https://youtu.be/LfeXu26peJU
The season 18 premiere of American Idol showcased auditions from a number of incredibly talented individuals, including 27-year-old Doug Kiker, a garbage man from Alabama.
“I’m a garbage man. I work on the back of a garbage truck,” Kiker explained to judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry of his backstory.
When they asked how much singing experience he had, Kiker told the truth – NONE.
“I have some experience now,” he laughed.
Kiker went on to reveal that he auditioned for Idol in honor of his 2-year-old daughter, Elianna Elizabeth.
“I’m trying to show her, like, if you put your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t do,” he said.
While conversing with the judges, Kiker appeared to be a bit starstruck, admitting several times he was taken back by Perry’s beauty.
“You’re really pretty,” he told her after apologizing for being nervous.
After taking a quick break to warm up, he returned for his audition, singing “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. His performance seemed to impress the judges. Perry wanted to see more and asked him to showcase his range.
After admitting he had no idea what that was, Bryan jumped in to help.
Taking a seat at a nearby piano, the country superstar began to sing “Bless the Broken Road” and coached Kiker along as they sang together.
Doug Kiker’s audition was undoubtedly one of the night’s most emotional moments, leaving Perry and many viewers in tears. Watch the heartwarming audition in the clip above.
