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Shy Janitor Richard Goodall Crying After Getting Heidi's Golden Buzzer Is So Emotional

Richard Goodall had never been on a plane before, but that didn't stop him from chasing his dreams on AGT Season 19.

America’s Got Talent is a place for people with immense talent, but with sometimes limited access to a grand stage to showcase it. Perhaps no one embodied that more than Season 19 premiere superstar, Richard Goodall. 

How to Watch

Watch America’s Got Talent Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock . 

The humble janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana closed out the premiere episode by kicking the already high talent bar up another notch with a vocal performance you simply had to hear to believe. In fact, it was so good it earned one of the coveted Golden Buzzers from a Judge who was just as moved by his song as everyone in the crowd. 

How Richard Goodall made it to AGT

Before he took the stage, Goodall noted he grew up loving music and listening to it endlessly as a kid. When he got older, he needed money so he took a job as a janitor at a middle school just three blocks from where he lived. To pass the long hours, he would often belt out some jams in the hallways, much to the delight of the students. 

RELATED:  Where You Can Watch AGT 19 This Season

Eventually, he believed them when they told him he had talent, which prompted Goodall to get on a plane for the first time in his life and audition for AGT  19 — and it's a good thing he did! 

What song did Richard Goodall sing for his AGT  audition? 

When he took the stage to answer some of Simon Cowell’s preliminary questions, it was clear to anyone watching that Goodall was shy and a little nervous to perform in what was doubtlessly his biggest crowd ever.

However, all nerves seemingly fell away when he hit the first note of Journey’s 1981 classic “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The Judges and the audience were shocked to hear this quiet janitor suddenly hit the song’s notes with the talent of a seasoned professional singer. It didn’t take long before the crowd was on its feet, with some even being moved to tears.

Heidi Klum awards Richard Goodall her first Golden Buzzer of the season

Perhaps Cowell said it best (and most matter-of-factly) when he told Goodall he was his hero. 

“That was special, genuinely special,” he added. “I think America is going to love you.” 

Sofia Vergara agreed, saying: “I mean that was spectacular, that was fun. This was an amazing surprise. I think you are perfect to come to AGT because you made our night.”

Howie Mandel told the singer he “cleaned up” and called him “amazing” before speculating that all his students watching at home were probably screaming for him. 

However, it was Heidi Klum who gave the highest praise in the form of one of her two Golden Buzzers of the season. 

RELATED:  Heidi Klum's Got Talent: Watch the AGT Judge Yodel a German Son

“Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet,” she said. “I mean we all had the best time with you up on that stage. I really feel something with you up there and I hear you up there… and now, this is what I’m going to do for you, because I love you.” 

With that, she pressed her Golden Buzzer and instantly moved Richard to tears. 

“I’ve never even been on plane,” he said as golden confetti rained down on him. “This was not on my radar to come to California, this was a dream come true.”

After coming up on stage to hug him, Klum accompanied Goodall backstage where he called his fiancée to tell her the good news. While she was clearly proud of him, it was clear she wasn’t surprised his smooth voice earned him a Golden Buzzer. 

Watch all-new episodes of America’s Got Talent, airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock .

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Gabby Barrett Sang 'Don't Stop Believin'' in Front of Journey's Steve Perry — and He Loved It

Gabby Barrett sang the fan-favorite tune in front of Journey's Steve Perry — and he loved it

Gabby Barrett sang Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” in front of millions — but there was one unexpected (and legendary!) guest in the crowd that took her breath away.

During Sunday’s episode of American Idol , the Pittsburgh native took on the fan-favorite tune for her last performance of the night. Little did she know, she was singing in front of the iconic rock band’s former lead singer, Steve Perry.

“That was insane,” Barrett, 18, told PEOPLE after the show. “I’m actually surprised I knew who it was at first because he’s older now, but I looked over and I knew his face. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I had no idea he was coming. That was such an honor.”

She added, “He said that my version was the best version that he ever heard. That’s so crazy. My dad would always play Journey in the car and I remember watching him perform on the television. I remember him wearing a yellow t-shirt and some tight skinny jeans and just seeing him here and being able to sing his song in front of him was such an honor. Holy monkeys!”

After Barrett completed her song for the evening, she noticed Perry standing near her parents and quickly said, “Oh my gosh, I know who that is!”

Instead of the judges critiquing her performance, Katy Perry suggested that Journey star do the honors.

“She was amazing, that’s my critique,” he said.

Ryan Seacrest escorted a star-struck Barrett to Perry and the two embraced in a sweet hug.

