Joining forces to kick off the new season at the Cole are two North Carolina Piedmont natives who have hit the big time in country music thanks in part to American Idol. Performing on the Cole stage for the first time ever is one of Richmond County’s most famous former residents, Bucky Covington. In 2006, as he performed on the hit TV reality singing contest American Idol, Covington placed eighth in the show’s fifth season. Since then, he has remained an icon that has helped put Richmond County on the map. Covington’s country hits include “It’s Good To Be Us,” “I Wanna Be That Feeling,” “Gotta Be Somebody,” and “A Different World.” Bucky Covington club fan member David Modlin said, “We’ve been to four of Bucky’s shows. He is always energetic, enthused and gives 100 percent Many of his fans follow him everywhere he goes no matter the distance, because he always puts on a good show.” Season Five of American Idol seemed to be a showcase for North Carolina talent. In addition to Covington, another young, talented singer from the same area made a big impression. Kellie Pickler remained on the show two more weeks after Covington placing sixth in the competition. Her southern charm and bubbly personality made her a favorite of the fans nationwide. Pickler, a former Miss North Carolina contestant, hails from Albemarle, NC. Pickler’s string of hits include the Top Twenty hits “Red High Heels,” “Best Days of Your Life,” “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind,” and “I Wonder.” “Kellie and Bucky have a reputation of connecting with their audiences and fans. The two of them have represented North Carolina in a phenomenal way with their musical abilities and accomplishments. We are excited to have them perform here at the Cole together,” said Cole Auditorium Director Joey Bennett. The Hometown Country show featuring Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington will be presented on Friday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Cole Community Series. Tickets are available for the performance for $25 each and can be purchased by calling (910) 410-1691 or by visiting the Cole Box Office at 1042 W. Hamlet Ave, Hamlet N.C. Cash, check and VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Call the box office or visit www.richmondcc.edu for more information. Updated information about events at the Cole can be found on the Cole Auditorium section of the Richmond Community College website, by visiting www.facebook.com/coleaud, www.twitter.com/coleaud or by registering for the e-mail program.