Photo: Terry Wyatt/ACMA2020/Getty Images
Jimmie Allenis feeling the impact of his artistry on the stage that launched his career.
On Sunday, the 36-year-old country singer returned toAmerican Idol— which he competed on in Season 10 — to mentor the series' top 24 contestants as they made their live performance debuts at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii.
During the episode, hopeful musician Mike Parker’s speech about Allen’s impact on his burgeoning career as a Black country artist brought the Grammy nominee to tears.
“The beginning of his journey is much similar to my journey right now, and he made me feel like there is a spot for me in country music,” said the 27-year-oldIdolcontestant in an interview, perUSA Today, before performing “Best Shot,” a single Allen released in 2018. “I’m going to remember this day until I leave this earth.”
JudgeKaty Perrytold Parker his take on “Best Shot” and personal tribute to Allen could prove well for him in the competition. “This experience has helped you arrive,” the 37-year-old “Teenage Dream” singer said to the contestant. “It was the things that we’ve been saying this whole season — all those ingredients — they were found in that song.”
Earlier in the episode, Allen offered some general advice to the currentAmerican Idolhopefuls. “It’s all about finding out what you do special and what you can learn to apply to your own songwriting skills and vocal ability,” he told the 24 contestants. “Let’s have fun, let’s try some new stuff and let’s make some music.”
Last week, Allen performed his latest single “Down Home” at the2022 Grammy Awardspremiere ceremony. He was nominated for best new artist at the awards show, thoughOlivia Rodrigoultimately took home the category’s trophy.
On a recent episode of theSpotify: Mic Checkpodcast, Allen spoke about his turbulent journey from his native Milton, Delaware to Nashville in 2007. Before making it as a musician, he lived out of his car for several months to save for an apartment and assist his younger sister in paying school tuition.
“I feel like the most challenging part was trying to wrap my brain around the fact that people didn’t see the potential in me that I saw in myself,” he said on the podcast. “It wasn’t frustrating when I was living in my car, wasn’t frustrating when I was living in a trailer with no electric. I wasn’t frustrated when I didn’t eat for three or four days because I knew that was just a moment in time. What frustrated me was other people not seeing the potential.”
source: people.com