RELATED VIDEO: Katy Perry Says She’s ‘Spoken For’ and ‘Very Happy’ — Is She Officially Back with Orlando Bloom?

“It was the most amazing version I’ve ever heard,” Perry — who reunited with Journey for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2017 — told the crowd. “Swear, it was just beautiful!”

Barrett joined fellow finalists Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe for the first night of the two-part finale. The second part airs live on Monday at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST on ABC.

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Katy Perry honors her 7-season 'American Idol' journey with 2 meaningful looks

Perry was a judge on the singing competition show from seasons 16 to 22.

Katy Perry honored her seven-year journey as a judge on "American Idol" with two meaningful looks during the season 22 finale.

The "Firework" singer, 39, began Sunday's episode by wearing a gold corseted metallic top with a floor-length white skirt as she stepped out with her fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan one last time.

Katy Perry talks 'American Idol' exit, tells replacement 'keep my seat warm'

But it was a unique detail that really captured the light: gold roses. Perry later shared an Instagram post about the outfit, explaining the meaning behind the flowers.

"🥀 7 roses for 7 seasons 🥀 143 #idol 🫶🏼," she wrote in the caption.

But it was Perry's fashion choice during her emotional duet with season 22 contestant Jack Blocker later in the episode that truly stole the show.

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As the two performed a duet of the pop star's song "What Makes A Woman," off her 2020 album "Smile," Perry levitated above the stage wearing a structured metallic top with accentuated hips and a long skirt featuring the faces of past contestants from her seven seasons.

"there it is… 7 years 🥺 #idol," she captioned an Instagram post highlighting the special design.

Elsewhere during the episode, the ladies of "American Idol" season 22's top 12 contestants -- including this season's winner, Abi Carter -- took to the stage to perform a medley of Perry's hits in a tribute.

After the finale, Perry told reporters, according to USA Today , she wanted to "make a moment" with her ensemble and "pay homage to all the contestants."

She further explained, "It was just to show how much these kids have really lifted me up."

Katy Perry leaving 'American Idol' after 7 seasons as judge, teases 'exciting' year

Perry announced in February during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" that this season would be her last as a judge on "American Idol."

She later told "Good Morning America" that the job "healed my heart" and said she was saying goodbye "for now," telling her replacement to "keep my seat warm."

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Cumberland singer Julia Gagnon’s ‘American Idol’ journey ends

Gagnon sang songs by The B-52's and Adele, but fell short of votes to propel her into the top 5 Sunday night.

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Cumberland singer and “American Idol” contestant Julia Gagnon has been the talk of the town in Maine as she’s advanced through several rounds of competition over the past few weeks.

But her run ended Sunday as she fell short in the vote count to advance to the round of five, despite turning in two stellar performances.

Sunday night’s episode featured two rounds of songs from the remaining seven contestants.

The Salt Yard Cafe & Bar at the Canopy Hotel in Portland’s Old Port hosted a viewing party Sunday that drew a small crowd.

Joe Dunbar, 48, of Portland, sat at the bar to watch. “Her voice is just incredible,” he said.

Watch all of Julia Gagnon’s performances on ‘American Idol’

Gagnon’s first song was “Roam” by the B-52’s. Advertisement

Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan piled on the praise.

“It was fantastic, I loved it,” said Richie

“The energy’s there, the look’s there, the vocals are there, you’re there,” said Perry.

Bryan said it was refreshing to see Gagnon’s confidence. “You keep coming out here and acing the course and that’s what this show is all about.”

Dunbar was also dazzled. “It was fantastic. It’s not the normal song I would picture her doing but her whole journey on this show has been expanding as an artist and it’s been really exciting to watch.”

Fans at the Salt Yard Cafe & Bar in Portland watch Julia Gagnon of Cumberland performs on “American Idol” on Sunday night. Aimsel Ponti/Staff Writer

The second half of the episode featured all seven contestants singing songs by Adele. Sunday was the English singer’s 36th birthday and Gagnon performed the 16-time Grammy winner’ s hit “Set Fire to the Rain.” Advertisement

“This was your lane. It was all you, it was exactly what Adele wants on her birthday,” said Perry.

There was disappointment among the staff and few people still at the bar when the singers who made it to the next round were announced, but everyone agreed Gagnon was tremendous.

Follow along on Julia Gagnon’s ‘American Idol’ journey

Gagnon, who graduated from North Yarmouth Academy and is a senior at the University of Southern Maine on a pre-law track, told the Press Herald before the season started that she had been reluctant to sing publicly because she didn’t want to stand out among her classmates.

