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Fayetteville's own superstar, the effervescent Madison Watkins, continues her journey on the ABC singing competition show American Idol this weekend after an emotional episode April 12.
The singer/songwriter did not earn enough votes with her Sunday night performance of "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles to advance directly to the Top 10. Watkins and four other contestants "fought for their lives" to earn the judges' two saves and continue on in the competition as part of the Top 12.
Watkins tells What's Up Associate Editor Jocelyn Murphy she felt her Monday night performance of Drake's "Hot Line Bling" was her best yet on the show because she "had nothing to lose."
The 26-year-old hopes to bring that fire to her performance for "Oscar's Week" on Sunday's live episode. For local Idol fans, Watkins' family is helping to organize a watch party at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18 at Farrell's on Dickson Street in Fayetteville. Viewers are encouraged to bring their phones to the family-friendly watch party as voting will begin during the broadcast.
Keep up with Watkins' journey on American Idol and beyond on Instagram @madison_watkins.