Bucky Covington, the best-selling debut country artist of 2007, will play Lake Winnepesaukah on Sunday.

The Rockingham, N.C., native gained national recognition as a contestant on the fifth season of “American Idol,” where he finished in eighth place.

“I think Bucky’s appeal is that he’s an energetic entertainer, having been on ‘American Idol,’ ” said Lake Winnepesaukah public relations director Talley Green. “He also sings about real life. I think the general listener can identify with him.”

Green appreciates Covington’s first single, “A Different World,” which reminisces on childhood in a simpler (drinking from a garden hose), more skull-endangering (riding bikes without helmets) time. His current single, “It’s Good To Be Us” is climbing the charts.

Covington is not the first “American Idol” contestant to appear at the North Georgia amusement park. Josh Gracin previously has performed there.

Green said fellow “AI’ alum Carrie Underwood would be an obvious choice to pair with Covington. “I think Bucky would be a wonderful duet with her,” she said.

His debut album, “A Different World,” was produced by Mark Miller of country band Sawyer Brown. According to a news release, Covington told Miller he wanted to create music that was “country, with as much rock in it as I can get away with.”

Green compared Covington’s distinctive long-haired look to another rising country singer.

“He’s very much got an appeal like Jason Michael Carroll, with the long hair and a winning smile,” Green said.

All Jukebox Junction concerts are free with admittance to the park. Country singer Ashton Shepherd will play Aug. 3. Marietta, Ga.-based Confederate Railroad plays the final concert of the season Aug. 31.b