A Spring City, Tennessee, teenager starts his search for fame when he auditions on "American Idol" during Sunday's episode at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Drake McCain Taylor - who goes by Drake McCain as his stage name - will sing "Knocks Me Off My Feet" by Stevie Wonder and the gospel hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" before "Idol" judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry.
Like many singers who audition on "American Idol," Drake McCain Taylor began singing in church. His first song he sang for his church was "Shackles" by Mary Mary. / Facebook.com photoObservant TV viewers may have already seen Drake featured in a current ad for "Idol," which shows him at home in Spring City with his 10 siblings.
As "American Idol" viewers know, contestants who show potential for advancing, or who have an interesting backstory, get a video treatment that supplements their audition - and Drake certainly had the whole package: a small-town guy with talent, a distinctive voice (tenor), unique look and unusual family life (eldest of 11).
"They shot quite a bit of things," Drake said during a phone interview. "They followed me to work (at the Piggly Wiggly), shot my family and my basic routine."
Drake, 17, is a member of the 2019 class of Rhea County High School, where he sings in the high school chorus. He is the son of Courtney Swafford and Courtney Taylor - yes, both parents have the same first name.
"I've been singing since I was 5," he says, "but I started singing in public at 8 when I had my first solo in chorus. I sang all the time growing up in church, and 'Shackles' by Mary Mary was the first song I sang for church. I knew I was meant for the stage."
But the teen admits he "kind of gave up music" in middle school for other interests. He recalls he sang the national anthem during his sophomore year at various events, but it wasn't until his friend Abigail Corvin began encouraging him to sing during their junior year in high school that he seriously became focused on music again. He taught himself to play piano.
Drake McCain of Spring City, Tenn., sings at his "American Idol" audition in New York City. / Photo from ABC/David Williamson"She started singing with me and made me want to keep doing it again. For so long, I didn't know how to get back in. Without her, I don't think I would have auditioned for 'Idol,'" Drake credits his friend.
The teenager submitted a video audition to the TV reality show, singing "Girls Like You" by Maroon 5. He then received an email inviting him to a private audition in Nashville - just two days before the audition date. In Nashville, he sang Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason" and "Location" by Khalid.
As apparent by his variety of audition songs, Drake says he is interested in multiple genres of music.
"I'm really into hip-hop, but I sing everything so I don't want to stick to one thing. I do country, gospel, hip-hop, R&B."
Drake, his friends and family will gather for a viewing party Sunday night at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Rhea County High School. His band will play at 7:30 until the show starts at 8.
Tune in to see whether a small-town teen wins a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Contact staff writer Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.