Miller had crooned for the “American Idol” competition and was able to do so from the comfort of the Council House.
“This is my first time to ever do anything like this,” said Miller.
“The virtual audition was a very different but cool experience. It’s kind of like being on FaceTime with friends or a girl and they find out you can sing, they want to hear more of you,” he said. “Being back in French Camp was a blessing to have support of people who watched me grow up and graduate. I think it helped out a good bit to see so many people behind me.”
While not performing for “American Idol” producers, he is performing with a band called Stylish, under the company name Style Entertainment.
“If anyone wants to see more of me and my great friends, set a show or look us up on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat — and book us for any event,” said Miller.
Miller is originally from Ethel, born and raised. He attended Ethel High School until his ninth-grade year, then finished high school at French Camp Academy.
“I found a home at both schools with great coaches and people. I furthered my education at Holmes Community College in the music department with an Entertainment Industry Studies major and after graduating I started performing and doing gigs,” said Miller.
Miller is thankful he has had the opportunity to sing for the show.
“I pray they notice my talent and I can keep catching the eye of people with my voice and make a difference in people’s lives with music — especially my son’s life,” said Miller.
He is hoping to hear from the show’s producers in the coming weeks on whether he qualified for a second round. One of his competitors for that call is his friend, Thomas Barnes.
Barnes, who grew up in Flowood, competed in one of the iconic blue tour bus “American Idol” competitions in 2018.
“I didn’t make it past the first round because I was nervous out of my mind. But, it was still a good experience and inspired me to become a better musician,” said Barnes.
With the virtual performance and one prior competition under his belt, Barnes said there is not a lot of pressure this time.
“I auditioned from my dorm room with a few of my friends in there with me, so there wasn’t a lot of pressure; we were just having a good time,” said Barnes. “The auditions were fun but different.”
Barnes said he is not waiting by the computer or phone. Instead, he is actively working on his music.
“I played my first open mic at Pelican Cove in Ridgeland when I was 17 and started gigging pretty often after that. I mainly play acoustic as a solo act, but I also play in duos with other musicians. I also perform with Style Entertainment,” he said. “Isaiah and I actually perform in that band together. I’ve also been writing songs and doing all I can to stay busy with it.”
Barnes is looking forward to whatever the future brings. He currently attends Holmes Community College in the Entertainment Industry Studies programon the Goodman campus. He plans to keep pursuing music whether it be at a university or possibly playing on cruise ships once the Covid-19 pandemic subsides.
“Whatever happens, I can only make the best of it,” said Barnes.
Miller and Barnes now await the call that tells them to “try again” or that they have succeeded in moving on to the next round of “American Idol.”
Either way, their music plays on.
