When I stepped onto The X Factor stage in 2011, I was just a burrito maker from Ohio—and that’s exactly how I introduced myself. It got a few chuckles, which I totally expected. After all, here I was, this laid-back guy from the Midwest with a humble job, about to sing in front of millions of people. I could feel the doubts in the room. Even Simon Cowell gave me that skeptical look he’s famous for.
When I said I was going to sing Etta James’s “At Last,” the skepticism in the room seemed to dial up a notch. I knew people were thinking, This is a timeless classic—are you sure you can pull it off? But in that moment, I felt more determined than ever to show what I could do.
The music started, and I remember thinking, Just let the song speak for itself. From the first note, it was like everything around me faded and I was in this bubble, pouring out every ounce of emotion I had into the lyrics. I’m not sure I’ll ever experience that exact feeling again—like a blend of nerves, adrenaline, and sheer joy all at once. The response was immediate. People who had been doubtful just seconds earlier suddenly looked stunned. I remember seeing Simon’s eyebrows shoot up, and that’s when I knew something special was happening.
By the time I finished, the entire audience was on their feet, applauding and cheering in a way I never imagined possible. The judges—people I’d only ever watched on TV—were showering me with praise, telling me they were blown away and that I had to move on to the next round. I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Part of me felt like I was still at home, making burritos and singing along with the radio. But there I was, stepping off the stage, dazed and exhilarated.
My journey on The X Factor didn’t end with that audition—it was just the beginning. Week after week, I threw my soul into each performance, and the support from people around the world was incredible. I ended up making it to the finals, finishing as the runner-up of the season. I’ll never forget that whirlwind—one day I was cooking in my kitchen, and the next I was singing my heart out on a global stage.
Looking back now, I’m reminded that extraordinary things can happen in the most unexpected ways. It’s easy to see someone’s job title or their laid-back demeanor and think you know what they’re capable of, but that night taught me (and hopefully the audience as well) that there’s a lot more beneath the surface.
To this day, people still watch my audition video. They talk about how my version of “At Last” made them tear up or gave them chills. Knowing that I connected with listeners on that deep level—that’s the biggest reward of all. I hope my story inspires others to chase their dreams, even if they start out in the most unassuming places. After all, sometimes the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected sources.