Ricky Dale Hendricks performs for the American Idol judges during the New Orleans auditions. (FOX Photo)
He was right, of course. But he might not have expected this 17-year-old to be quite as impressive during his Season 14 American Idol audition in New Orleans.
Ricky, from West Monroe, La., expressed awe about the fact that he was about to perform for the likes of Keith Urban.
But he showed absolutely no nerves once he launched into a version of “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks.
And he delivered a tender ending that put an exclamation mark on the performance.
Keith called his audition excellent and complimented Ricky on his natural talent, though he said his vocals need some refinement.
“Right now, you’re like a guy that’s been presented with a phenomenal car, and you don’t know quite how to drive yet. But it’s still good, because you’ve got the car.”
He also got three yes votes to advance to Hollywood.
What the show didn’t show: According to his hometown newspaper, Ricky has been singing since age 3 and way back then pronounced that he wanted to be a country singer.
He’s a senior at West Ouachita High School in West Monroe where he sings in the choir and has performed in school drama presentations.
He earned an audition before the Idol judges by winning an ArkLaMiss Idol contest hosted by the local FOX affiliate.
Ricky admitted to the station that he was nervous for a five-minute Idol audition that felt more like five hours, but said it was worth it to hear the compliments he received from Keith Urban.
He’s now working on forming a band with some friends in school.
“I’ve been through a lot of competitions where I didn’t win, I haven’t always won, but I never gave up, kept trying and look now, I’m going to Hollywood. So, just never give up,” he told the station.
Here are some Ricky links, followed by samples of his music.
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2 Comments
I was just wondering if you are related to the HENDRICKS family in NASCAR racing. You have a great voice but I was wondering, if related that is, if you have any intention in following in your families footsteps. And I am pretty upset that they didn’t put you threw to the top 24 because I think your voice is amazing. Hey maybe that is where you head next, THE VOICE. Anyway good luck in your future, you are talented,
Ricky
You have what it takes to go far. I am a fan of your potential. American Idol is just a vehicle on your road to success. Don’t give up buddy. There are those who have auditioned 4 times to get where you got you first time. Do me a favor and come back next year. Don’t ever put what you have on the shelf. You have God given charisma that a lot of folks don’t have.
Steve