Alabama's Mia Matthews aims for top 8 this weekend on 'American Idol'

Though she’s steadily climbing the world of reality TV music, 19-year-old Alabama country singer Mia Matthews of Centre said it doesn’t all seem real to her yet.

“I never in a million years expected to make it this far. But it’s really, really validating and fulfilling, because this is what I’ve wanted my entire life," said Matthews, who just advanced to the top 10 Monday on Season 22 of “American Idol.”

Matthews was born in Gadsden and raised in Centre. At the time she spoke to the Advertiser, she had just made it to the top 14. Matthews was, and still is, joined by fellow Alabama singer, 15-year-old Triston Harper of Mcintosh.

“Me and Triston are still here. We can crack jokes that not everyone would really understand,” Matthews said.

The other eight remaining talents are Abi Carter, Mckenna Faith Breinholt, Will Moseley, Sam “Kayko” Kelly-Cohen, Kaibrienne “KB” Richins, Jack Blocker, Emmy Russell and Julia Gagnon.

“It doesn’t feel like a competition,” Matthews said. “All of the contestants are so supportive. We’re like a big family.”

Speaking of family, “Idol” was a bonding experience for Matthews and her little sister, Jacy, who auditioned for the show together. Music runs in the family. In fact, the sisters were joined by their mother, Tara, for a run as the trio Worth The Wait on "Idol" in season 19.

“My dad was a heavy metal rock star. He played electric guitar,” Matthews said. “My mother grew up being a childhood country singer.”

Her dad passed when Matthews was three, and she said music became her therapy. Her mother continued in music, teaching vocals and dance lessons at their home.

“I was always surrounded by it. Always, always, always,” Matthews said. “I always knew it was what I wanted to do… I eat, sleep and breathe music. Every single experience somehow has music or songwriting or just a guitar somehow weaved into it.”

With all the memories and thoughts of her father in mind, Matthews decided to take a chance in Hawaii and sing the Holly Dunn song “Daddy’s Hands.” It was clear how much it affected her mother, who was in the crowd watching.

“It was so special. I knew it was a risk because Hawaii is fun. It’s light and airy, and everyone was doing some fun, high-energy songs… I felt in my heart that I needed to do that one,” Matthews said. “I’m glad I stuck to my guns and sang it because it really was such a special moment.”

Ahead of that song, she was able to spend an emotional rehearsal with special mentor Jelly Roll.

“We connected over the loss of both of our fathers,” Matthews said. “Oh my goodness, it was such a special moment and I will never forget it.”

She also loves working with the “Idol” judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and, of course, Lionel Richie, who she says gives great advice.

“(Richie) has such cute grandpa energy,” Matthews said. “I love him so much… Every single one of the judges are so precious, and I value their input and their opinion and advice so, so much. They have really pushed me to be the most confident version of myself and just do my best every single week.”

Now that she’s in the top 10, the pressure isn’t letting up. But Matthews has a unique way to cope.

“I always remind myself whenever I walk out there to take a deep breath and then, this sounds silly, but I need to reenter my body,” she said. “I feel my feet in my shoes on the stage, and then I’m like, okay, we’re here. We’re doing the dang thing, and we just go for it. That’s what I do.”

“American Idol” returns to ABC on  Sunday, April 28, 7 p.m. as the top 8 are selected. Then on Monday, April 29, 7 p.m. the top 8 will perform songs selected by the judges and America will vote live to pick the top 6 — and judges will save one singer to make it the top 7.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama's Mia Matthews aims for top 8 this weekend on 'American Idol'