Ocala man's run ends on 'American Idol'

Emery Robbins’ recent run on ABC’s "American Idol" show took him to the Top 50 level and the Showstopper episode.

But Robbins’ rendition of the Brooks & Dunn song “Neon Moon” was unexpectedly cut from the final version of the show and his journey on the show ended after he failed to advance into the Top 24.

Nonetheless, the 18-year-old Ocala, singer and guitarist — self-taught on the instrument during the pandemic —and student ministry worship coordinator at Church@The Springs of Ocala sees his "American Idol" experience as a big win.

“I’m super grateful for the experience and the time invested in me by 'American Idol' and the (people) back home. I’m overwhelmed by the support,” Robbins said in a phone interview on April 2.

Robbins feels his appearances on "American Idol" helped “build his confidence” and can “jump start” his career aspirations as a country and worship music performer.

Robbins’ "American Idol" experience was launched last year when Matt Overfelt, pastor of Ocala United, sponsor of the annual Citywide student-based ministry event, sent in an application audition for Robbins.

“I would absolutely do it again. All I did was recognize his talent and look for an opportunity to share it with others,” Overfelt stated in a text message.

“Emery has shared that it was a great experience for him and exposed him to a whole new world of resources and next steps. It is a shot that he deserves and will not be wasted,” he wrote.

Robbins is taking the lead in organizing this year’s Citywide event, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 28 at Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center.

Robbins has said he never would’ve entered the "American Idol" contest on his own.

Robbins passed preliminary auditions and traveled to Nashville for an in-person performance in front of the show’s celebrity judges: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Taping on the multiple shows began in November.

Robbins said as the steps toward to the Top 50 progressed, the celebrity judges spoke to the contestants more like “they belonged” in competition.

Robbins performed the Zach Bryan song “God Speed” and garnered three “yeses” from the judges and a “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood Week.

Robbins traveled to Hollywood, California for the next level and performed “You Look So Good in Love” by George Strait and was awarded a spot in the Top 50. But his trip ended when his performance was cut from the April 1 episode and he failed to make it to the Top 24.

Emery Robbins’ parents, Ryan and Ali Robbins and his girlfriend, Halsey Fore, whom he met at Church@The Springs,  accompanied him to Nashville and Hollywood.

Ryan Robbins said he’s “super proud” of his son, especially in light of the extreme competition just to enter the contest. He said his son’s "American Idol" appearance brings “positive attention” to the Ocala community, which he hopes will continue.

“I’m just grateful to be a part of something so special and so amazing,” Emery Robbins texted.

“Jesus shone through and God had a plan,“ he said.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala's Emery Robbins doesn't advance on 'American Idol'