Paul McDonald, a Nashville singer-songwriter who made it through to the Hollywood round on the Fox television series "American Idol" Thursday night, is the son of a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga teacher.
Susan McDonald, a professor in the UTC physical therapy department, confirmed Friday that her 26-year-old son is one of the Nashville auditioners who won a coveted gold ticket to continue in the competition.
She said McDonald grew up in Huntsville, Ala., and is part of the band Grand Magnolias (formerly High Tide Blues).
McDonald, a bluesy singer with a voice like Rod Stewart, won the "American Idol" judges over with a rendition of Stewart's "Maggie May."
He attended Auburn University and lives in East Nashville, his mother said.
Two other area "Idol" contestants, Lauren Alaina (Suddeth), of Rossville, and Stormi Henley, of Crossville, Tenn., also have advanced on the show.