Mike Parker Tries His Hand At One Of Luke Combs’ Biggest Hits — And The ‘American Idol’ Judges Loved It

After being saved from elimination last week, Mike Parker returned to the American Idol stage with hopes to win America’s…

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Lauren Jo Black

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April 24, 2022

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10:15 pm

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Mike Parker; Photo by ABC, American Idol

After being saved from elimination last week, Mike Parker returned to the American Idol stage with hopes to win America’s votes back with a performance of Luke Combs’ breakout hit, “Hurricane.” 

Ahead of his performance, the Tennessee native sat down with American Idol alum Gabby Barrett, who returned to the show to offer the Top 14 contestants advice. 

“Oh my God, you’re a serious country artist, cowboy boots on… Stamped a country artist,” Barrett said of Parker, who was wearing brown boots during their first meeting. 

After Parker told her he had plans to sing “Hurricane,” Barret joked, “Oh, you got some boots to fill, boy!” 

Barrett then offered Parker advice, encouraging him to move around on stage and to be more aware of his facial expressions. 

“When I get up on that stage, I’m going to open my eyes and do my best to win America back,” Mike Parker declared.  

His performance of Combs’ chart-topping debut single earned praise from the Idol judges and showcased his confident stage presence. 

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“Okay Mike, Okay, that was your stage. You made that stage yours,” Katy Perry said. “You were singing, that was some authentic country, soul… I was locked in on that, you were feeling it, that was your stage.”

“I was so into that,” Luke Bryan told Parker, referencing his stage presence. “Mike, that performance showed me you’re a fighter. You’re out here fightin’, you know, to come from last week to battle back and then have this performance. I mean, way to show up and show America you’re here to play.” 

Mike Parker; Photo by ABC, American Idol
Mike Parker; Photo by ABC, American Idol

“That is the way you were supposed to be, come get us, we’re the audience right?” Lionel Richie said. “You did it, you killed it and what I’m loving the most is your storytelling… That storytelling voice you have, more of it, more of it. Relax and enjoy it, it’s your stage.” 

Mike Parker’s performance ultimately secured him a place in the Top 11. American Idol returns on Monday, April 25 at 8/7c on ABC.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.