"Idol" Wannabeen Headlines at SC Balloon Fest

"American Idol" reject Bucky Covington got a real boost to his career -- as headliner at -- hold for it -- The Great Southeast Balloon Fest. The wha?
Bucky Covington
TMZ was on scene when Bucky boy blasted his own brand of hot air and spastic dancing for what looks like an audience of dozens of adoring old folks in Anderson, South Carolina. Bucky "performed" before the hot dog eating contest, and just after the wing eating contest. At least he was out in front of other bands like ... Morris Day and the Time! Oh-wee-oh-wee-oh!

When your final 15 minutes of "Idol" fame tick down ... this is where you go. There's always the balloon ride.







Filed under: Wacky & Weird

Reader Comments

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61. Bucky's very popular in the Charlotte, NC area and well respected. There are plenty of people who'd want to see him!

Posted at 6:27PM on Sep 7th 2007 by charlotte

62. Looks like TMZ will learn from these comments what their readers like. Stick to making fun of the idiots in hollyweird and leave our hot country artists alone. I love reading TMZ, but not when they pull this crap. It makes TMZ sound no better than Perez.

Posted at 6:49PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Phred84

63. Looks like Bucky is packing some heat there too.

Obviously TMZ staffers have received their GED's or are well on their way to getting them. South Carolina is not in the Midwest. Their grasp of geography speaks volumes about our public school systems, doesn't it? And yet, they still get jobs

Posted at 7:17PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Duh!

64. I was at this show in Anderson, SC (which is nowhere near the midwest!) and Bucky and his band put on a PHENOMENAL show!!!!!!!! There was a HUGE crowd there, and they loved every minute of that show!! I know I certainly did!!!!!!!!!! I can hardly wait 'til I can go see 'em again!!!! Bucky, his brother Rocky, and the entire band are so INCREDIBLY talented and are some of the SWEETEST guys in the world!! Plain and simple Bucky rocks!!!!!!!

Posted at 7:20PM on Sep 7th 2007 by icyfire11

65. Dear TMZ Staff, have you finally gotten a clue? As the old Merle
Haggard song goes, "If you're runnin' down my country, man, You're
walkin' on the fightin' side of me." To a lot of us folks in rural
America, "My Country" means family, church, working for an honest
living, the flag, the military, Mom, apple pie, farm animals (except
"Chicks") - you know, all those things that some sophisticated folks
poke fun at us for. And singers of country, bluegrass and gospel
songs tell it like it is for us. Bucky is the real deal and he's
working hard to make an honest living so pick another target for your
misplaced attempt at humor. In closing, God bless America and our men and women in the military!

Posted at 7:54PM on Sep 7th 2007 by I'm Country and Darned Proud...

66. Hey TMZ... not only did you manage to disrespect small town america, you are WAY off on your depiction of Bucky Covington as a "American Idol Reject". Not only is Bucky immensely talented, he is a true gentleman, and very kind to his fans. His debut CD was the biggest release by a new male country artist since Billy Ray Cyrus, his first single hit #5 on the country charts and he made his Grand Ole Opry Debut in March of 2007.

Do us all a favor and try GOOGLE before you belittle a decent, hardworking guy who is just paying his dues. Better yet, try www.buckycovington.com

Honey


Posted at 7:54PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Honey

67. I don't know whats going on over at TMZ but you're misinformed, Bucky Covington is doing really well in the country music scene, he was on the top of the list of new country albums and singers, he has a lucrative contract as well. Maybe he is getting big bucks to do this concert, its a good opportunity for him to plug his new album and make some new fans, sounds smart to me. Morris Day and the Time are oldies but goodies, I'd pay to see them, they put on a fabulous show even now, these are not the bottom of the barrel people you are dissing here. You made it sound one time as if being on Broadway was hitting the skids, you must be kidding. I come from NY and thats every performers dream, to be on Broadway yet you made it sound as low as you could go, where have you people been? I think you got so caught up in what Paris and Lindsay and all of the trashcan kids in Hollywood are doing that you have forgotten there are working actors and singers out there, just because you don't see them half naked or unconscious in the back of a van or in front of a judge doesn't mean they aren't stars. Yesterday you dissed Heavy D, a fine actor and a founder of hip hop, he doesn't need to work and he is not a loser. Elliott Yamin is not a wannabee either, his album went gold, they just haven't been arrested is all, maybe thats why you think they are losers. Sheesh!

Posted at 8:54PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Madeleine

68. Hey TMZ... if you think Bucky is the only sideshow talent, think again. Kevin Bacon and his brother just played at our local COUNTY FAIR!!!!

HOW FRIGGIN' DEPRESSING AND LOW BALLING IS THAT?!?!?!?!!!!!

Posted at 9:11PM on Sep 7th 2007 by alb

69. Oh come on.
The meanie queenies at TMZ are not attracted to Bucky.
Geez it's one thing to be mean, but they are not even correct about his being a "wannabeen" whatever that is.
He is getting good reviews for his album. Lots of country stars play small venues.
At least he is doing what he loves.
No, he's not Tim McGraw, but he may be some day.
Also, in the country industry it's very important they play these venues. It's almost a requirement.
God, TMZ is stupid. How does this website keep going?

Posted at 9:18PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Kitty

70. Many of you have made some really good comments....#2 #66 #69 just to name a few. Maybe tmz will get the message!!

Posted at 9:55PM on Sep 7th 2007 by justmyopinion

71. Come on TMZ quit hating on Bucky!! I don't watch Idol at all, but when I first heard his first single on country radio, I ran out and bought his CD. I was very impressed with it, as were many other fans of country music. Who cares that he was playing at a balloon festival, a lot of country music superstars play free shows for there fans. Thats one of the reasons that I like country music soooo much is because the artists actually care about there fans, and they do these kind of free shows for the FANS!!

Posted at 10:01PM on Sep 7th 2007 by Clark

72. You laugh. I saw Whitney Houston in 1986 at the New York State Fair in Syracuse wearing a purple satin jacket and didn't/couldn't dance. Her performance was awful, her voice was incredible and you know the rest.

Posted at 11:59PM on Sep 7th 2007 by twocents

73. I am sooooo sick and tired of the Media making rude, nasty, hurtful remarks about Clay Aiken's sexuality. The fact of the matter is nobody's buisness but Clays. Those of us who know Clay's family and friends in fact DO know the truth. Clay has answered this question himself on NUMEROUS occasions. It's too bad that people have stereo-typed this nice man into some Girly,limped wristed, homosexual. Why don't we talk about the sheer inborn talent of this guy. He may not have "WON" the official title of American
Idol, but he has garnered millions of fans across the world who firmly stand by Clay. And MILLIONS of people have gone to his concerts,stood in line for meet and greets,attended Charity functions with him,and purchased his records. I have talked to Clay several times, and he is nothing but polite, sweet funny and very very smart. So before you go bashing Clay Aiken, stop and think about the winner of AI that year. Ruben Studdard????? Yeah, his career sure took of didnt it?????

Posted at 12:44AM on Sep 8th 2007 by DDunn62

74. #61-your comment sucked.

Posted at 12:45AM on Sep 8th 2007 by DDunn62

75. I love Bucky, just saw him at our local fair a couple of weeks ago. You all really are extremely shallow. Middle America does NOT relate to Hollyweird, and they do not relate to us. I hope it always stays that way too!

Posted at 1:26AM on Sep 8th 2007 by Brenda

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