Everybody loves a powerful reality show audition, but the truth is that the audition is just the first step towards success.
When we think of shows like American Idol, we tend to think either of the initial impression a person makes on the judges or of the final impression we have of them as the winner.
This is generally true in all kinds of other creative pursuits as well. When we only see the spark of potential or the ultimate success, we develop a pretty simplistic picture of what the journey actually takes.
That’s partially what makes Colby Swift’s journey on American Idol so exciting.
For those who don’t know, Swift is a contestant who performs music in a country style.
Swift is a natural performer and a bit of a comedian as his first audition showed perfectly. As he explained in that first audition, Swift says that he had been through some pretty hard experiences.
His mom left their family when he was very young and he has never seen her since. Because of that, he tries to keep his spirits high and to stay positive. Right out of the gate, all the judges were interested in him… but they thought he needed some work.
Though it was a close call, Swift got the three yeses he needed to make it to Hollywood!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSzwgl6NJ2c&t=23s
Now that he’s finally there, he has even more layers and more story to peel back.
That became clear in another one of Swift’s performances. In the clip, he stepped out to perform “Before The Next Teardrop Falls” by Teddy Fender, which he performs for his little sister.
Right from the beginning, Swift is off to a winning, emotional start—but Luke Bryan seems like something is bothering him. “Colby,” he says, “could you sing this without the guitar?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Swift puts the guitar down—and sets into a Spanish part of the song a cappella.
It’s in that moment this his voice truly takes off and his talent shines!
Although everyone is used to the typical country twang and delivery, nobody was ready for a young kid like Swift to sing it in Spanish—and to sing it so beautifully!
It was so good that he got a standing ovation, which brings him to tears backstage. Still, Bryan noticed something about Swift during the performance: His boots seemed to have big holes in them.
After being so moved by his singing, Bryan knew he had to do something to fix it.
A few moments later, Bryan calls Swift back out onstage.
Then, Bryan tells him to show his shoes to the camera. After that, Bryan takes his own boots off and brings them up onstage to give to Swift! Needless to say, this kind gesture makes the whole crowd burst into applause. After that, Bryan says one simple sentence:
“Colby, those boots are made for walking to the next round.”
Moments like these are what makes this show remain so popular throughout the years!
Although Swift clearly has a ton of talent all on his own, he also has a special something that keeps the judges recognizing him again and again and again. Though there’s still a long way left to go on the show, we know that Swift is going to have a long and prosperous life ahead of him after this is over.
Congratulations to Colby on making it to the next round—and for getting Luke Bryan’s boots in the process! Watch the full clip below:
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