He’s the reality star who made a memorable impression on season 20 of American Idol back in 2022. During his audition, he stepped onto the stage and delivered a heartfelt performance of “2016” by Sam Hunt, showcasing his natural talent. The judges were clearly moved—especially Luke Bryan, who pointed out that he had a “heartbreak tone” in his voice, something that really set him apart. Thanks to that powerful moment, he earned his spot and advanced all the way to the Hollywood round.
But long before the spotlight found him, he was already immersed in music. He graduated from Eastside High School in South Carolina in 2019, where his passion for singing began to take shape. Back then, he was actively involved in the youth choir at Taylors Baptist Church, building confidence and honing his craft week after week. Music truly runs in the family—he started learning to play the piano as a child, inspired by his mother, sister, and brother, all of whom are musically inclined. It’s clear that his journey has been shaped by both talent and a deep-rooted connection to music, making his rise on American Idol feel like a natural next step.
During the 2020 quarantine, he found himself diving into music and taught himself how to play the iconic theme from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. It was kind of a turning point for him—something that sparked a deeper passion. Then, in the summer of 2021, he took things further by starting to write and produce his own songs. You could say that’s when he really began finding his voice. Before all this, though, he was part of the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, where he had his sights set on becoming a pilot. So while music eventually became a big focus, his journey started with a completely different dream. He balanced discipline and ambition, but ultimately, it was music that pulled him in. And now, looking back, it feels like every step—from learning that Pirates theme to stepping onto the Idol stage—was leading him right here. He’s definitely come a long way, and honestly, it’s been pretty inspiring to see how he’s evolved.