Kentucky's Dakota Hayden earns a coveted golden ticket on 'American Idol.' What to know

Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

A 17-year-old singer from Fordsville, Kentucky, a town with a population of less than 500, is headed to Hollywood, California thanks to an impressive live audition during Season 20 of ABC's "American Idol."

Dakota Hayden had his work cut out for him as he stepped into the "American Idol" audition room Sunday in Nashville, Tennessee. The panel of all-star judges which includes, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie had selected a number of country performers during previous episodes of the long-running music competition.

Once the judges got a look at Hayden and listened to his rendition of Luke Combs', "When It Rains It Pours," the three were ready to make room for one more country performer, who was given the coveted "golden ticket" after this audition.

"We found somebody here," Ritchie said at the conclusion of Hayden's audition. "You are pure country, and it’s believable as heck.”

Perry remarked on the Kentucky high schooler's “raw” and “authentic” delivery and called Hayden "Top 10” material.

“I think you’re in the right place. Thank you for driving your butt down here from Fordsville," said Bryan. "You are exactly what we want to find. Katy is right. I think you’re going to snip the Top 10."

More: Keep your eye on these Kentucky singers hoping to become the next 'American Idol'

Hayden, who lives on a 36-acre farm where he and his family raise cattle and turkeys, will join another Kentuckiana who won a spot in Hollywood Week. Last month, 19-year-old Noah Thompson, from Louisa, advanced after his cover of Kameron Marlowe’s “Giving You Up.”

The iconic music talent show is known for producing successful artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry. "American Idol" premiered its 20th season on Sunday, Feb. 27, with the first round of auditions in Los Angeles, California, Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee.

"American Idol," which aires locally on WHAS, will continue with audition rounds Sunday, March 20 and Monday, March 21 before heading to California for the start of “Hollywood Week,” on March 28 at 8 p.m.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentuckian Dakota Hayden gets golden ticket on 'American Idol'