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Tucker booted off 'Idol'

Friends rally behind Manassas resident Travis Tucker who was eliminated from 'American Idol' this week

By MARTY MORRISON

Date published: 3/11/2005

By MARTY MORRISON Friends say singer will bounce back

Travis Tucker may be out of the "American Idol" competition, but he's still tops with friends and supporters from the area.

"He'll rebound," said the Rev. Rick Veit, minister at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Woodbridge where Tucker is a member. "He makes the best of everything that comes his way."

Tucker, a Manassas resident, was one of four vocalists booted off the Fox network's vocal contest Wednesday night. He had reached the top 16 when he performed earlier this week.

Veit said that supporters, who had gathered twice weekly at Brittany's Restaurant in Lake Ridge to watch Tucker on TV, were prepared for the possibility he'd be cut.

"We knew he got canned by the judges Monday night," Veit said. "People still cheered him on, but we felt bad for him."

Veit has not talked to Tucker or any of his family since his "Idol" elimination, but he knows that Tucker will make the most of his national exposure.

"Travis, having the musical and performance gifts that he has, will seek out those opportunities," Veit said. "I don't believe this is the end. He did an amazing job."

Tucker, 21, is a second-year student at the University of Virginia, where he founded an a cappella hip-hop group, ReMix.

He has plenty of support at U.Va.

In an e-mail last week, Brian Harry, a U.Va. student from Spotsylvania County, described his friend.

"Travis is nothing less than exemplary. He is very much in tune with himself and his family. He has mental, moral and psychological strength that surpasses most people I know. He is one of those people that generates strength for those around him."

Veit isn't sure when Tucker will return to the Prince William area, but he'll have plenty of support when he does.

"Our church has been behind him all the way," he said. "We'll be there to rally him at home."

To reach MARTY MORRISON: 540/374-5423 mmorrison@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 3/11/2005