After gaining recognition as a standout contestant on the television show Nashville Star, he landed a major contract with RCA Records—a pivotal moment that set his music career in motion. Since then, he has achieved widespread success, scoring #1 hits such as “The Man I Want to Be,” which helped solidify his place in country music. Before fame came knocking, his passion for singing first took root when he joined his school choir, where he discovered his vocal talent and love for performance. As he moved into college, that passion only grew stronger—he spent those years actively touring and performing live on stage over 150 times, building both experience and confidence. Adding to his musical legacy, he is the grandson of Richard Yates, a notable performer once featured on the legendary Louisiana Hayride. Throughout it all, he has stayed true to his roots, letting his journey—from choirboy to chart-topper—shape the artist he is today.
After winning Nashville Star, he put out the single “Drinkin’ Me Lonely,” which really marked a key moment in his journey. He showed off his talent early on, and this release helped solidify his presence in the country music scene. He definitely made an impact with that track, and fans started paying close attention to what he would do next. He continued building momentum, proving that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder but someone with real staying power.