Josh King, a talented 24-year-old singer hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, has captured the spotlight on American Idol Season 23. Known for his role as an airport pianist, he enchants travelers by performing lounge music. During his initial audition, King showcased his vocal abilities with a rendition of “Over the Rainbow”by Judy Garland. Despite receiving some criticism from the judges, including a “no”from Carrie Underwood for being overly tied to lounge music, he persevered and eventually advanced thanks to two affirmative votes.
Though Underwood declined to take him to Hollywood Week, judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan recognized his potential and encouraged him to step outside of his comfort zone. Taking this advice to heart, King diversified his repertoire while in the competition, impressing the panel as he explored various musical styles.
Now positioned among the Top 14 contestants, Josh King aims to secure the coveted title of winner. Fans eager to connect with him can follow his journey on multiple social media platforms including Instagram (@officialjoshking), TikTok, and Facebook.
Josh King’s Rise as a Wildcard Contender on American Idol
1. A Multi-Instrumentalist with Musical Depth
Per details on his official website (joshkingmusic.com), King is more than just a singer; he’s also a songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist. He adeptly plays both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas, along with the piano, across several music genres.
King’s rich and versatile vocal quality is complemented by his expansive range. His musical journey has seen him share the stage with numerous Grammy winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icons. Early on, he was mentored by the legendary blues harmonica player, James Cotton, who encouraged him to explore music beyond the blues and develop his distinct sound. King’s collaborations span notable artists, including Tommy Emmanuel, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, and Fred Yonnet.
In addition to his artistry, he has contributed to his community by performing at local hospitals, showcasing his dedication to spreading joy through music.
2. Josh King’s American Idol Journey: Milestones and Performances
After successfully advancing from the audition phase, Josh prepared for Hollywood Week, where he delivered an exceptional performance of Rick Astley’s “Hopelessly.”His hopeful intention was to win Carrie Underwood’s approval by breaking free from his lounge style. Upon reviewing his performance, Carrie acknowledged:
“If you had done that in your audition, then you would’ve had three yeses. Absolutely.”
She complimented his charming personality and expressed a desire for him to excel in the competition. Following the Showstoppers Round, King faced off against fellow contestant MKY, with both advancing based on the judges’ recognition of their potential.
As a Top 24 contender, King performed “I’m Still Standing”by Elton John, prompting a lively response from the judges. Luke Bryan praised King’s musical evolution, asserting that America would embrace him. Carrie remarked that the performance felt like a showcase dedicated solely to Josh.
Continuing his ascent, King transitioned to the Top 20, singing “You Are So Beautiful”by Joe Cocker. In the latest episode aired on April 21, 2025, King found himself in the bottom ten but redeemed himself with a captivating cover of “Never Gonna Give You Up,”convincing the judges to keep him around. He ultimately secured his place as a wildcard contestant in the Top 14.
3. Growing Social Media Following and Fan Engagement
As of now, Josh King boasts over 7K followers on Instagram. His profile features 106 posts, highlighting his identity as a “singer/songwriter/musician,”along with the intriguing mention that he dabbles in film photography. He also provides a link to his official YouTube channel, making it easy for fans to access more of his music.
Josh’s Instagram showcases a blend of personal highlights and performance videos, offering insights into his time on American Idol and beyond. A recent post from April 21, 2025, features King engaging in a playful game of rock, paper, scissors with artist Jelly Roll, drawing followers into the excitement:
“Rock, paper, scissors…..Jelly Roll! Tune in TONIGHT at 8 pm ET to American Idol to see who made YOUR TOP 14 picks after a nationwide vote.”
For those looking to catch up with King’s performances, episodes of American Idol are available for streaming on Hulu.