By Judy Reed

Photo by J. Reed

Over 200 fans cheered, clapped, swayed and sang along with country singer Bucky Covington Wednesday night at his first ever appearance in Cedar Springs. Covington played a free, 30-minute, acoustic concert at Tractor Supply as part of radio station B-93’s Roofsit concert series to support abused and neglected children.

“Being a part of country music, it’s awesome that I can come out and do these kinds of things,” Covington told the Post. “As good as the people are that support me, the least we can do is give back.” Covington reportedly paid for his own plane ticket to Michigan to do the concert.

Bucky Covington serenades a young fan at the B-93 Roofsit concert in Cedar Springs Wednesday. Photo by J. Reed

The North Carolina native, who finished in the top 10 of season five on American Idol, said that five years ago it was hard to imagine he would be doing what he loves. “I was very tired of going to the body shop. I hoped I’d be here, but it was unheard of in our small town,” he said.

After American Idol, Covington sold nearly 500,000 copies of his self-titled debut album, and had a string of top ten hits. He just debuted a new video, “Gotta be somebody,” written by Nickelback. It is from his new album to be released in 2010. Covington sang that and several other hits for the fans in Cedar Springs, and dedicated one song to a friend that died of child abuse.

Reese Rickards, a B-93 personality and Solon Township resident, emceed the concert.

If you’d like to donate to the B-93 Roofsit cause or get more information, visit www.b93.com.

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