Garrett Miles is going to the next round of “American Idol” and continues to be one of the favorites in show’s 14th season.
The judges announced Wednesday night that Miles, the popular Villages performer, will be moving to the next round of the Fox Network television show along with 37 other contestants.
They were among, “the most memorable auditions,” the judges said. “You’re all going to the next round,” Judge Jennifer Lopez said. His next Idol appearance will probably be Feb. 18-19 during the program’s “Showcase Week.”
Miles, 26, was among the top performers Wednesday at the first Idol “Hollywood Week” show. As was reported Tuesday in the Villages-News.com, Miles earned a standing ovation and raves from the judges after singing the Garth Brooks’ love song, “To Make You Feel My Love.”
Miles came on 26 minutes into the show’s first hour. “This guy has got the best voice,” judge Keith Urban said as Miles, who is blind, walked to center stage with help from his father.
“I hope this guy does well, because I love him,” added judge Harry Connick Jr. Jennifer Lopez talked about Miles’ “accent” because he sang a song in Spanish to her during the first audition.
Miles, of Phenix City, Alabama, looked calm and composed as he stood center stage in front of a stand-up microphone. He wore a gray-plaid shirt and blue jeans. “How y’all doing,” said Miles, in his best Alabama twang.
“I’m going to sing one of my favorites, ‘To Make You Feel My Love,’” Miles said.
He then performed the ballad with that deep, bluesy country voice that has impressed the judges and Idol viewers throughout the country.
Despite his rising national presence, he still holds a special place in his heart for The Villages where Miles has regularly performed for the past few years.
“I want to say a very special thank you to all my fans and friends in the Villages who have supported me over the years,” Miles stated Tuesday in an email to Villages-News.com. “It has been great to be able to grow and develop as an entertainer and musician in this wonderful community. It has been an amazing journey so far and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thank you for your continuous support. God Bless You.”
To see a clip of Miles’ performance, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/teamgarrett?source=feed_text&story_id=10152729174288108
