Michael Garner, a 16-year-old student from Forrest City, Arkansas, took on Hollywood Week at The Fisher Center at Belmont University in Nashville, hoping to earn a spot in the golden room on American Idol, and move one step closer to the Top 30, with a Red Clay Strays cover.
Garner first introduced himself to the American Idol judges with “I’m Still Fine” by The Red Clay Strays during his audition, drawing comparisons to Justin Timberlake and a “country Justin Bieber.” While Luke Bryan praised his talent, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie expressed hesitation, noting that although he’s very talented, he may be too young for the competition.
“I look at you and I see my son, and I would not throw him in the middle of it where you are at 16. So that’s where I’m coming from,” Underwood said at the time.
Garner didn’t let that initial hestitation from the Idol judges stop him from moving on in the competition however. Now, during Hollywood Week, Michael Garner returned with a cover of “Wanna Be Loved” by Red Clay Strays.
After watching his direct competition perform in front of the Idol judges, he admitted, “I’m surprised by all the people my age. Honestly, I never thought people my age had those type of pipes.” He went on to explain, “I [may be] 16 years old, [and] I understand this competition can be a stressful thing to go through, but I think I have what it takes for sure.”
He then went on to take the stage at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts inside Belmont University to deliver an impressive cover of the Red Clay Strays track while strumming his acoustic guitar.
“Let’s see how he does in the bright lights,” Bryan said as Garner entered the stage.
Garner then went on and proved that age is just a number and that talent has no age limit as his performance was impressive and full of confidence.
Luke Bryan was thoroughly impressed by his performance and stated, “We’re not expecting you to be anything other than what you are, a 16-year-old kid, but you’re just doing impressive stuff. You should be very, very proud. Good job.”
After a few other teenage Idol hopeful performed, Michael Garner’s fate on the popular singing competition show was revealed. He was among those chosen to advance to the Golden room, making him one step closer to earning a spot in the Top 30.
“Feeling great, man, for real. I’m so excited right now. Me only being 16. I really thought I was out for the count, but I guess it’s just proof. It’s not just about the age, it’s about what you got inside,” Garner admitted after securing a spot in the golden room, making him one step closer to earning a spot in the Top 30.
American Idol airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC, and is available to stream next day on Hulu.
