Watch Texas singer have ‘rock star moment’ as he advances to ‘American Idol’ top 5
A Texas singer was “torn up” about missing his live performance — but still impressed on “American Idol.”
Fritz Hager had a “rock star moment” during his pre-recorded rehearsal on the show’s stage, helping him advance to the show’s top five, according to video from the episode that aired Sunday, May 8.
Hager was one of two singers who contracted COVID-19 and heard the celebrity judges’ feedback remotely, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph and other news outlets.
“Huge bummer that I am not able to be at the live show tonight,” he said May 8 in an Instagram video. “I’m feeling great. I’m ready to get back in the saddle, but you know we have to take precautions.”
His latest performance came after he gushed over the success of his music in late April. Around that time, his self-titled EP topped the pop chart on iTunes and was one of the most popular albums on the app, McClatchy News reported.
For his latest “American Idol” performance, he sang two pieces from that EP, including “All My Friends.” That song drew praise from celebrity judge Luke Bryan.
“For you to transition so much from the acoustic guitar to kind of have the electric guitar and kind of have that rock star moment — it looked amazing, sounded amazing,” Bryan said.
He also sang “The Ocean,” which was a Mother’s Day tribute to his grandmother. He told his Instagram followers it was his favorite performance so far, and the celebrity judges were also fans.
“I think that was one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard about grandma in general,” Katy Perry said. “You continue to shock me and blow me away, and it’s amazing.”
Viewers apparently were impressed too, as Hager earned enough votes to move on in the competition. Now, the 22-year-old Tyler, Texas, resident is looking forward to being healthy enough to return to the live “American Idol” stage.
“Thoughts and prayers are appreciated,” he said in an Instagram video the night of the show. “I’m taking several medications. I’m drinking a bunch of tea. I’m trying to get better as fast as I can so I can be on that stage next week.”
