By Brandon McGlone
sports@garrardcentralrecord.com

(Lancaster, KY - March 18, 2021) - On Sunday, March 21, Garrard County High School senior and local country crooner Alex Miller will return to the ‘American Idol’ stage. With the audition rounds finally over and the final golden tickets handed out it is now time for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to test contestants to their limit and narrow down the competition.

In a two-night event (Sunday and Monday), the search for the next superstar continues as ‘American Idol’ kicks off its iconic Hollywood Week at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

The show advertised, “With surprise twists no one saw coming, fan favorites from auditions return to stage for the Genre Challenge to sing their hearts out in hopes of making it through to the next round.”

Hollywood Week consists of up to three rounds (depending on if contestants make the cut) and determines whether hopeful artists will make it to the live performance and voting stage of the show. In future stages the judges will have more input on what style they want to hear from the participants, but in the first round singers were able to choose their own genre of music to perform in front of the all-star panel.

“So whatever happens is all on me,” Miller laughed.

“I will be representing the Bluegrass State with some bluegrass type music,” he shared about what to expect on Sunday night. “That’s how I would describe my performance in this next episode. It will definitely be very ‘Alex Miller.’ I had a great time picking and playing for the judges in this next round. It’s definitely one I think people will enjoy.”

Miller isn’t trying to look too far in advance, enjoying each moment as it comes, but as for this upcoming performance he said he was very pleased with how it turned out.

“I did the best I could,” Miller said in his matter-of-fact way. “Just like with any performance I give, I put my all into it. The first performance of Hollywood week is no different.”

Miller’s life has changed in expected, and unexpected, ways since it was first revealed that he tried out for the long-running show and subsequently received a golden ticket to hollywood. He immediately became a fan favorite after the season premiere on Feb. 14 when the judges fell in love with his country charm and crooning voice. 

The fame has come at a time when the 17-year-old high school senior still has classwork to complete for graduation. He’s also taking a college English course. But Miller said he is taking the changes in stride and adapting as best he can.

“As the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air once said, my life has been turned upside down,” Miller joked. “I’ve definitely had to learn how to use social media and learn how to do things I’d never thought I’d have to. But the outreach of people wanting to get to know me and stuff -- it’s something I never thought would happen to me, and the fact that people are so supportive is definitely a dream come true.”

Part of what has kept Miller grounded in reality while also giving him the encouragement he needs to reach for the stars is his hometown and the community’s unwavering support.

“I really appreciate the county for coming out and supporting me,” Miller said. “Everywhere I go, in the stores and stuff, people know who I am and tell me, ‘We’re pulling for ya!’ It’s nice to hear that from local people. I’m glad they’ve supported me the way they have and just hope they continue to support me on my way through the show.”

Alex Miller’s official music can be followed on Facebook and YouTube by searching “Alex Miller Music”, @AlexMillerMusi1 on Twitter, and @Alex_Miller_Music on Instagram and Tik Tok.