By Anna Robertson Ham

American Idol had an incredible lineup of talent this year. Idol fans, that have been keeping up with this past season, are very familiar with Hunter Metts. Hunter made it to the singing competition’s top seven contestants…and many were left with jaws on the floor after he was voted off. However, that did not dampen or diminish his passion for music and drive to create, nor did it falter his devoted fans. After leaving American Idol, Hunter released his single “20,000 Kisses” which can be downloaded on digital music platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. We had the opportunity to learn a bit more about the talented local, who has lived in Williamson County his entire life, with a little Q&A.

How long have you had a passion for music and how did it begin? 

Before I was born, my Dad moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and my mom moved here to become an artist herself…so it’s kind of a part of who I am. Some of my earliest memories are tied to music and I guess that passion had always been there, I just had never fully pursued it until now. 

Did you take lessons in music, or just come about it naturally?

I took a few guitar lessons when I was in the seventh grade but I discovered that I could learn whatever I wanted through YouTube, so YouTube became my greatest teacher. As far as any other instruments or my voice, I’ve just been singing or playing every day and being patient with myself until I get it.

How did you decide to audition for American Idol?

I graduated from Centennial High School in Franklin, in 2017 and right after I had attended a coding school in Nashville. I had been working full time as a software developer and was working during the days and using every second not working to write and produce music. It had gotten to the point where I was more consumed with the music and began to take away from work (whether it was using my lunch break to write or listening to my demos the entire workday). I figured the best way to put myself out there was to take a shot at American Idol and I had nothing to lose by doing so.

What was your favorite performance and why?

My favorite performance had to be my last. Getting to sing an original song on the show for my biggest fan (my mom) was a dream and something I’ll take with me forever… The duet with Katy is a close second though.

Did any particular advice from

The judges stick with you?There was one moment where I forgot my lyrics and Katy (Perry) told me that perfection is an illusion. At the time I didn’t believe her, but after that performance I received the most support of the whole season. I was forced to be super vulnerable and wouldn’t have changed a thing.

If you could perform with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?

I think I’d choose Freddie Mercury from Queen. He was absolutely never afraid to step outside of the box and completely own his sound. He seemed to have an ability to never “think small” and the impact those songs have to this day are remarkable.

Tell us about your music journey now after Idol.

Since being back, I’ve written and produced songs every single day. During the show, I actually booked a cabin and my closest musical friends will be there this summer to create an album. I’ve been charting the parts and working through the arrangements while working on an amazing live show as well. I guess, for me, this is where it really begins and I couldn’t be more excited.

What advice would you give aspiring singers?

Do it…go all in 100%. I have days already where I regret not giving myself to music earlier and every second you don’t spend working and getting better someone else is. I’m nowhere close to where I want to be and it’s going to take years before I get there, but you have to be okay with that… Be yourself, give it your all, and never look back.