Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Paul Jolley should certainly be prepared for most anything American Idol throws his way.

The 22-year-old from Palmersville, Tenn., told his hometown newspaper, the Dresden Enterprise, that he’s competed in more than 100 talent competitions across four states.

Those include the Kentucky Opry Talent Search. He won the adult division back in 2011.

One thing Paul’s unlikely to do again — show up on stage complaining of being nervous.

He made that mistake on the final day in Hollywood prior to his solo performance and received a tongue-lashing from Nicki Minaj for acting “so defeated.”

But his version of Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” included a huge glory note that helped keep him in the competition.

And it was reminiscent of his audition performance in Baton Rouge, where he was one of the most impressive male singers and earned praise from all four judges for his rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “I Won’t Let Go.”

“I know people are going to love you,” Mariah Carey said.

Paul said he was dedicating that performance to his grandfather (Jewel Melton), who had recently passed away, a 1st Sergeant in the Army and a “great role model.”

“He taught me, take things out in the back. Go in your music room. Woodshed it yourself. And get it right.”

According to that hometown newspaper article, Paul has gotten it right well enough to open shows for the likes of country stars Roy Clark, Joanne Cash and Lorrie Morgan.

In his Road to Hollywood video, Paul describes himself as a powerhouse singer whose dream would include performing a duet with one of the two former Idols he most admires — vocal powerhouses Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Paul also says his friends consider him happy and outgoing.

“I always have a laugh to give. That’s for sure.”

Here are three videos of Paul performing.

“Love Don’t Live Here”

“Blown Away”

“Tonight I Wanna Cry”