Former college football player Will Moseley nabbed a golden ticket and a surprise collaboration with Luke Bryan during Saturday night’s episode of American Idol.
In an emotional introduction, the 23 year old from Hazlehurst, Georgia, explained how multiple head injuries led him to hang up his football helmet for good after he graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee. It was after college that Moseley learned how to play the guitar and began writing songs and singing country music.
“I’ve realized being on stage and singing to people, it’s an adrenaline rush, really,” the ex-offensive lineman said during a pre-audition clip. “The feeling that you get when you sing your own songs and people sing it back to you is life changing.”
The moment Moseley opened his mouth to sing his original song, “Gone For Good,” the judges were in agreement: he would be going to Hollywood.
Inspired by the song, Bryan got up from his chair and moved to the piano to accompany Moseley.
When he was finished, Katy Perry FaceTimed Lionel Richie, who had to leave mid-performance.
“I think Will is a star,” he said matter of factly. “I love the timber of his voice. His voice is amazing.”
Bryan and Perry agreed.
“We knew it from the very first note,” Perry said. “This isn’t a hobby. You’re not just doing this for one more year. You’re gonna do this for the rest of your life.”
