Charlotte native Blake Proehl auditioned on ‘American Idol.’ Did he make it to Hollywood?

“American Idol” returned to the small screen for its 22nd season Sunday night, and Charlotte native and former NFL player Blake Proehl auditioned for a chance to go with the show to Hollywood.

Proehl, a former Providence High School standout, played wide receiver at East Carolina University before signing with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent after the 2021 NFL Draft, Sports Illustrated reported.

The last name may be familiar to Panthers fans, since his father, Ricky, spent three seasons with the team as a wide receiver. His brother, Austin, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, now plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL.

After suffering an ACL injury, Proehl stepped away from football to focus on music, and credits his grandmother for helping him find his voice.

“I wasn’t able to walk for so long,” Proehl said during his audition. “That’s where music came in and saved me. My grandma is the reason why I’m here. I didn’t believe in myself at all music wise and she’s the reason why I have any confidence at all to be in this room.”

Here’s what went down in front of the “Idol” judges Sunday night.

Blake’s audition

Proehl, playing the piano while sitting next to his grandmother, sang a rendition of “In Case You Didn’t Know,” an emotional ballad by country artist Brett Young, for “Idol” judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

All three judges — including Perry, who showed off her goosebumps during his performance — had glowing reviews for Proehl.

“Every grandma thinks that their grandchildren are great, but you’re right,” Perry told Proehl’s grandmother during his audition. “If you will allow us to be your coaches, you’re going to be to be top 10.”

“You just did that song the right way, and a very believable way...every girl you sit down and sing that to, they’re going to be melted butter,” Bryan said. “It was just a real moment.”

“I wrote one thing down that stood out: natural,” Richie told Proehl.

Did Blake make it to Hollywood?

Proehl received a resounding “yes” from all three judges, punching his ticket to Hollywood.

“I’m going to frame this ticket and probably put it in Nana’s house, because that’s where this all started,” Proehl said.

The judges even discussed his audition after he left the room, with one making a bold prediction about his future in the competition.

“That’s a heartthrob right there,” Richie said.

“He could win it,” Perry responded.

How to watch ‘American Idol’

The next episode of “American idol” airs at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, on ABC.

Charlotte native and former NFL player with Panthers ties to compete on ‘American Idol’

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