The Guatemala native says she’d been bullied and harassed for her looks and background, and that made her want to blend in. But after a talent show during middle school, her chorus teacher, Nora Krainis, encouraged her to sing publicly and worked with her parents, Meg and Jim Gagnon, to create opportunities.

She decided to try out for “American Idol,” in part, to share a special moment and journey with her birth mother in Guatemala, Sara Ramos, who is seriously ill and fighting an infection, Gagnon told the Press Herald in March.

She was the last person to audition for season 22 in November. The judges awarded her one of only three platinum tickets for the singers with the strongest performances, which meant she got a pass through the first round of “Hollywood week.” She then competed against 150 others in the show’s Hollywood Week competition and made it to the top 24.

Related Headlines

‘American Idol’ standout Julia Gagnon unites Mainers, from Cumberland to The County

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American Idol winner Abi Carter announces first concert at Acrisure Arena on July 27

American Idol, and Indio native, Abi Carter will return to the Coachella Valley for her first-ever full concert at Acrisure Arena !

Abi announced the show during the first intermission of Game 4 of the Firebirds-Bears Calder Cup Finals match-up.

Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Tuesday, June 25. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, June 28 at 10 am local time at  Ticketmaster.com

Abi performed the National Anthem at the Firebirds' game earlier this month . She spoke with News Channel 3's Bianca Ventura on Thursday about what that meant to her.

Bianca, "I thought it was the highlight when you sang the national anthem but this just gonna be incredible for the fans so I just hope you know how special this game is going to be"

Abi answered, "I mean it is special, I'm honored to be there, I'm honored to support such an amazing team and an amazing valley."

"The young Indio, California native captivated audiences during her audition by performing a rendition of the Billie Eilish song “What Was I Made For?” from the ‘Barbie’ movie that set social media ablaze. She then went on to create viral moments performing classics from widely varied artists such as Adele and Evanescence putting her broad musical range on full display en route to her much-ballyhooed victory. Recently, Carter wowed the crowd at Acrisure Arena by singing the Star-Spangled Banner and dropping the ceremonial puck before the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ Western Conference Finals game against the Milwaukee Admirals. Her show at Acrisure Arena is poised to be an evening of exceptional entertainment and powerful performances." - Acrisure Arena announcement

Check Out Some of Our Previous Coverage of Abi on Her American Idol Journey:

• Exclusive: Abi Carter reflects on American Idol win, what’s next
• Indio celebrates Abi Carter with parade, concert, Key to the City presentation
• Exclusive: One-on-one interview with American Idol’s Abi Carter
• Community reflects on Indio native Abi Carter’s journey to American Idol finale
• Abi Carter performs at her first-ever concert in Indio before heading to American Idol
• Abi Carter finds encouragement from Coachella Valley heading into ‘American Idol’

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After 6 full months of pre-auditions, auditions, callbacks, interviews, and quick trips to LA- here is my husband, Marcus Tinsley's, American Idol experienice! 

So much led  up to such a crazy time...but let's fast forward 6 months, and talk about when Marcus got officially invited to come to the CELEBRITY JUDGE Audition , all the way out in LA! After about 7 hours of waiting, Marcus was called back by Ryan Secrest, saying it was his time to sing for Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry.

Katy Perry said he had a couple pitchy spots. (stupid nerves!!) She then went on to saying (what was shown on t.v.) that he doesn't even need a pig (yes, that's right... we brought our pet pig!), & that he's a GREAT singer. When it came time for her to vote, her response was "Yes.. just YES !!"

Luke Bryan went on about how his voice is instantly recognizable, & that he can definitely sing. Giving him another YES !

Lionel Richie told him that "there are singers, & there are artists.. & you, my friend, are an artist." He then went on saying that he plans on seeing a lot more of Marcus in the future.. ending it with his 3rd YES !

Hollywood Week

For the 1st round of Hollywood Week , they split everyone up by their genres, and had them sing a song of their choice. Marcus planned on doing Tennessee Whiskey, with a pianist accompanying him. After hours (& hours & hours!) of waiting for him to hit the stage- they finally called him up. The second he walked out on stage, Taylee squealed from excitement- & I unexpectedly just starting CRYING (so proud, ugh!) The second he starting singing, the crowd around us starting "oohh-ing" & "aww-ing". I glanced down at Luke Bryan, and he had a smile on his face, & started nodding his head in approval. He sounded incredible! After his performance was over, we ran downstairs to meet him. Taylee and I were so excited to go hug him and celebrate how well he did. When we got down to him, he was getting interviewed & was extremely disappointed in himself. He said that his nerves got the best of him, and felt like he completely ruined his chances with American Idol. I know I'm biased, but I completely disagreed with him.

