The Clark Brothers have just announced that they will be performing on American Idol, April 9th (America Gives Back)
They are still not sure what song they will be performing, but I'm sure they will keep us in touch! Let's all tune in to show our support.
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The Clark Brothers of Franklin County never thought it would really happen.They have been playing together all their lives, but the trio had only been playing as a band for six months.According to Ashley Clark, he and his brothers, Austin and Adam, were watching 'Idol Gives Back' when they saw an advertisement on television for 'The Next Great American Band' contest."It was the very last day to send in a tape, and we didn't think much about it. And then they just called us and were like 'hey, can you come to Vegas?', so we flew out to Vegas and here we are," Ashley Clark said."I just prayed before I came out, and I said 'Lord, if you want me and my brothers to do this show, just let us do something for you.' I don't know if I want to be a preacher or what, but I just really want to do something for God."The Clark Brothers' tape was one of about six thousand sent in by bands from all over the country. Of these, 60 bands were chosen to participate in a judging session that took place in Las Vegas. There was no age limit, and the contest was open to all genres of music. The Clark Brothers were chosen by show producers and judges as one of 12 bands to compete in the main season of the show, which began on Oct. 19."We were really excited. We couldn't believe it. We thought we wouldn't hear back from them," Ashley Clark said.He was playing for Carrie Underwood at the time and had to choose to try to make it as a band with his brothers or stay with Underwood's band.He chose his brothers."I'm just hoping to be able to play with my brothers for the rest of my life. I think that would be such a great thing. That would be so amazing, being able to make a living playing with your family," he said.Within the trio, all three play the guitar, Ashley Clark sings and plays the fiddle. Austin Clark also sings and plays the dobro, while Adam Clark plays mandolin. The brothers consider themselves a mix between bluegrass, country, gospel, blues and a little bit of rock.Currently The Clark Brothers are in Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills.According to their father, Freddy Clark, the producers feed them and keep them under surveillance."The whole focus is on producing the show," Freddy Clark said. "I'm not overwhelmed by it, but I'm proud of them.""Every day we are doing something, either an interview or rehearsing a new song or doing camera blocking. It's just endless," Freddy Clark said.Out of the 12 bands that began the show, only eight remain tonight (Friday, Nov. 16)."Everybody is so nice. All the bands are so nice. Everybody gets along, and everyone gives it everything they got. That is what we are concentrating on is giving it everything we've got," Ashley Clark said.During the competition, the group has played some of their original songs, as well as an Elton John piece and a Billy Joel song."It's an adventure, exploring the will of God. They dedicated their efforts to God," Freddy Clark said.The winning band will receive a record deal with 19 Recordings, which holds contracts with stars like Carrie Underwood and Daughtry.The Next Great American Band was created by 19 Entertainment, one of the companies behind American Idol. Judges include Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Sheila E. and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.The Clark Brothers may be far away from home, chasing their dreams on national television, but they haven't forgotten about their hometown.
By EMILY FLORA - Staff Writer
