Lana Oconnell
Several students and alumni of Lee University have participated in the American Idol singing competition series over the years. Clark Beckham, a Lee University graduate, was a finalist on the show in 2015. Beckham, who was set to be the student director of Lee's Campus Choir, postponed his campus life to pursue his dream on American Idol. He was the fourth Lee University student to advance to the Hollywood rounds, following in the footsteps of Phil Stacey, Chase Guyton, and Jermaine Purifory. In 2023, Phil Stacey, a Lee University alumnus, returned to American Idol, auditioning alongside his daughter, McKayla Stacey. Leon James Lee DeWyze Jr., a singer-songwriter, was also a contestant on American Idol and went on to win the ninth season of the show. These individuals have represented Lee University on a national platform, showcasing their musical talents and pursuing their dreams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Lee University students who have appeared on American Idol | 5 |
| Names of Lee University students who have appeared on American Idol | Clark Beckham, Phil Stacey, McKayla Stacey, Lee DeWyze, Jermaine Purifory |
| Course studied at Lee University | Music, History, English Writing (minor in Journalism) |
| Year of graduation from Lee University | 2002, 2014 |
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What You'll Learn
- Clark Beckham, a Lee University graduate, was an American Idol finalist in 2015
- Beckham is the fourth Lee University student to make it to the Hollywood rounds or further
- Phil Stacey, Lee University alumni, returned to American Idol in 2023 with his daughter
- Lee University students supported Beckham with weekly TV parties while he was on the show
- Lee DeWyze, winner of season 9 of American Idol, is not affiliated with Lee University
Clark Beckham, a Lee University graduate, was an American Idol finalist in 2015
Clark Beckham, a Lee University graduate, was a finalist in the fourteenth season of American Idol in 2015. Beckham, who was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in White House, Tennessee, graduated from Lee University with a degree in history. He is the son of musicians Teri and Virgil Beckham of White House, Tenn. Beckham had already enrolled in grad school at Lee University and was set to be the student director of the Campus Choir when he auditioned for "American Idol" in Nashville.
Beckham is the fourth Lee University student to make it to the Hollywood rounds or further on the Fox network's reality TV talent show. The others are Phil Stacy, who placed sixth in season six; Chase Guyton, and Jermaine Purifory, who advanced into the Hollywood rounds. Beckham graduated from Lee in May 2014 with a bachelor's degree in history. While at Lee, he was a member of the Campus Choir, performed in the theatre production "Big River," and wrote and performed original music for a production of "Much Ado About Nothing."
Beckham auditioned for American Idol singing "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" by James Brown. He was the first contestant at the first city, Nashville, Tennessee, to sing in front of the judges. He passed the audition by a split decision: approved by Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, disapproved by Harry Connick Jr. Beckham advanced into Showcase Week, where he performed Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles. After being voted through to the Top 4, he performed "Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder and Josh Turner's "Your Man".
Beckham was voted into the Final 2 with fellow contestant Nick Fradiani on May 12, 2015. For the Top 2, he performed "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles, "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, and his winner single "Champion". He was announced as the Runner-Up of Season 14 on May 13, 2015, with Fradiani declared the winner.
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Beckham is the fourth Lee University student to make it to the Hollywood rounds or further
Clark Beckham, a Lee University student, made it to the top seven on American Idol. He is the fourth Lee University student to make it to the Hollywood rounds or further. The others are Phil Stacey, who placed sixth in season six, Chase Guyton, and Jermaine Purifory.
Beckham is the son of musicians Teri and Virgil Beckham of White House, Tennessee. He grew up listening to the Motown sound and was heavily influenced by his father's soulful singing style and instrumental talent. Beckham graduated from Lee University in May 2014 with a bachelor's degree in history. While at Lee, he was a member of the Campus Choir, performed in the theatre production "Big River," and wrote and performed the original music for a production of "Much Ado About Nothing." He also composed the score for two short films.
Beckham's musical abilities and calm stage presence prepared him for his shot at stardom on American Idol. His involvement in the Lee drama department and musical training equipped him with the skills to succeed on the show. Beckham's talent for arranging music and his charisma were also noted by his fellow students, who supported him during his journey on American Idol.