Well .. the time finally came for the elimination round . They stood them in a line of 10 and told them to step forward if their name gets called. Once they have two separate lines, the judges will reveal which line will be going home, and which one made it through. In our experience with the show, typically the line with the least amount of contestants get sent home.. So naturally, I was hoping to see him end up in the line with the most. Well , after SO much waiting, the time finally came for Katy Perry to start calling names forward. She called the first name.. & then the second.. the third.. fourth.. fifth, AND sixth name to take a step forward. As amazing as I knew he did, I started doubting myself. I caught eyes with Marcus from the crowd, when realizing that he realized, he was probably going home.

Katy Perry then calls the SEVENTH person to the front line, leaving only Marcus and two others in the back row. With all all the amazing singers in the front row, I doubted everything at this point, but was so happy we were able to get this far together. After a long (LONG) pause, she then told Marcus's small line, that unfortunately, she is very sorry..

Very sorry because "you few are going to have to come back tomorrow, and do this all over again."

& just like that..

he was onto the next round!!

Holloywood Week Round 2

American Idol threw a curveball at all this contestants for this round, and did something they have NEVER done before during Holloywood Week...

The contestants found out about this at about 11:00PM, and had until 5:00am to agree on a song choice from a list that American Idol gave them-learn it, choreograph their performance, and head back to the Orpheum Theatre by sunrise! 

Performance Time!

Well, after an absolutely AMAZING performance- I can say he officially MADE IT THROUGH another round!! Not only did he make it through, he got a STANDING OVATION from LIONEL RICHIE. Lionel stood up, clapped with his hands in the air, & followed it with " MARCUS I don't know about my fellow judges, but I did NOT know your voice could sound like that (as Luke and Katie were nodding their heads in approval)! Amazing job, he said!

One of the craziest rounds for us. After this point, not only were family members of other contestants coming up to me, saying how amazing Marcus's voice is... But the producers of the show we're stopping Taylee & I, saying that it's unreal how much his voice is improving already- and how far he's going to go as an artist!

OFF TO ROUND 3 HE GOES!!!

Hollywood Week FINALE

For this round , there's a very short list of a few songs they must pick from to perform. Marcus didn't know ANY of them ( yikes!! ), so he just went with one that he thinks his voice would work best with. He started rehearsing the song at about 1 a.m. (they announced what this round will be at about 11:30pm, the night before). He worked on it as much as he could in that few hours, and then they had to head back down to the Orpheum at around 6am for call-time. ( No sleep for him! ) They don't call it ' Bootcamp for the music industry' for nothing!

See what happens below-

Well, needless to say, this was the end of his American Idol journey. Since he was unable to perform, we don't blame the judges at all for not putting him through. The main thing they were judging on in this round ( in Lionel Richie's words ) was who wouldn't break under pressure, and still be able to pull off a performance. For Marcus, mixing a new song that he has never heard of before, with stage fright he has already been battling.. definitely didn't give the best outcome. From the way that he was improving throughout the entire week, you could tell how shocked everybody was when this happened.

When the time came to pack up and leave the Orpheum, all the contestants who were cut had to leave. The family/friends of the contestants who made it, we're all lined up in out front, waiting to go in to see their contestant. Taylee & I were outside waiting for him to come out at this time. When he finally did, and our time came to walk to our Uber.. we had to walk by that line of everyone (as did everyone else). As we started walking away, they all stopped talking and it got very quiet. We walked a few steps farther, & then we start hearing a couple claps.. & then a few more... & few more. We glanced back & everyone  was looking at Marcus, while clapping their hands & nodding their heads in disbelief.

WHAT A WAY to end this.

THANK YOU , American Idol ... for such an amazing experience, that has opened up so many doors! Since then, I'm proud to say that Marcus has had his new single premier on SIRIUS XM, signed to Warner Music- & now does music full-time!!!

Oh , & did I mention that American Idol gave Penelope her OWN commercial?! 

• american idol

'American Idol' alum, Iam Tongi, Will Moseley, Triston Harper and more celebrate Nashville reunion

It was an "Idol" reunion of fan-favorite contestants; plus, advice on auditioning!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Recently, a mini "American Idol" reunion took place in Nashville, where a group of "Idol" alumni took part in a live performance on stage.

Alumni from multiple seasons were in attendance, including season 22's Will Moseley and Triston Harper, season 21's Iam Tongi and Colin Stough, season 18's Grace Leer and more.

After the performance, the country stars met with fans, signed merchandise and posed for photos.

