17-Year-Old Bryson Quick Impresses ‘Idol’ Judges With Twangy Take On Pink Floyd Classic

Bryson Quick, 17-year-old from Seymour, TN, impressed the American Idol judges when he put a country spin on Pink Floyd’s “Time.” After learning his fate in the competition, the hopeful artist was invited to perform with an Idol alum at Nashville’s most iconic venue.

While reading about Quick’s life and musical background, Idol judge Luke Bryan was informed that he had previously been fishing with Quick’s dad at one of America’s most celebrated intimate luxury hotels located in Walland, TN, Blackberry Farm. Quick explained that his father used to work as a fishing guide at the serene location and took the country superstar fishing several times. After sharing his father’s name, Alex, Bryan seemed to recall their days on the water together. A photo then came up on the screen proving that the men did in fact go on a fishing adventure together.

Carrie Underwood then earned a laugh from her fellow judges as she joked, “I’ve been fishing at Blackberry Farm…I didn’t need a guide though, Luke.”

Moving onto the reason Bryson Quick was standing in the audition room, he revealed that his performance experience includes gigs around Knoxville tailgates, restaurants, breweries, just about anywhere and everywhere that allowed him to play.

He then informed the judges that he was going to perform a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time,” but he opted to put his own spin on it. Instead of delivering it as a rock song, Quick used his twangy vocals to turn it into a country version, a choice that clearly impressed the judges.

Underwood praised his talent and his looks as she said, “Whenever I hear somebody come in who wants to be a part of the country, the country crowd, I always think about hearing their voice in between other voices on the radio. And I feel like yours stands out in a good way. And I like the fact that you brought yourself into a Pink Floyd song that was a smart call and you’re pretty darn cute. I mean, that’s not everything, but it helps.” 

Richie commended Quick on his “storyteller kind of voice” and the fact there was a certain uniqueness in his performance that really struck a chord with him.

“At first, I thought, never heard this before. You don’t fit into the genre of that country voice. But then the uniqueness is the part that rings the bell.”

Bryan, who is currently serving his eighth season on the show, instantly felt that Quick’s talent reminded him of a former Idol winner turned country star, Chayce Beckham.

“It kind of reminds me of an old friend we had around here a few years ago…Chayce Beckham,” he noted before adding, “But you got a big powerful voice and a good range and a good little vibrato under there. You’ve got your own kind of little style, and so we’re excited to see where things go and what happens…”

Quick didn’t just earn a “yes,” but he earned three resounding “heck yeah’s” from the Idol judging panel.

Following up on his comment comparing Quick to Beckham, Bryan decided to call up the Idol alum and ask him for a favor. Once the auditioner and his family made their way out of the room, he hopped on Facetime with Beckham and brought up the idea to invite Bryson Quick to perform alongside him at the Grand Ole Opry later that night.

“You mind if we send a kid your way for a little inspiration?” Bryan asked, earning a “Yeah, let’s do it” reply from Beckham.

“His name’s Bryson Quick. He’s kind of like a younger, better looking version of you. It’s like amazing,” Bryan joked. Since becoming a friend of the “Mind of a Country Boy” singer, Beckham is no stranger to the antics and gave a witty response that earned a laugh from the room. “Kind of like how I was with you?” he joked.

Back out in the hallway, Quick was still clutching his golden ticket when American Idol host Ryan Seacrest asked him, “What’s the most famous venue you’ve ever played?”

He shared that he’s played around Music City, but has never performed in any kind of famous venue. Seacrest then got to share the major surprise they had as he asked, “How would you like to play the Grand Old Opry stage?”

Quick was stunned as he couldn’t believe the opportunity being presented to him. “There’s no way. I’ve always wanted to come to the Opry to watch a show, but I’ve never been able to make it here and the first time I’m here is to play? Incredible,” he gushed.

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A post shared by Bryson Quick (@brysonquickmusic)

He got to share a few moments backstage with Beckham before stepping into the circle for the very first time and performing the California native’s debut single, “23.”

“When Chase walked in the room, I couldn’t believe it because I’ve heard him on the radio and I’ve seen him on the show…And then learning that I get to play a song with him tonight, it was incredible. It was incredible.”

Beckham then introduced the aspiring artist to the crowd and delivered the powerful tune that made him the first Idol winner to do so with an original song.

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Reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Quick shared, “Walking up to that circle, knowing what it symbolizes, it’s just something I’ve dreamed about for my entire life. When you stand in that circle, you’re the star. You’re what encapsulates the entirety of country music. Being able to step foot up there where other greats that I’ve listened to my entire life played just meant more than the world to me.”

Season eight of American Idol is currently airing every Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day.