Every so often, there is an American Idol performance that speaks directly to the heart.
Doug Kiker delivered such a moment.
One of those unforgettable moments took place when Kiker, a garbage man from Mobile, Alabama, stepped onto the judge’s stage.
With his charming and sincere smile, Doug told the judges his important reason for auditioning.
He wanted to show his 2-year-old daughter that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Does he have what it takes?
After noticing that Doug seemed a little nervous, the judges ask him what singing experience he has under his belt. Doug’s honest response shocks the judges.
“I don’t have any…I sing on the back of a garbage truck.”
He’d never even warmed up before.
The judges asked Doug if he’d warmed up before stepping in, to which he replied that he wouldn’t know how. So, they gave Doug a chance to warm up.
In a rare moment for the show, the judges tell Doug to go warm up so that he can give his best performance.
Lionel Richie says to him, “I want you to go out, right now, warm up, and then you’ll come back in.”
He points him toward the door and asks him to go meet up with Ryan Seacrest for some warm-up exercises.
Doug takes the stage a second time.
When Doug returns, he immediately seems more self-assured and ready to show them what he’s got.
He starts singing, ‘Bless The Broken Road,’ by Rascall Flatts and the judge’s eyes light up.
Doug sings with heart and emotion.
As the judges watch on they are clearly blown away by Doug’s raw talent and deep emotional connection to the song.
Luke Bryan joins the performance.
Now it’s Doug’s turn to be blown away. Bryan decides to join him on stage to see what Doug can really do with his voice.
As they sing together Doug’s voice just gets better. Bryan gives him pointers and some instruction on hitting the notes and showing his range.
His heart is in it.
This may be his first time singing on stage but Doug Kiker has just become a star.
America and the judges instantly fell in love with this hard-working, positive man who wasn’t afraid of taking a risk to show his daughter that dreams really do come true.
Hollywood is calling.
After Doug finishes the song, the judges stand up and call him over to accept the highly coveted ticket to Hollywood.
He is overcome with emotion as is Katy Perry who is doing her best to stop the tears from flowing. Her reaction is understandable because Doug is a genuinely nice person with amazing talent.
Katy Perry has some advice for Doug.
“You just stay who you are and you’re gonna go far and you’re gonna take your daughter with you to all the highest heights.” – Katy Perry told Doug.
Doug’s singing journey continues.
Although Doug didn’t become the American Idol winner, he was later given the opportunity to virtually sing his original audition song with none other than Rascall Flatts.
Looks like Doug’s dreams really did come true and his future looks bright.
See Doug’s unforgettable audition in the video below!
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