By STEPHANIE A. JAMES
Staff Writer
Appomattox resident William "W.T." Thompson emerged into the national spotlight last week while showcasing his talent for singing competition "American Idol."
Thompson, 25, auditioned for the 11th season of American Idol, which first aired last Wednesday on the Fox network.
The 2004 Appomattox County High School graduate auditioned for the show in Savannah, Ga.
Thompson said on the show that he quit his federal prison job to audition for American Idol.
"I had to quit my job for a chance at American Idol. I had to make the decision either a job or a dream. I choose the dream," the aspiring singer said.
Thompson also informed the judges that his wife, Laura, was pregnant, who was six months along at the time of the audition.
The son of Todd and Natalie Thompson of Appomattox, W.T. sung Little Big Town's "Boondocks" during the audition.
Idol Judge and Aerosmith front man Steve Tyler was hesitant on sending Thompson to the next level of the competition.
"You know what I hear your voice man, but I am not sure you are ready to be an American Idol. Just going to tell you frank," Tyler said.
"I think I got it man," Thompson responded.
Tyler's opinion meant that Thompson needed the final two judges' approval to advance to Hollywood.
Judge and Grammy nominated singer Jennifer Lopez had a different opinion than Tyler.
"I do not know. He has a twinkle in his eye. His voice is good, needs a little work but it is there. I think it is there to be worked with," said Lopez.
During his critique, record producer Randy Jackson says that Thompson will be "eaten alive" before giving Thompson the "thumbs up."
Despite the critical remarks, the judges on a majority approved Thompson to advance to the next level of the competition.
He was among 42 singers in Savannah to receive a ticket making the cut to compete in the semifinals in Hollywood.
Through Facebook, Thompson thanked the hundreds of supporters who posted messages to congratulate him.
"Thanks first and foremost to My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!," Thompson posted on Facebook on last Thursday. "Also to my family, my church, my hometown and now my new fans!!! Love you guys!!! (Stay) tuned for more!!!"
Appomattox County High School teacher Crystal Wilhoit, who taught Thompson, had a different opinion of his performance than voiced by the judges.
"His performance was excellent, but I didn't agree with the judges' comments," said Wilhoit, who first gained knowledge of Thompson's singing ability when he was her student years ago.
"W.T. use to sing to me in class all the time. He used songs to keep him in high spirits," Wilhoit said.
Wilhoit remembers Thompson as an outgoing and vivacious student.
"He was full of life. You never knew what was going to happen with him and his friends," she said.
Appomattox County High School earth science teacher Scott Conkwright also remembers Thompson as being "a character."
"He had a lot of energy. He was a good student," remembers Conkwright.
Like Wilhoit, Thompson's former classmate Mallory Webb thought he performed well.
"I thought he did great. He was very composed. I thought he represented Appomattox very well," said Webb. "I thought it was very exciting to see a former classmate on national TV. I am very proud of him."
The Hollywood semifinal episodes will air on the Fox channel beginning Feb. 9.
Typically, American Idol winners are offered a recording contract and some top finalists after being exposed on the show have an opportunity to work in the music industry to produce albums of their own.