"Tonight we're just here having fun. We're playing some songs and we're having a good time with all our 'Idol' fans," Grace Leer told On The Red Carpet.

Will Moseley, who just wrapped up his season of "Idol" explained "Man, it was so special to get to see everybody. It's been a few weeks now since everything winded down. It's just great to see familiar faces."

When it came to the reunion itself, the Idols were excited to connect with contestants from their own seasons and others, bonding over their shared experiences.

"It was great yeah, good to see old friends, good to see the new Idols performing there. Everyone was amazing," said season 21 "Idol" winner Iam Tongi.

Colin Stough shared the same sentiment. "I love performing and being on the road, but to get to do it with somebody that's been through my shoes on the show and stuff like that, it was really amazing. It's really a great group out there."

Triston Harper, who was only 15 when he started his "Idol" journey said, "Some of them were people I really looked up to over the years. Some of them was (sic) friends that I made this year. And I just love them all and thank them for everything they've ever done."

And for any viewers who are deciding whether auditioning for "American Idol" is right for them, Grace offered some advice, saying "You're never going to regret trying something that is scary or maybe vulnerable for you and a step towards your career. For me, I remember being so scared to step into that audition room, but it changed my life."

Learn more about auditioning for "American Idol" here .

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‘American Idol’ Star Luke Bryan “Sings and Cuts Up” for CMA Fest Performance of “Love You, Miss You, Mean It”

by Erinn Callahan June 25, 2024, 12:17 pm

Luke Bryan connected with his hit single “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” the first time he heard it. The song tells the story of two high school sweethearts torn apart by college and distance, only to later reunite. Although he didn’t write it, Bryan has said “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” is reminiscent of his own love story with wife Caroline. The track struck a chord with fans as well, reaching a million streams on Spotify in no time. And the “Play It Again” singer got to see the song’s impact firsthand when he took the stage Friday (June 7) at CMA Fest.

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Luke bryan is no stranger to cma fest.

CMA Fest is old hat to Luke Bryan by now, but this year was a little different. Historically, country music’s five-time entertainer of the year has closed out the festival. This year, Bryan performed at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium Friday night (June 7.) With the pressure off, he was excited to “just get up there and sing and cut up and stuff.”

Bryan said in a pre-show interview that the best part of CMA Fest is looking out into the crowd and seeing fans responding to the music.

He added that he was looking forward to singing and cutting up during his 2024 CMA Fest performance.

Sing and cut up he most certainly did.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Bryan Official (@lukebryan)

“Watching the fans dance… and watching them react to the songs, and watching them fall in love and just be a part of the musical journey,” Bryan added.

[RELATED: Watch Jelly Roll and Keith Urban Team Up for “Halfway to Hell” During CMA Fest]

Bryan Had to Hitch A Ride To His First CMA Fest

It may seem like Luke Bryan has been headlining the CMA Fest forever. However, there was a time he had to hitch a ride with complete strangers to attend the festival.

Back when Bryan was just a country music fan, he was hanging out at a Nashville bar when a couple of strangers approached him.

“They go, ‘Hey, we have an extra ticket to CMA Fest,’ and I was like, ‘Okay,'” Bryan told On the Red Carpet . “So, I get in the car.”

The crew stopped at a gas station for beers before arriving at the festival for tailgating. “These girls probably don’t even know it was me, and then we went into the stadium,” said the “Mind of a Country Boy” singer.

He continued, “We just rocked out at CMA Fest. Martina McBride was singing the biggest hits of that year and I was rocking out to Martina McBride, and now 20 years later, I’m telling the story.”

Featured image by Terry Wyatt/WireImage

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Tv and streaming, tv and streaming | chayce beckham talks ‘american idol’ journey and the beatles song he’ll sing on the finale, the apple valley singer-songwriter talks about the music he'll perform and his hopes for the future..

A limousine delivered him to a town celebration and later took him to Vanguard Preparatory School, which Beckham says was the same as he remembered from his elementary school days.

“That’s where I performed my first talent show, the first live performance,” Beckham says of his boyhood version of “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, done when he was in fifth grade.

“I got to go sing on that same stage, on the same microphone,” he says, laughing. “They have the same sound system they had whenever I was there.”

Chayce Beckham, a 24-year-old singer from Apple Valley, performed four times on “American Idol” on Sunday, May 16, 2017, earning enough votes to advance to the Top 3 and finale on Sunday, May 23. (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

Chayce Beckham of Apple Valley, California performs on Sunday, May 9, 2021. He performed Coldplay’s “Magic” and an original song, “Mama,” for his mother. When the results were announced he advanced to the Top 5. (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

Chayce Beckham, 24, a heavy machinery operator from Apple Valley waits to perform on “American Idol” during its 19th season. He advanced to the Top 12 on Monday, April 12, 2021. (Photo by ABC/Eric McCandless)

The Vanguard kids asked about his time on “American Idol” this season, peppering him with questions about the kind of fame that’s still just a bit in the distance.

