Fans see dreams dashed, many shocked
Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006
GRAVETTE — Shouts of "He was robbed; Patrick’s been robbed!" were exchanged between youngsters on Gravette’s Main Street on Thursday night. The teenagers, who were leaving the watch party held in the Gravette Towne Centre, were referring to Patrick Hall’s elimination from competition to become the next American Idol on the popular TV show.
Twenty-seven-year-old Hall, a Gravette native and gifted musician, was among 12 male "American Idol" hopefuls. Voters across the country were given two hours Wednesday night to vote for their favorites following the men’s performances. Hall sang "Come to My Window," a song made popular by Melissa Etheridge. Three other competitors — two females and a male — were also dropped from the contest Thursday.
For the second consecutive week, a watch party was held in Hall’s honor. More than 80 loyal Hall fans gathered in support of the hometown hero. Arvest Gravette Bank provided free hot dogs and all the trimmings with chips, cookies and soft drinks. Jim Singleton, bank president and chief grillmeister, said it was fun to see the community pull together for Hall. "He’s a talented young man," Singleton said, "and all of us were behind him."
Julie Lonon of Springdale is a friend and singing partner of Hall’s. She couldn’t hide her surprise and disappointment. "I’m shocked," Lonon explained. "I’m a big fan of Patrick’s, and we’ve sung together several times at events, clubs and restaurants. I’m very disappointed and sad right now, but the door is wide open for him. He has lots of opportunities and he’s a wonderful musician. Patrick will do just fine."
Rodger Terrell, director of Gravette city services, helped organize the watch parties held last week and Thursday night. Confident that Hall would continue in the competition, Terrell announced at one point that additional parties would be held. After Hall was eliminated, Terrell made another announcement. "When Pat comes home," Terrell said, "we’ll do something for him. I’m shocked right now, but we’ll have something for him when he gets home."
Chris Brannon, a good friend and business associate of Hall’s, expressed his surprise at the outcome of the "American Idol" competition Thursday. "I can’t believe it," Brannon said. "I had no doubt he would go on. I’m totally shocked. Well, when he comes back, he has an album ready to go. Patrick has a great attitude and he’ll be fine, but I still can’t believe it."
Interviewed just after learning his fate on the show Thursday, Hall thanked his fans for their enthusiastic support. "I plan to keep plugging along," Hall explained. "Thank you. Thank you to all my fans."
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