In addition to Beckham and Stacey, Lee University has had other notable alumni on American Idol. Lee DeWyze, for example, was a contestant on Season 9 and went on to win the competition. DeWyze had a solo career before Idol and formed the "Lee DeWyze Band." He released albums and even performed the National Anthem at the Staples Center for Game 2 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
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Phil Stacey, Lee University alumni, returned to American Idol in 2023 with his daughter
Phil Stacey, a 2002 music degree graduate of Lee University, returned to the American Idol stage in 2023 with his 16-year-old daughter, McKayla Stacey. This was not the first time the pair had appeared on the show together, as Phil Stacey initially auditioned for season six of the show on the day his daughter was born in 2006.
Stacey, who placed sixth in season six, returned to the show to perform alongside his daughter in her season 22 audition. McKayla Stacey earned a ticket to Hollywood with her performance of "She Used to Be Mine" by Sara Bareilles. Her audition was accompanied by piano, played by her father, who admitted he was nervous about playing for her.
McKayla Stacey said it was surreal to have her father at her audition. She added that she hopes to be a student at Lee University and follow in her parents' footsteps by traveling and doing ministry work. She also expressed her love for musical theatre and performing.
Phil Stacey has gone on to have a successful career in the music industry, authoring Christian and country songs and releasing a book titled "Made to Worship: Empty Idols and the Fullness of God," which details his journey as a Christian artist. He now serves as a worship pastor at Central Community Church in Wichita, Kansas.
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Lee University students supported Beckham with weekly TV parties while he was on the show
Clark Beckham, a former student of Lee University, was a contestant on American Idol in 2015. While Beckham was on the show, Lee University students supported him by hosting weekly TV parties. These parties were held in the Conn Student Union, with students gathering to watch the show together and vote for Beckham.
Beckham is a Lee University alumnus, having graduated in May 2014 with a bachelor's degree in history. He was also involved in music during his time at Lee University, including being a member of the Campus Choir and performing in theatre productions. Beckham's musical talent and involvement at Lee University were likely factors in the student body's strong support for him during his time on American Idol.
The weekly TV parties began with a smaller group of people who knew Beckham personally and grew as more students became involved. The university supported these gatherings, and the parties became a way for the Lee University community to come together and cheer on one of their own.
Some students shared their personal connections to Beckham and their thoughts on his talent and personality. Tyler Jarvis, a junior at Lee University, mentioned that he and Beckham used to play in a band together. Other students, such as Adrienne Sandifer and Kelly O'Bannon, also spoke about Beckham's musical abilities and his humility.
Beckham himself expressed gratitude for the support from his alma mater, stating that the Lee University community was a huge part of his family. He also credited his time at Lee University for equipping him with the skills and mindset to pursue his musical dreams.
In addition to Beckham, there have been other Lee University alumni who have appeared on American Idol. Phil Stacey, who graduated from Lee University in 2002 with a music degree, auditioned for the show in 2006 and finished in the top six. More recently, Stacey returned to American Idol, accompanying his daughter, McKayla Stacey, on the piano during her audition for season 22.
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Lee DeWyze, winner of season 9 of American Idol, is not affiliated with Lee University
On the other hand, Lee University is a separate entity and is not directly associated with Lee DeWyze or his musical career. The university has, however, been linked to other American Idol contestants. Clark Beckham, a Lee University graduate, was a finalist on American Idol in 2015. Beckham was set to be the student director of the Lee Campus Choir before his audition for the show. He credited his time at Lee University and the training he received there as instrumental in preparing him for his shot at stardom.
Another notable connection between Lee University and American Idol is Phil Stacey, a Lee University alumnus. Stacey auditioned for season six of American Idol and finished in the top six. Years later, he returned to the show, accompanying his daughter, McKayla Stacey, on the piano during her season 22 audition.
While Lee DeWyze and Lee University share a similar name, DeWyze is not affiliated with the university. The university has, however, been represented by other talented individuals on the American Idol stage, including Clark Beckham and Phil Stacey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Clark Beckham, a Lee University graduate, was a finalist on season 14 of American Idol. He was the fourth Lee University student to make it to the Hollywood rounds or further.
Phil Stacey, who graduated from Lee University in 2002 with a music degree, was the first student from the university to be on American Idol. He finished in the top six of season six.
Yes, Chase Guyton and Jermaine Purifory have also appeared on the show, making it to the Hollywood rounds.
No, while several students from Lee University have made it far on American Idol, none have won the competition. However, Phil Stacey secured a record deal with Lyric Street Records after his time on the show.
