American Idol returned on Sunday (April 17) with the exciting reveal of the Top 20 and Mike Parker was thrilled to learn that he advanced to the next round.
Prior to his performance, the Virginia native and carpenter reminisced on his musical journey, recalling the moment he attended a Luke Bryan concert at the amphitheater next to where he used to work. Parker said the moment was life-changing for him.
“[It’s a] full circle moment now as I get to sing in front of him,” the 27-year-old said, adding, “Getting to be validated by a country superstar like Luke Bryan I just felt this sense of this is your moment and country music is your genre.”
Parker then took the stage to perform Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris’ “Chasing After You.”
Parker’s performance earned a roaring applause and standing ovation from the entire crowd and the Idol judges.
“Did you see how the crowd reacted when you pulled the mic off of the stand?” Katy Perry asked Parker, to which he replied, “yes ma’am.”
“They lost it for a hot second,” Perry added. “Do you understand that you have the power? Do you understand that you can like make the room boom? You just did it and it’s so wonderful to see it coming out and it’s silky and it’s smooth and I believe it and you’re the next country artist!”
“I mean, Mike, the time is so right for you in the world of music and you’re checking so many amazing boxes,” Bryan gushed. “It’s so inspiring being in this room and watching… I just used the word superstar and I feel you’re a superstar too.”
“Now, more than ever is the time. The thing I love most with you is that you have a storytellers voice,” Lionel Richie added. “You have the ability to bring us right to the core and then explode calmly. The crowd gives you the expression. You’re on fire my friend!”
How to vote for @musicbyMikeP
➔ Text 7 to 21523
➔ Use the #AmericanIdol App
➔ Go to https://t.co/zflQXnK76e𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 opens 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 the show! pic.twitter.com/en4nmQQ9XC
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 18, 2022
Parker and his fellow Top 20 contestants are vying for a spot in the Top 14, which will be revealed on Monday (April 18).
To vote for Mike Parker, visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote, Text 7 to 21523 or use the American Idol app.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.