“They’re all asking me, ‘How much money do you make? How much do you pay all these people to work for you?’” Beckham says. “And I was like, ‘Oh, to be in fifth grade again.’”

The stage and the microphone might be the same, but Beckham is on the brink of something entirely new and exciting.

On Sunday, he’ll sing three songs during the finale where he’ll face off with fellow finalists Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler. Win, place or show, Beckham’s life will be forever changed.

When we first met Beckham, he’d just advanced to the Top 10 on “American Idol,” his voice and a compelling background connecting strongly with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and with viewers who’ve voted for him all season.

The next week, when the show flew its 10 contenders to Disney World in Florida, Beckham says he initially struggled to find a Disney song that fit his raw and authentic style, before stumbling onto the unexpected choice of “Baby Mine” from “Dumbo.”

“I was sitting in a hotel room in Florida with Hunter Metz (a fellow contestant), and I think neither one of us were very happy with the choices that we had initially,”  Beckham says. “So we were kind of looking through some songs and trying to find some stuff that was like a little bit more obscure, and he said, ‘Baby Mine.’”

They listened to the original from the animated classic, and Beckham says it connected.

“I thought, ‘Really cool intro,’ and we kind of just picked up the chords real quick,” he says. “And I just started playing it the way that I played it on the show. Like I was kind of singing one of my own songs.”

The next two weeks Beckham finally did play some of his original work, a decision that paid off not only on the show but on the iTunes charts, too.

For the show that aired on Mother’s Day, he chose “Mama,” a song he wrote during Hollywood Week in December, inspired by all that his mother has done for him as a boy and when harder times arrived as a young man, too.

“I thought about all the things my mom had to do just to raise us, and all the things she overcame, and how it kind of led up to me being able to chase my dreams,” he says. “I called her after about 15 minutes of writing it, and I said, ‘Hey, listen to this song I wrote for you.’

“And I sang it to her and she started crying, and I started crying. Kind of that’s my only way of being able to actually communicate what I really feel, because I can’t always say it.”

A week later, Beckham performed another original, a song titled “23” for the age he was when he wrote the autobiographical tune.

“That was a big turning point in my life,” he says. “A lot of things around me were changing. And I wrote it and I just kind of kept it in my pocket and played it for people here and there.

“It was never anything that I was banking on, or I was like, ‘Hey, listen to this great song.’ People would tell me, ‘Man, that song is going to be on the radio one day,’ and I was like, ‘There’s no way,’ because I just couldn’t picture it.”

Released to iTunes a week ago, “23” reached No. 2 on the main singles chart before dropping a few spots behind acts such as BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, and a Marshmello/Jonas Brothers collaboration. It’s still No. 1 on the country chart.

“It blows my mind that something I wrote a year ago, you know, that so many people can connect to that,” Beckham says. “What I was trying to accomplish with that song was just letting people connect to it whichever way they want.

“If they’re drinking and they’re partying and they want to listen to that song, then so be it,” he says. “Or if they’re really thinking about their life, and some of the mistakes they’ve made, then that song can help them that way too.

“I just want it to be one of those songs that will help people have a good time or feel better in one way or another.”

On the finale, Beckham chose the Chris Stapleton song “Fire Away,” will reprise his take on Ed Sheeran’s “Afterglow,” and then tackle the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” a song the judges chose for him to sing.

“Chris Stapleton is one of the greatest songwriters of all time in my opinion, for country music, for all music,” Beckham says of the singer-songwriter whose “You Should Probably Leave” he performed earlier in the season. “I feel like I could have done the whole season and just done Chris Stapleton songs. That’s how much I love his music.”

Stapleton and the Zac Brown Band, who Beckham also performed on the show, are examples of the kind of genre-busting artist he hopes to become, he says.

“That’s just the kind of music that I want to make,” Beckham says. “People are like, ‘Oh, here’s this guy: Is he country? Is he not country?’ They just embody that idea that you don’t have to stick to just country, you don’t have to stick to just blues, you don’t have to stick to just reggae. They play it all.”

As for the gentler balladry of “Blackbird,” Beckham admits he was initially surprised when the judges told them they’d chosen it for him.

“I was expecting something a little more out of left field,” he says. “I was like, ‘OK, cool, we can do that.’”

