Lucas: Get set for Lee Jean appearance on ‘Idol’, fund started to help with travel

Bluffton’s Lee Jean is expected to appear on “American Idol” this week with a solo performance set for Wednesday night’s show and a duet set for Thursday night’s show.

Last week, the first half of the “Top 24” semi-finalists performed over a two-night period and ended with five contenders eliminated.

This week, Jean’s group is expected to perform and the same number is expected to be cut, leaving 14 left.

It is not known who Jean will sing with, but last week’s show saw the return of past Idol winners such as Ruben Studdard, Lauren Alaina and Nick Fradiani.

Jean, 16, has been making regular appearances on the show since January and made it through the grueling “Hollywood Week.”

In the meantime, community and city officials have worked to establish a fund created to help offset the family’s travel expenses. The family has made several visits to Los Angeles since the show began taping.

Donations to the fund can be made by calling 843-252-7168 or by visiting www.leejeanmusic.com and clicking on “Contact.”

Plans are underway for a community celebration, parade and concert in Bluffton, according to a news release, though a date has not been determined for the festivities.

In addition, an official “Watch Party” will take place at 8 tonight at Zeppelins Bar & Grill, 25 Innovation Drive (in Station 300 at Buckwalter Place), Bluffton.

“American Idol” is scheduled to run through April 7 and will conclude with a live, two-hour farewell celebration. The show airs from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8-10 p.m. on Thursdays on Fox.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 3:13 PM with the headline "Lucas: Get set for Lee Jean appearance on ‘Idol’, fund started to help with travel."