Zachariah Smith announces debut single “American Grace” after bidding farewell to American Idol.
On Monday evening (May 15), the standout Idol contestant took to social media to share an emotional farewell message with fans and also announce that his debut single is dropping on Friday.
Bids Farewell To American Idol
“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.”
He then went on to admit that while he is no longer in the competition, it did allow him to grow his fan base. “I’ve got to meet a lot of new people and I’ve gained a lot of new fans that I didn’t have before this. So thank you guys so much for your support,” he added.
Zachariah Smith then announced his debut single, “American Grace.”
“I’ve got my new single ‘American Grace’ coming out very, very soon and there’s lots more to come,” Smith continued. “I just wanted to let you know I love you so much. Thank you guys for your support. I greatly appreciate it. We’re not done. This is just the new beginning to my new chapter in this new life, I guess. I don’t know. It’s really weird. There’s a lot of things, but down to the bottom line, I love you guys. Thank you so much for voting and supporting me this season and make sure you guys tune in.”
Listen To A Snippet Of Zachariah Smith’s Debut Single “American Grace” Below
Unfortunately, Smith did not make the Top 3 on Idol.
See Zachariah Smith’s American Idol Audition Below
Zachariah Smith auditioned for Idol with John Mellencamp’s hit, “Hurts So Good,” where America immediately fell in love with his voice and story.
Following his audition, Perry told him, “Oh no!” Perry exclaimed. “You’re not flipping no burger!”
The 19-year-old couldn’t contain his excitement as he questioned, “I don’t have to flip burgers anymore?” He had a huge smile across his face as the judges laughed.
His auditioned earned a “yes” from all three judges and he ultimately advanced to Hollywood, which led him all the way to the Top 5 where his time on Idol came to an end.
Throughout the competition, he has also covered Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Little Richard’s “Lucille,” Foreigner’s “Cold As Ice,” Isaac Brown’s “Body Roll Boys,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic,” Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Toto’s “Hold The Line,” Electric Light Orchestra’s “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and more.
Disney Night Performances
Most recently, Smith took to the Idol stage during Disney night and delivered a stunning performance of “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” from The Lion King and “Life Is A Highway” from the popular film, Cars.
Katy Perry praised Smith’s performance of the popular Lion King tune, saying “You actually may become king! To me, you were the underdog and look at you now… You’re in the tops of top… That was incredible.”
While Luke Bryan applauded his stage confidence and comfort level. “The movements, the comfort, the entertainability. Just entertainment at a high, high level,” Bryan added.
Lionel Richie admitted it was a “tough arrangement,” but praised that he was “right in the driver seat.”
“You are on fire my friend,” Richie gushed.
To Perform An 80s Tune During Idol Finale
While Zachariah Smith didn’t make it to the Top 3, he encourages his followers to tune into the finale of American Idol on Sunday, May 21 at 8/7c as he will be returning to the stage to perform once again.
“Don’t skip out on the finale. I will be at the finale and I have a special duet partner and this one’s going to be really fun. Teaser, the 80s is coming back. All right. I love y’all. Thank you guys so much,” Smith concluded.
American Idol Finale
During the three-hour season finale of American Idol, Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough will face off for the title of American Idol champion.
Live from Hollywood, the finale will feature performances by the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, as well as guest performers Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban (who is also mentoring Top 3), Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Pitbull, and TLC.
