Michael Garner; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC
Michael Garner, a 16-year-old high school student from Forrest City, Arkansas, drew comparisons to Justin Timberlake and “country Justin Bieber” after his stunning cover of The Red Clay Strays on American Idol.
“This audition could definitely change [me] and my family’s lives,” he told Idol producers ahead of his audition. “I’ve watched Idol with my family for a long time. This has always been mine and their dream. I always said that I was going to be on there someday, and here I am.”
Michael Garner confidently took on a cover of “I’m Still Fine” by The Red Clay Strays, and he had the judges’ jaws dropping.
“People here livin’ it up, I think they’re blind/ I think they’re out of their minds/ Not one of them has had this/ God’s not givin’ me up, no, I’m just fine/ It’s just a matter of time/ Though, I don’t feel my sadness/ I know it should be there/ Maybe I’m too tired to care/ But I’m still fine,” Garner sang on the track’s chorus.
The Idol judges were shocked by Garner’s vocals at such a young age; however, they hesitated on whether they wanted to send him to Hollywood Week, as it’s a brutal competition. Michael Garner promised the judges that he is “ready” and “willing” to give the competition everything he’s got.
“What you do with your voice is definitely beyond 16. I feel like you have a control and a composure about yourself. I think I’m going to be wrestling over here,” Underwood began, referencing her struggle to vote, unsure if he is ready despite his impressive voice and young age.
She added, “I wish you were like 20 years old… You’re really good. Whatever happens today, you’re on the right path.”
Luke Bryan questioned Underwood and Lionel Richie‘s decision. “If we say no to him, what are we doing here?” Bryan said to his fellow judges. “I know he’s young, but we’re all saying that he sings great. He’s just playing guitar great, and he’s singing pretty dang good.”
When it came time to vote, Underwood decided she wasn’t ready to send Garner into the competition. “So I look at you and I see my son, and I would not throw him in the middle of it where you are at 16. So that’s where I’m coming from,” she explained.
Carrie Underwood gushed that he reminded her of a “country Justin Bieber,” while Luke Bryan added that he resembled Justin Timberlake.
The young contestant ultimately earned a golden ticket, advancing to Hollywood Week, thanks to ‘yes’ votes from Richie and Bryan. He told Idol producers that he is going to prove he has what it takes.
“Miss Carrie, I just want to say I’m going to prove to you that I have what it takes,” he shared.
New episodes of American Idol air every Monday at 8/7c on ABC and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.