By Dustin Shipman

dshipman@joplinglobe.com

While Asia’h Epperson’s singing skills helped her move one step closer to becoming the next “American Idol” on Thursday, the Joplin native wasn’t all by herself.

Friends, family, former classmates and “Idol” fans gathered Wednesday night for the “Crazia’h for Asia’h” watch party at The Bridge. A crowd of nearly 100 watched on the big screen at the youth center as she performed for the judges, a roaring studio audience and millions of viewers at home, then worked to keep her on the show by casting their votes by phone to move her on to the top 16.

The theme for the week was the music of the 1970s, and Epperson was the night’s final performer, closing the show with a rendition of Eric Carmen’s ballad “All By Myself.” While judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul gave her positive remarks for her performance, Simon Cowell was much more critical, stating that the song was “too big for her.”

Ultimately, though, it was Epperson’s fans and other “Idol” voters who determined her fate this week.

Seeing the 19-year-old make it to the national stage came as no surprise to those who know her best.

ReGenia Brown, of Joplin, said that she always knew her friend’s talent would one day be recognized.

“She is a good friend of mine, we go swimming together and hang out together, and I just love her to death,” Brown said. “We have gone out together and sang karaoke a couple of times. She is really an amazing singer. She always has been. She’s all passion and all heart.”

Among those who turned out to support her during Wednesday night’s rally at The Bridge was Asia’h’s younger brother, Donavan Epperson.

The senior at Webb City High School said that his sister has always had the dream of becoming a performer and was happy that “Idol” has given her that shot.

“I remember having to introduce her when we were kids, and she would sing her songs,” he said.

Asia’h Epperson caught the attention of “Idol” judges during her Atlanta audition, where she sang a tribute to her father, who died two days before in an auto accident. Donavan said that he was proud of his older sister for being able to perform under those circumstances, and that their father would be as well.

“It was hard, but she is strong ... I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” he said. “She questioned going on with (the show), but we all told her to do what she felt in her heart.”

Lauren Eagleshield, an “American Idol” fan from Joplin, said she came out to the watch party to support Asia’h Epperson because she was excited to see someone from Joplin on one of her favorite TV shows.