Emerging talent surrounds President Bush yesterday as he plays host to the 2006 “American Idol” finalists in the Oval Office. Among them were (front row from left) Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Chris Daughtry, (back row) Ace Young, “AI” champion Taylor Hicks, runner-up Katharine McPhee and Bucky Covington. The visit was inspired by Hicks’ ninth-grade teacher Susan Whitson, who is now press secretary to First Lady Laura Bush. Hicks presented the president with a T-shirt bearing the name of his fan club, Soul Patrol.
IDOLS SING ‘HAIL TO THE CHIEF’
By
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Deborah Orin
Published
July 29, 2006, 4:00 a.m. ET