Lil Rounds, “the American Idol” contestant from Memphis, has a large, close-knit and supportive family. Wednesday night, I had the pleasure of attending their watch party at a local Restaurant in Cordova in support of the Memphis diva.

I was amazed to see the out-pouring of support, with congratulation posters posted on the wall, original buttons, and sassy T-shirts.

“We have always felt she had the full package. She has the looks, the personality, and the voice! So it is good that America can finally see what we have seen this entire time,” says Jesse Rounds, Lil’s husband.

“She is a natural-born STAR. She has been a diva since she was 5-years-old,” says Dolline Coburn, Lil Rounds’ mother. Named after her grandmother, the 24-year-old Memphian is a wife and a mother of three beautiful children.

“They are very busy, but Lil always finds the time to call home every day and speak to me, her husband, and her babies. She is a great mother,” said Coburn.

Lil has received rave reviews throughout the idol competition. And Wednesday night she added another notch on her belt of success. Lil chose to sing “Heat Wave” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. The judges table was split in opinions. Ultimately the judges agreed Lil should have picked a different song, but did a good job during Motown week.

Lil Rounds auditioned back late summer 2008 in Kansas City. Her husband Jesse drove her there and described that day as hectic.

“Imagine an ocean of people…. it took so long. We were there from 5 a.m. to 9:30 pm and we could not leave. Through it all we made it and it was definitely worth it!”

Lil received unanimous praise from the four judges to advance to the Hollywood preliminaries. Her voice was described as a mixture of Fantasia Barrino and Mary J. Blige.

Lil Rounds’ family is extremely proud of her and so is the Tri-State Defender Family. Congratulations Lil Rounds and Family. Best wishes and Good Luck!!

Watch Lil Rounds

“American Idol” is on Fox-TV Channel 13. Check your local listing for details. Remember to support our Memphis Diva, The outcome is determined by call-in votes from viewers.

The next “Idol” Watch Party will be at “The Shack” 3815 Riverdale Road (formally known as Joe’s Crab Shack) during the broadcast of the show.

For more information contact Jackie Bougard by e-mail: jbougard1@yahoo.com
Remember to check out www.LilRoundsFan.com

E-Mail “All Over Town” Nyah Nile for Questions or Comments or if you just want her at your next Big Event @ nyah@tri-statedefender.com

Lil Rounds’ large, close-knit and supportive family was out in full force to support their favorite “American Idol” contestant.	Teon Howell (left), Lil Rounds’ Cousin, best friend and hairstylist, and Jackie Bougard, Rounds’ cousin and event coordinator, get Abner’s Famous Chicken Tenders Restaurant in Cordova ready for the “American Idol” watch party on Wednesday. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)
Dolline Coburn says her “American Idol” is “a natural-born STAR. She has been a diva since she was 5-years-old.”	Jesse Rounds, husband of “American Idol” contestant Lil Rounds of Memphis, was the parent-on-duty as his wife competed Wednesday. Rounds and his children (left to right) Bryce, 2, Tamia, 5, and Lauren, 3, attended a television watch party with family, friends and fans at Abner’s restaurant in Cordova.