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Wilmington resident makes the cut on "Idol"

FEBRUARY 9, 2005 -- "You don't have to stay forever, I will understand!"

Sarah Mather belted out the lyrics to Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" Tuesday night on the hit Fox show, American Idol, but the judges do love her.

"We love you Sarah. We'll see you tomorrow," judge Paula Abdul told the 22-year-old Wilmington resident when it came time for the cut. Just like that, the Wilmington singer is on to the next round of American Idol.

She'll join 43 others next week, but already Mather is making quite a name for herself.

Her entire audition in Washington, D.C. was shown in full on the show last month, but Mather isn't an overnight sensation. She's already known by many in the Wilmington music scene.

Lee Venters remembers Mather as a soulful singer when they performed together in the Wilmington band, Crushed Velvet, a couple years ago.

Fans believe Mather can make it even farther. Next week, we'll learn if she's got what it takes to be in the top 24.

Reported by Elizabeth Willis