Lauren Alaina Suddeth. Contributed PhotoFans of Lauren Alaina Suddeth are rallying behind the singer with their votes as well as fundraising efforts to help her family’s travel expenses.
Lauren, Rossville’s teen singing sensation, is a finalist and judges’ front-runner on Fox network’s “American Idol.” Should the Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School sophomore continue to advance, she could remain in Los Angeles as many as 12 weeks.
“Idol” pays for one parent to stay with a contestant who is a minor. All other family members or friends must get to LA on their own dime.
“J.J. [Suddeth’s father] told me a flight costs about $478 round-trip,” said Jennifer Lawhorn, owner of Magoo’s Restaurant. Lauren sang weekly at Magoo’s for four years before auditioning for “American Idol.”
“The cab from the airport to the motel is about $60. A motel room for $200 a night is the cheapest he said he has found, and then there are meals and other expenses on top of that,” added Lawhorn.