Two years ago, Cody Winkler, a truck driver from Marion, Texas who also farms and raises cattle on the side, decided to try his hand at singing professionally. He’d always passed time by singing songs to himself while working on his ranch, and now he travels across the state of Texas performing live shows.
Last week, the 25-year-old made his national debut with one of the most memorable American Idol auditions of season 21.
As he walked into the audition room, he admitted he was feeling “finer than frog hair.”
He then proceeded to tell the judges a bit of his backstory, before delivering an a cappella rendition of “Under a Neon Halo” by Bill Green.
“I’ve tried my whole life… Always been kind of shy and always thought I was never good enough to do anything. So, I really [started] to pursue it two years ago and I’m just getting started,” he explained.
Both Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were seen snapping along as Winkler sang, but ultimately, Perry told him, “I think you need some music.”
Bryan agreed but applauded his a cappella skills. “Great job getting up there and doing it a cappella!” he said.
Winkler politely replied, “Hey listen, I appreciate it. It’s a little hard getting up here without a steel guitar and all that in there.”
“I feel like I wanted to hear it with some music to really understand it. Is there anything that y’all play?” Perry said looking at Bryan.
Bryan got up, grabbed his guitar and joined Winkler on the stage where the two performed George Strait’s 1981 major label debut single, “Unwound.” Following their impromptu duet, Bryan told him, “You did good, Cody.”
Perry agreed, saying, “You done good!”
Lionel Richie piped in adding that Winkler reminded him of Willie Nelson before declaring he was a yes.
“Willie Nelson… The legend,” Cody said with a smile.
Ultimately, the judges decided Winkler had some practicing to do before being ready to advance to Hollywood. They left him with some parting advice and praised his authenticity.
Even though he didn’t make it to the show, Winkler said his American Idol experience was well worth it.
“Luke Bryan is just an amazing Country singer. I mean, how many people can say they got to sing with a Country legend like Luke Bryan? It’s a memory that I’m going to keep with me the rest of my life and cherish,” he shared.
Source: Music Mayhem Magazine