When the show coaches and producers working with him on his rendition pressed him to think about how the song related to him, Beckham says he wasn’t sure it actually did.

“And then I started listening to it,” he says. “And I was like, ‘Holy (cow), it really does kind of tell my story, just in a different way. You know, taking your broken wings and learning how to fly, and all your life you’ve probably been waiting for this moment to arise.

“That’s literally what happened to me on my ‘Idol’ experience, you know. So I think that they may have picked that because it really represents my story very well.”

With one show to go, Beckham believes that no matter the outcome on Sunday his time on “American Idol” will have launched his career. And that’s something he can’t wait to get started.

“They set me up to release the first song that I ever released in my life,” he says. “I feel like they’ve set me up so well to where I can put music out, and now people are going to hear it.

“I think it’s super important to take the momentum that you have and keep going with it,” Beckham says. “And not say, ‘Oh man, this crazy show’s over with, I’m going to relax for a month or two.’

“I think it’s important for me to get out of this and hit the ground running.”

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‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’ Director Sam Wrench Launches Next Of Kin Content With EverWonder Studio

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EXCLUSIVE: Filmmaker Sam Wrench , who was behind the $261M highest grossing concert and documentary movie of all-time, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour , is opening the doors to Next of Kin Content . EverWonder Studio is making an investment in the production company which will focus on culture-driven live event, documentary, and unscripted programming. 

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In addition to  Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour , Wrench has directed Grammy and Emmy-nominated music specials including  Billie Eilish Live at the O2  (Apple TV+),  Lizzo: Live in Concert  (Max), and  Brandi Carlile: In the Canyon Haze Live  (Max); multiple Disney holiday specials; plus unscripted series such as  Rhythm & Flow  (Netflix),  My Kind Of Country  (Apple TV+), and  American Idol  (ABC).

“Sam is exceptionally well-versed across a range of genres and styles, and his work consistently drives the beat of pop culture,” said EverWonder Studio President Mike Antinoro. “He is one of the most sought after creatives in the industry whose taste and talents are trusted by the biggest artists in the world. Sam also shares EverWonder’s vision for innovative nonfiction entertainment with purpose, and we’re excited to partner in this next era of his already prolific journey.”

“I’m incredibly excited to start this chapter of bringing my ideas and projects to life as a producer,” said Wrench. “I’ve long enjoyed working with Mike and am excited by the scale, ambition and support Ian & the team at EverWonder have shown. Whether directing or producing, I love telling big, noisy stories that cut through regardless of genre; Next of Kin Content will be the perfect home for me and our partners to make that a reality.”

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Top 10 Songs Journey Hasn’t Played Yet in 2024

Journey boasts an embarrassment of set list riches as they prepare to jump to stadiums in July. Earlier 2024 shows featured hit after hit after hit. Yet, as shown on our list of Top 10 Songs Journey Hasn’t Played Yet in 2024, there is still room for more key cuts.

Before this next round of dates with Def Leppard and a rotating group of support acts that includes Cheap Trick , Heart and Steve Miller , Journey played a series of well-received concerts with Toto . “Any Way You Want It,” “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” made appearances every night, according to Setlist.fm .

The concerts also almost always featured stalwart Journey favorites “Be Good to Yourself,” “Faithfully,” “Lights,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” “Only the Young” (typically as the opener ), “Open Arms,” “Send Her My Love,” “Stone in Love,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Who’s Crying Now” and “Girl Can’t Help It.”

READ MORE: Ranking Every Journey Album

Many shows included “Let It Rain” from Journey’s latest studio effort, 2022’s Freedom . Beyond that, the group occasionally mixed in tracks that included “Mother, Father,” the title track from Escape , “Ask the Lonely,” “Dead or Alive,” “Just the Same Way,” “Keep On Runnin’,” “Feeling That Way/Anytime” and “Chain Reaction.”

So what’s left? Here’s our look at the Top 10 Songs Journey Hasn’t Played Yet in 2024.

No. 10. “Where Did I Lose Your Love”

From: Revelation (2008)

Playing this Top 20 Billboard adult-contemporary hit would remind fans that Arnel Pineda doesn’t need an old song to approximate Journey’s familiar arena-ballad sound. On one level, “Where Did I Lose Your Love” is very much in the style of their Escape / Frontiers era. Drummer Deen Castronovo and Jonathan Cain , who co-wrote this track with Neal Schon , even close things out with a fierce entanglement that must have brought older fans right back to “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” But Pineda adds a few new wrinkles along the way to ultimately move past the Steve Perry comparisons.

