Franklin native advances to top 24 on ‘American Idol’

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) – The top 24 “American Idol” contestants are taking their talents to Hawaii and Middle Tennessee is representing strong!

Franklin’s own Quintavious Johnson brought the judges to their feet in his first audition on the competition show and he hasn’t stopped singing since.

Johnson’s audition song of choice was “Alabaster Box” by CeCe Winans, paying homage to his early start in music by singing at Limestone Missionary Baptist Church when he was just two years old.

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Now, 19 years later, Johnson’s singing career continues and despite feeling nervous, Johnson said he can count on the support from his fellow contestants.

“The nerves are definitely real,” Johnson said. “But what’s awesome about this season, and this class, is that our bond is so strong. We’ve kind of grown together even through Hollywood week. So, we’re nervous, but it still doesn’t really feel like a competition. It’s almost like a showcase.”

In fact, one of those contestants is Emmy Russell, another Middle Tennessee native who has also earned a spot in the top 24.

The 21-year-old said he and Russell have become close friends this season.

“She’s been so sweet,” he said. “We both have bonded over our love for God. She really loves the Lord. She has a beautiful heart and a voice and [her] songwriting skills are out of this world.”

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After each performance, Johnson said he has received great feedback from the show’s celebrity judges like the Grammy-nominated Katy Perry.

“She likes to see aces, you know, she likes to see versatility,” Johnson said. “You know, in my audition, she said you have to be good at everything, like a jack of all trades. She said I would like to see some aces up your Sleeve. And so that’s one thing I’ve been focusing on showing the different aces.”

Despite what happens on the “American Idol” stage, Johnson said his goal for the show hasn’t changed.

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“It is to impact lives,” he said. “It is to let people know that they can do this. Let people believe in their dreams and and if you don’t believe in yourself enough, believe in God enough that he can take you beyond your wildest dream.”

The two-part special of “American Idol” in Hawaii will air at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 on News 2.

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