Not even the forces of nature can stop an American Idol star; at least they couldn’t stop Bucky Covington and the Nashville Stars on Friday in South Carolina.

Thousands of fans came out, brushing off the rain and ignoring the distant rumble of thunder, to catch a glimpse of the former American Idol star and the Nashville Stars on stage at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater in Anderson.

Melissa Campbell of Anderson said she decided to brave the elements simply because of boredom.

“We really had nothing else to do tonight,” Mrs. Campbell said. “I’m just upset that they made us wait so long to finally get in.”

Elizabeth and Herb Elhers of Anderson said they also had the opportunity to see Covington on American Idol.

“I really thought Bucky was a pretty good singer,” Mrs. Ehlers said. “He got really far in the competition, but I thought he was good enough to make it to the final pair.”

Mr. and Mrs. Ehlers said before the concert Friday that they planned on braving the storm as long as the lightning remained at a distance.

“I really hope after this show Bucky moves on to something bigger and better,” Mrs. Ehlers said. “He deserves it.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.