'American Idol' winner Chayce Beckham 'coming home' to Apple Valley in May

High Desert native and “American Idol” winner Chayce Beckham will return to his roots to perform at the Hilltop Tavern and Inn in Apple Valley.

The Chayce Beckham “Coming Home” partywill begin when the tavern doors open at 4 p.m. on May 24 with food, drinks and dancing.

The party will include singer Natalie Blue, a country music maven from the High Desert, followed by hometown favorite, Chayce Beckham.

Chayce Beckham

In May 2021, fireworks lit up the Apple Valley sky as fans tuned in and watched Beckham be crowned the newest “American Idol.”

Nearly two years after his career-boosting victory, the California native is on the publication’s all-genre Hot 100 chart. Beckham has become one of the most talked about newcomers in country music, having won over millions of hearts with his mellow, raspy voice and the release of his debut song "23."

The single debuted at No. 71 on the Hot 100 chart dated Jan. 13. It garnered 13.3 million radio audience impressions, 4 million official streams in the United States, and 1,000 paid downloads in the final week of Dec. 2023, according to Billboard.

The ballad, partly sung to his mother, is a semi-autobiographical account of his struggles with alcohol.

Beckham tours with Luke Bryan

Now signed to record label 19 Recordings, in partnership with BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records, and finding his home in Nashville, Beckham, 28, is ready to dig into new music and share his signature sound with his legions of fans.

It was also recently announced that Beckham will join five-time Entertainer of the Year and American Idol celebrity judge Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” beginning April 17.

Bryan’s five-month tour begins in Canada before moving through the U.S., with a show on Aug. 8 at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino.

During the tour, special musical guests vary by city. At this time, Beckham is not scheduled to perform at Glen Helen. Tickets are on sale at LukeBryan.com.

Beckham’s debut album

Beckham told American Songwriter that he hopes to release his debut album this year. He shared that one of the singles from the album, “This Ol’ Rodeo” is co-written with breakout star Stephen Wilson Jr.

The song, with its Western appeal and intoxicating fiddle, joins Beckham's signature raspy voice, as it tells the timeless story of a girl falling for a boy's vagabond ways, according to All Country News.

Beckham said one of his childhood friends inspired the song. That friend was a rodeo cowboy and as a singer/songwriter, Beckham got a close look at that lifestyle when they lived together for a short time. His friend’s dedication pushed him to write the song, Beckham said.

Beckham’s High Desert roots

Born at Victor Valley Global Medical Center, Beckham told the Daily Press he spent most of his childhood in Victorville, as well as neighboring Hesperia and Apple Valley.

He attended Carmel Elementary School in Hesperia, also Vanguard Preparatory School and Sitting Bull Academy, both located in Apple Valley. At age 12, he moved down the hill, where he bounced around cities in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County.

Beckham attended Glendora High School and graduated in 2014 from Whitcomb High School, a continuation school in Glendora — roughly 34 miles east of Idol's home at Television City in Los Angeles.

Natalie Blue

Having performed for over 22 years, Blue strives to create an experience with each guitar strum and every word she breathes, transporting the listener to another place – where troubles fade away, and dreams come alive, she said.

Blue has performed in venues across the High Desert and Southern California including the iconic Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood.

A wife, mother and proud Christian, Blue first discovered her love for singing at age 8 as she enthusiastically belted out tunes that made her feel alive, she said.

As she grew older, Blue’s love for country music deepened. As songs on the radio became a way for her to express her experiences and emotions.

From heartbreak to hope, every lyric she writes is infused with the essence of her journey. But what truly sets her apart is her faith in Jesus Christ, she said.

Blue believes music is not just about entertaining others, but is about touching souls and spreading love through every note and word.

Whether it's an uplifting anthem or a heartfelt ballad, her songs carry messages of hope and redemption.

Tickets, more information

Online ticket sales for the Chayce Beckham “Coming Home” party begin at 1 a.m. on March 1 at eventbrite.com.

For more information visit hilltoptavernandinn.com or facebook.com./Hilltoptavernandinn.

The Hilltop Tavern and Inn is located at 9544 Kiowa Road in Apple Valley.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: American Idol winner Chayce Beckham to perform in Apple Valley