Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Michael Garner, 16, Forrest City, Ala., “I’m Still Fine,” by The Red Clay Straws: He’s a young singer singer with a great tone, though he came across as a bit shy on performing experience. Still, he got an immediate fist bump from Luke Bryan, who called him a “young prodigy” and lobbied hard for Michael to get a golden ticket. Carrie Underwood says his voice sounds more mature than 16, but she feared throwing him “into the mix” as such a young age. She voted no on a golden ticket. Luke Bryan called Michael a great singer and guitar player and Lionel Richie voted “yes” too, meaning Michael got his golden ticket.

Here’s more about Michael:

* He’s a sophomore in the Palestine-Wheatley (Ark.) School District, which posted congratulations to Michael after his audition aired and pledged to support him throughout the process.

* Michael told Idol producers he’s been watching the show with his family for a long time and always pledged that “I was going to be on there one day.”

* He doesn’t appear to have released music yet, but does have at least one original on the YouTube channel where his proud dad posts videos of his performances. He says country is his preferred genre of music.

* In spite of his young age, he appears to have a number of local performances under his belt. His dad’s Facebook page includes a video of Michael singing another original at a Ducks Unlimited event.

* And on YouTube, you’ll find a video of him performing Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” during a high school talent show. Judging from the trophies he’s holding in the cover image, he must have done pretty well.

* Michael does appear pretty new at the social media game, given the limited number of posts on his TikTok and Instagram.

* Nevertheless, he already has more than 1,000 followers and 2,500 likes on TikTok, where his most popular cover is a cover of Waylon Wyatt’s “I’d Be Delighted.” Check it out below.

* “I’ve been blessed by the good Lord with a gift of music that I wish to share with the world,” writes Michael.

* He announced his Idol audition in November.

Michael on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube

@michaelgarnerofficial Plz follow me Waylon yall tag him #musician #guitar #goviral #singing #fyp #waylonwyatt #country #band @WAYLON WYATT #blowup #zachbryan #goviral ♬ I'd Be Delighted – Waylon Wyatt