WATCH: Zachariah Smith & REO Speedwagon Rock ‘American Idol’ With “Take It On The Run”

The Top 7 Idol finalist teamed up with the rock group to showcase his gritty vocals as the Idol judges watched on. 

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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Posted on May 21, 2023

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REO Speedwagon, Zachariah Smith; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

Zachariah Smith joined forces with REO Speedwagon for a performance of “Take It On The Run” during the American Idol finale on Sunday (May 21). 

The Top 7 Idol finalist teamed up with the rock group to showcase his gritty vocals as the Idol judges watched on.

Donning a velvet red jacket and a pair of black bedazzled pants, Smith belted out the lyrics to the massive hit. 

“You take it on the run, baby / If that’s the way you want it, baby / Then I don’t want you around / I don’t believe it / Not for a minute / You’re under the gun / So you take it on the run,” Smith and the band sang on the tune’s chorus.

“Take It On The Run” was released in 1980 via REO Speedwagon’s ninth studio album, Hi Infidelity.

Watch Zachariah Smith And REO Speedwagon’s Duet Below

Zachariah Smith made it into the Top 5 on American Idol. Following his departure from the show, Zachariah Smith took to social media to bid farewell to the singing competition.

“I didn’t want to make a too complicated video [and] I thought about doing it and I wasted time doing it. I don’t want to waste any more time [and] I just want to get straight to the point,” Smith began. “First off, I want to thank you guys. You guys have got me to the top five and that is absolutely insane. And keep in mind, this is just a TV show. I get it. A lot of y’all are upset right now. Some of y’all are just disappointed that the votes didn’t go through like you thought they would. And sometimes it happens. But honestly, this is just a TV show. It helped me grow my platform.”

Debut Single “American Grace”

Days later, he released heart-pounding debut single, “American Grace.”

Co-written by Jesse Frasure, AJ Babcock and Alex Hall, “American Grace” finds the American Idol Top 7 finalist telling the story of a kid turning to music during the happiest of times as well as life’s most difficult moments. 

“Oh, oh, God bless it / Oh, oh, let it play / In every hometown, the heartbeat pounds / To the sound of American Grace / How sweet the sound of American Grace,” Smith sings on the chorus of the spirited track. 

Throughout the song, Zachariah Smith allows his southern-rock-leaning vocals to shine vibrantly over an energy-filled rock instrumental.

Click above to listen. 

Zachariah Smith; Photo Courtesy of Easton Schirra/American Idol
Zachariah Smith; Photo Courtesy of Easton Schirra/American Idol

Live from Hollywood, the three-hour Season 21 finale of American Idol also featured performances from the Idol judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as the top 3 finalists: Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, and Iam Tongi. 

Additionally, Ellie Goulding, Jelly Roll, Pitbull, TLC, Lil Jon, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson and Lauren Daigle also performed throughout the broadcast. 

American Idol alums Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken also returned to the show. 

Keith Urban; Photo Courtesy of American Idol
Keith Urban; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

Country superstar Keith Urban, who served as an American Idol judge during seasons 12 to 15, was on hand to mentor the top 3.  

“To be able to come in as a mentor, and play as well, is incredible,” he told PEOPLE. “That was home for me for several seasons, and the mentoring part is probably one of the things I always enjoyed the most, getting to work with the artist one-on-one.”

During the show, several other fan-favorite contestants returned to the American Idol stage, including Haven Madison, Olive Steele, Wé Ani, Zachariah Smith, Warren Peay, and more. 

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the American Idol season 21 finale aired on Sunday, May 21 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. 

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Written by

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski

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