Garrett Miles was eliminated Wednesday night on “American Idol’s” group round, but one rising international singing star considers him a winner and wants to work with him.
This isn’t the end for Garrett, “this is just the beginning,” Fernando Varela said Wednesday night after Miles was eliminated from the Fox Network show. Varela also talked about “collaborating” with Miles on a future music project. About two years ago, Varela was eliminated from “America’s Got Talent” with the group Forte, but his career has sky-rocketed since. Varela, like Miles, often performs in The Villages.
Miles was dropped from the show on a strange, confusing and barely watchable episode of Idol. He sounded philosophical later, stating on his Facebook page: “What an amazing experience American Idol was. Sad to see it end, but so thankful for the incredible journey.”
Miles, 26, who is blind and an Alabama country singer, was odd man out in an Idol show that looked like a casting call for “Glee.”
Miles was part of a group that included three young, female contestants, called “Garrett’s Girls.” They came on about 55 minutes into the one-hour show and sang an unwieldy version of “Done” by The Band Perry.
It’s a hard-driving country rocker but the song just didn’t work for the group. There was little chemistry among them and Miles never had the chance to show his vocal strength and emotion.
“You guys did good today,” said Judge Keith Urban, a staunch Miles’ supporter throughout the show. “It’s tough. You had your singers surrounding you, Garrett and you had to hold your own. I think you did pretty good with that.”
But Judge Harry Connick Jr. said to Miles, “it’s not your day today,” and the entire group was eliminated.
Mike Miles, Garrett’s father, was with his son throughout the Idol shows and has also traveled with him for concerts in The Villages.
“He’s been through so much and I’m so proud of him,” Mike Miles said.
“It’s meant a lot having my dad here,” Miles said. “He’s been my biggest supporter.”
“I’m always going to be your roadie,” Mike Miles said.
Where does Garrett Miles go from here?
Probably, on to bigger and better things. Millions of viewers saw him for the past five weeks on Idol and his commanding bluesy, country voice and singing style just might earn a record deal somewhere.
Often, those eliminated have a better career than the winners. Such Idol “losers” as Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Adam Lambert have become major stars.
After Idol, a lot of people in the music industry are aware of Garrett Miles.
“It sounds cliché, but so many doors start opening up after the exposure from these shows,” Varela said. “Garrett should keep his head held high and be ready for the next exciting chapter (of his career).”
Varela said he wants to work with Miles on a musical project. “I would love to collaborate on something soon.”
Since Varela was eliminated on “America’s Got Talent,” he has worked with famed producer David Foster, appeared with Barbra Streisand, Lionel Richie recorded albums and toured the world.
The future could be as bright for Garrett Miles. He may have lost on group round but his individual talent shined through on American Idol.