Beach 'Idol' hopeful makes live debut

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - American Idol hopeful Felicia Barton, spent most of her life at Freedom Fellowship in Virginia Beach. Her dad is the Senior Pastor. Her brother is the Youth Pastor and she leads worship.

So it should come as no surprise that the people crowded around a television in the church's youth center Tuesday night, praying for the 26-year-old's continued success.

Felicia's brother, Preston Hocker had everyone in the room stop during the commercial break for a prayer - right before Felicia's debut on the national television show American Idol.

"Thank you for her talent. We love you. Amen!" Hocker prayed. Then the crowd shouted.

Felicia sung Alecia Keys' "No One" for America, as her friends cheered on at home.

And listened to the judges remarks.

Fernanda Velosa, who's known Felicia for about a decade said, "Simon always has his two cents, but the judges were right, they love her and they were right because she's amazing."

Felicia's supporters at Freedom Fellowship were impressed, but not surprised.

"We've always known that she's amazing. She's got this amazing talent. So it's awesome to see her being able to do her dream."

Hocker said of his sister, "She's been singing since she was a little kid. Her first words may have been sung. It's just incredible that this could actually happen for her."

As soon as the show ended, dozens of people pulled out cell phones and started dialing.