I took a trip to Rockingham this weekend and got a new T-shirt just for this week's "American Idol."
Yes, it does have Bucky's face on it. And, yes, that's exactly why I love it.
I'm realistic about Bucky's chances. I know he's not everyone's favorite, but he's made one little town in North Carolina very, very happy, and for that he is my favorite. He's already made the 'American Idol' tour by virtue of getting this far, and tonight is country music, so he should do well.
Everywhere I went in the county this weekend, there were homemade "Vote for Bucky" signs in the yards and in the windows of little businesses. Kids clamor for autographs from Bucky's twin brother Rocky, and the Broad Street Station music store is selling Bucky T-shirts hand over fist.
'Idol' was in town filming on Saturday and the buzz was all over. I'm not sure if the footage will make it into the show tonight or not. Everyone was laughing and making predictions about just how much Rockingham would "redneck it up" for the cameras.
The local paper reported that Rocky's family was planning to take the crew out onto the Pee Dee River on the pontoon, so if you get to see that, it'll be a treat.
Tonight there's a "Bucky Bash" happening on the plaza next to city hall, with a big screen and pre-show entertainment from Rocky and his band, Caddy Wampus.
Good luck, Bucky!
As always, Sarah K and Ann Althouse will be blogging the proceedings.
UPDATE: 1-866-IDOLS-09 to vote for Bucky, if you're so inclined.
Or, Cingular folks can text "VOTE" to 5709.
Yeah, I know. I'm totally in the tank for Bucky. But I'm upfront about it.