TLC FROM ARKANSAS: Currently in the top five finalists of Fox's American Idol singing competition, Trent Harmon, 25, who hails from Amory, Miss., but graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and resides in Malvern, felt the love last week from friends and loved ones there, who sent him a care package. After one friend asked, via text, what he'd like to receive, Harmon replied:
"Hmm..I can always use Orbit gum, Throat Coat, Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop popcorn, Kit Kats, Smart Water--I'm pretty basic. Haha and those are my roommate's favorite too--except he's a Starburst fan instead of chocolate."
So his Malvern pals gathered the items and shipped them Monday.
The box of goodies arrived Wednesday, but that day was a long one and he didn't get a chance to open it.
The next night, Harmon performed Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man."
Afterward, judge Harry Connick told him, "There's an essence about you that's very Southern. ... Your essence comes out every time and it's very, very appealing."
"I love how you took the soul aspect, the gospel, the Southern aspect and twisted it all in there," added judge Keith Urban.
The third judge, Jennifer Lopez, became emotional, choking back tears as she noted why she's enjoyed the show and will miss it so much when it concludes after this 15th and final season.
"It's been having this front seat to watching the perfect song and the perfect singer to sing it at that time. That's what happened there, and it made me feel like, 'Damn, I've been so lucky the five years I got to be on the show and watch things like that,'" she said. "You sang the song so beautifully, and I felt every single word of it, and thank you for giving me one of those moments."
After his performance Thursday, Harmon opened his care package from Malvern.
"It was great," he told Paper Trails by phone Friday. "I sat down and ate a bunch of it. I had Kit Kats and popcorn. ... I felt like a kid with a bunch of junk food. ... Please tell everyone in Arkansas I love them. It's my home away from home. And tell them to please vote -- my fate is in their fingertips."
Stay tuned here for more from Paper Trails' visit with Harmon.
THE BIG SCREEN: After a recent private screening for those involved in the making of the faith-based film God's Not Dead 2, starring Melissa Joan Hart and filmed in Little Rock last year, Arkansans may wonder which notable locals made the cut.
Yancey Prosser of The Agency in Little Rock, who assisted in casting the film, set for national release April 1, says those appearing on screen include actresses Natalie Canerday (Sling Blade, October Sky) and Candyce Hinkle (True Grit, Come Early Morning); Mallory Brooks, morning show host with KARK-TV, Channel 4; and Jeff Bailey, known for his work at Murry's Dinner Playhouse and the Arkansas Rep.
Contact Linda S. Haymes at (501) 399-3636 or lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
Metro on 03/20/2016