Local fans will be tuned in tonight to watch Lagrange, Georgia’s favorite son, Philmon Lee, and his possible rise to stardom. The American Idol competition moves from Nashville to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. The top 30 contestants will sing for their families, who will be in the audience, and for the judges. Only 20 performers will advance to the next round.
Philmon is coming off a sold-out concert Saturday night at the Royal Theater in Hogansville, Georgia. He was also shown love and support while touring area schools in Lagrange, including Callaway Elementary, Callaway Middle School, and his alma mater, Lagrange High School.
His mother, Kristi Terry, couldn’t be prouder of PJ, as his family and friends call him.
“When he was a boy, if you gave him a microphone, he would sing. When PJ was in the 5th grade at Callaway Elementary, he sang the National Anthem at a PTO meeting, and everyone was blown away,” his mom said.
When he was 13 years old, he attended Camp Jam in Norcross, Georgia. It was the ultimate music experience designed for kids who wanted to play in a band, write songs, or make a music video.
“We knew it would help him come out of his shell and perform comfortably. After that experience, he began developing his own style of music.”
Years later, he performed at open mic nights in Atlanta. Philmon was good enough to sign a record deal on his birthday in 2020, but then Covid hit and shut down the music industry, especially for up-and-comers like PJ.
Philmon continued to post music on TikTok and Instagram. To pay bills, he worked as an insurance agent in Lagrange.
Friends and family urged him to try out for American Idol. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Ritchie, and Luke Bryan are impressed with his talent. Now here he is with the opportunity to become the next American Idol. This video of PJ singing the classic Aerosmith hit Dream On was produced in Lagrange.
“The amount of support from our community is amazing. I am excited and proud. As a mother, it is nerve-wracking, but he is living his dream. We pray that his journey is just beginning.”
Philmon Lee is on the verge of becoming a household name outside of West Central Georgia. His performance tonight on American Idol, from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm on WTVM will help write the rest of his story.
If you want to be surrounded by his fans, you can join his Watch Party at Lagrange High School tonight at 7:30 pm.
Dream on PJ. You have a legion of supporters who you inspire.
