‘An amazing time.’ Kentucky teen’s ‘American Idol’ audition airs Sunday night.
.jpg "Dakota Hayden, of Fordsville, Ky., auditioned for “American Idol” in Nashville. The show airs at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.")
A 17-year-old high school senior from Ohio County will try for a golden ticket on “American Idol” Sunday night.
Dakota Hayden chose a Luke Combs song, “When It Rains It Pours,” for his audition with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
“It showed my personality through the song,” as well as his range, he said of his choice.
Hayden is from Fordsville, which is outside Owensboro, and attends Trinity High School in Whitesville.
He said that while he was a little nervous going into the audition in Nashville, “It was an amazing time,” and he enjoyed meeting some fellow hopefuls.
“I’m not a big competition kind of guy,” he said. “I think everybody’s great.”
Hayden says singing has always been a part of his life: his parents tell him he was humming before he could talk.
But he said it took some time and persuasion from his parents and grandparents before he came out of his shell.
Now, he said he’d like to pursue a music career after he graduates from high school.
“I’m definitely thinking about moving to Nashville,” he said, “just seeing where it goes.”
Hayden said he’s been playing guitar for five or six years and draws inspiration from current stars such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Cody Johnson, as well as Alan Jackson, George Strait and Keith Whitley.
On Sunday night, he said he’s expecting that a crowd will be cheering him on at a watch party at the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Beaver Dam, where he sometimes plays gigs.
“My family’s really excited,” he said. “I’m really excited.”
“American Idol,” which is in its 20th season, airs at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
Another Kentuckian, 19-year-old Noah Thompson, has already appeared on the show this season and gotten a nod from the judges to compete in the next round. Thompson, of Louisa, sang Kameron Marlowe’s “Giving You Up” on the season premiere Feb. 27.
