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Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan is quite simply one of the most influential, well-regarded, and well-known names in Hollywood. He is the quintessential Hollywood insider who...Full Bio

 

'American Idol’ Hopeful & Garbage Man Douglas Kiker’s Story Will Melt You

For the first time ever, Ryan Seacrest interviewed an American Idol hopeful ahead of the season's premiere and you have to hear his story and talented voice. On Friday, February 14, Seacrest spoke with contestant Douglas Kiker, who is taking a chance at conquering his dreams by competing on the hit singing show.

“More than anything, it was just an avenue I hadn’t explored,” Kiker, who works as a garage man, shared on-air with Seacrest. “I’m trying to do better for my family and my fiancé, Valerie, she said, ‘You have an amazing voice, American Idol is hosting auditions … you should go try out.’ And I was like, ‘Don’t think I won’t! I will! I will! I ain’t scared!’ And I went and did it and I was,” he recalled. “I was nervous the whole time but I got through it.”

Douglas had never performed in front of anyone — unless it was “on the back of a garbage truck” — before appearing alongside judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry during the audition process.

“It made me feel like I was actually somebody for once,” Douglas shared while recalling his interaction with Lionel Richie. “I know it’s kind of like sad, but its the truth. I came up from nothing and I’ve come really far from where I was at and it just made me feel like anything is possible.”

Watch the preview above and catch the season 3 2020 premiere of American Idol on ABC this Sunday at 8/7c.