ATLANTA (AP) — He won't be the next American Idol, but the show's hardly over for "General" Larry Platt.

The 63-year-old civil rights veteran has become an Internet sensation after performing his original song, "Pants On The Ground" at an audition for the ninth season of "American Idol." It wasn't really singing or rapping but it was performed with some gusto and even included a little break dancing for good measure.

Platt's fan base exploded after his Wednesday night debut, as his audition hit YouTube and Twitter. Within hours, he had been clicked and tweeted into one of the Internet's most popular topics. Jimmy Fallon reprised a version of the song on his show Thursday night, and Platt is scheduled for an appearance on ABC's daytime talk show "The View" next week.

Clips of Platt's "Idol" performance continued to get Web hits Friday on Twitter and YouTube.

"I have a horrible feeling that song could be a hit," skeptical "Idol" judge Simon Cowell reluctantly predicted on the show.

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2010/01/15/the_show_is_not_over_for_american_idol_c

Maybe the next Renaldo Lapuz but not next William Hung.

"General"--you rock! Great message!;)

If the show has an age limit for the contestants then why was this guy even allowed to be on?

If the show has an age limit for the contestants then why was this guy even allowed to be on?

because it's television!
4-5 years ago I went along with my daughter for auditions.
things I noticed was they selected 2 groups.singers and 'blooper acts.'
then you had to pass 3 auditions to come back weeks later to audition for simon,randy and paula.
some people will do anything for a few minutes of fame.
bottom line he was unique,and a human interest story.

I'd rather listen to this guy than William Hung - ANY DAY!!

Oh come on he's way better than William Hung! They had better bring him back on the finale.

I'd rather listen to this guy than William Hung - ANY DAY!!

Me, too... at least the General is entertaining!!! :lol:

Me, too... at least the General is entertaining!!! :lol:
Yes, he is! :lol:

Oh come on he's way better than William Hung! They had better bring him back on the finale.
:yeahthat Pretty much anyone's better than William Hung, though. :eek: :lol:

That guy was funny :lol: although I do wonder how many truly talented people get passed over just so these jokes can have their 15 seconds of fame.

I just hope we don't have to endure another Tatiana this season :barf:

General" Larry Platt -- the musical mastermind behind "Pants on the Ground" -- hasn't seen a dime since everyone and their mother started singing his tune ... and now he's lawyering up in the hopes of finally raking in some cash.

Platt tells TMZ he loves the countless parodies and remixes of his tune -- but says since he's the one who wrote the greatest song ever created about pants being on the ground ... he's the one who should be getting paid.

Problem is Platt never copyrighted the song ... so he's looking to hire an attorney to help him snag a slice of the "Pants" craze while he can.

For the record, Platt has seen Brett Favre's rendition and liked it ... and if Brett's up for it, Platt would love to get Brett on board for a duet.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0dGarXRRb

I absolutely LOVED this guy!

And fell in love even more when I heard his back story about working with MLK Jr. It's soooo true too - these men and women didn't march on Washington and do all that they did for civil rights just to have a couple of generations later have it smeared by guys walking around looking like gangstas and morons.

GET YER PANTS OFF THE GROUND FOOLS!! :lol:

"General" Larry Platt's gripe with saggy bottoms has gotten the "American Idol" star all the way to the Grammys -- dude's gonna be performing on the red carpet.

TMZ spoke with Platt's manager -- a charming woman named Pinky -- who told us the "Pants on the Ground" king will bust out his intoxicating anthem right before the awards show.

Unfortunately, the "General" is gonna have to find somewhere else to see the awards -- Pinky tells us there are no plans to actually go inside.

Probably for the best, considering Lil Wayne and T-Pain are expected to be at the Grammys ... gold teeth and all

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0dyn8asp8