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No. 9. “Where Were You”

From: Departure (1980)

This wasn’t a hit, but it holds a unique place in their breakout era: Journey regularly opened their concerts with “Where Were You,” as heard on 1981’s Captured . The song also served as the first song on Side Two of Departure . There’s a reason for that: “Where Were You” just leaps out of the speakers. They were just coming off an opening gig with AC/DC , and clearly the headliner’s knack for outsized, riffy rockers rubbed off.

No. 8. “Only Solutions”

From: Tron (1982)

Journey is already playing a pair of soundtrack songs, including “Only the Young” from Vision Quest and “Ask the Lonely” from Two of a Kind . Why not one more? The hooky “Only Solutions” would have greatly enlivened what turned out to be a letdown on Side Two of Frontiers . Instead, it became unjustly overlooked after being barely used in the film at all. Time to right this wrong.

No. 7. “When You Love a Woman”

From: Trial By Fire (1996)

This probably isn’t going to happen, if only because Journey would have to trade “When You Love a Woman” for one of their other radio-favorite power ballads. They also don’t have the original session’s too-sweet string section to complete the sentimentality. Still, “When You Love a Woman” was a gold-selling No. 12 smash. Fans would love it.

No. 6. “All the Way”

From: Arrival (2001)

Performing this song wouldn’t be about recalling a forgotten hit so much as resurrecting an unjustly overlooked era. As their first album without Steve Perry, Arrival had its work cut out. Journey responded by zeroing in on the successful formula they developed when Jonathan Cain joined the band in the ’80s. Cain was game, co-writing this instantly familiar love song with Schon, Michael Rhodes and the newly installed Steve Augeri. “All the Way” may not have been a big hit, but it showed Journey could still be Journey even without their famous former frontman.

No. 5. “Still They Ride”

From: Escape (1981)

The song’s deep association with Perry may not be doing it any favors. Cain and Schon earned co-songwriting credits on “Still They Ride,” and Steve Smith showed off an accomplished dexterity. But the final charting single from Escape will always belong to Perry. Jesse, this dreamer who refuses to give up on his youthful reverie, was Steve Perry’s ultimate metaphoric character. Nevertheless, live performances of “Still They Ride” always gave Schon an opportunity to expand on one of his most emotive performances on guitar.

No. 4. “I’ll Be Alright Without You”

From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Same here. Schon earned a co-writing credit with Cain and Perry after trying out a then-new guitar while in search of a distinct sound for this song. Best known for using a 1963 Fender Stratocaster, Schon experimented with a graphite Roland 707 to see if he could get a different, more even tone. It worked: “I’ll Be Alright Without You” remains Journey’s penultimate Top 20 hit, followed by 1996’s “When You Love a Woman.” Cain, like Perry, was going through a breakup and called this track the other half of the emotions expressed in “Once You Love Somebody.”

No. 3. “After the Fall”

From: Frontiers (1983)

This song makes the first studio connection to the bassist who played on two Journey albums, including their most recent, 2022’s Freedom . Randy Jackson, later of American Idol fame, took over on “After the Fall” in order to capture the sound Perry first sketched out in the demo phase. He’d play on the Frontiers followup, 1986’s Raised on Radio and the subsequent tour – Journey’s last with Perry. Current drummer Deen Castronovo’s hero Steve Smith departed too, not before proving himself utterly invaluable on “After the Fall.”

No. 2. “Suzanne”

This soaring No. 17 ode to unrequited love would help balance an always ballad-heavy set list. (“Suzanne” was written in tribute to an actual crush, though Steve Perry never revealed her actual identity.) Perry and Cain continued delving into R&B, with Schon sidelined from the songwriting process. The liner notes actually listed Cain as a “programmer,” in a nod to work done on his Oberheim DMX drum machine before Larrie Londin was brought in to mimic the part. Still, both vibes are very much in keeping with Journey’s most recent album, Freedom .

No. 1. “The Party’s Over (Hopelessly in Love)”

From: Captured (1981)

What better way to end the main set before returning for a rousing encore? “The Party’s Over (Hopelessly in Love)” heralded Journey’s transformation into sleek hitmakers just before Cain entered the lineup. This Top 40 hit studio song was tacked onto a live record after Perry began ruminating on bass backstage in Detroit. He already had Schon’s guitar line in his head, so he sang it to him. They rounded out a temporary studio lineup with keyboardist Stevie “Keys” Roseman, a Bay Area friend who was recording nearby. Heartbreak has never sounded so offhandedly joyous.

See Neal Schon Among Rock’s Forgotten Supergroups

Next: Ranking Every Journey Solo LP