Lagrange native Philmon Lee, his family who are with him in Hollywood, and his legion of friends and fans back home, are on pins and needles as the countdown begins for tonight’s first live show.
At the beginning of American Idol, which starts at 8:00 pm on ABC/WTVM, the field of 20 contestants will be narrowed to the Top 14 based on viewer votes from the previous two episodes.
His family arrived in California Saturday afternoon and Now Georgia contacted his mom, Kristi Terry.
“The hardest thing is not knowing what will happen. It’s a nerve-racking experience,” she said.
Kristi added that PJ, as he is called by family and friends, is doing good. “He is tired but good.”
PJ grew up listening to his dad, Philmon Thompson, play music with a gospel group. His message to his son’s fans, “We’re just gonna vote and turn it over to the Lord. Y’all be praying for him!”
Maybe it’s a good omen that tonight’s American Idol theme is “Songs of Faith”. Voting will be crucial as real-time voting during the show will result in the elimination of two more contestants to decide the Top 12 to be announced at the end of the broadcast.
Voting for American Idol 2026 is open to U.S., Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands residents (16+ for online, 18+ for social) and can be done during the show via three methods: online at AmericanIdol.com/vote, texting contestant numbers (Philmon Lee’s # is 11) to 21523, or by commenting on official Instagram/TikTok/Facebook posts. You can cast up to 10 votes per contestant per method.
As one of his Lagrange fans commented on Facebook to PJ, “Whatever happens, you are still our hometown star.”
