‘American Idol’ Contestant Fritz Hager Gets Surprise Message From Phillip Phillips
ABC Reading Time: 2 minutes
The new season of American Idol continues with a first look at contestant Fritz Hager. The Texas native has the demeanor and musicality of Idol Season 11 champion Phillip Phillips. Will his talent take him all the way to becoming the next American Idol?
Fritz began singing at a young age and credits his talent to being a huge fan of American Idol. It wasn’t until watching Phillip Phillips win over viewers that Fritz thought he could possibly be an Idol champion.
“As a kid I was really inspired by Phillip Phillips. I loved his sound and the way he played guitar,” Fritz said. “He inspired me to play the guitar. I always wanted to be where he was.”
The similarities between Fritz and Phillips are uncanny. The “Home” singer actually appeared on Idol a decade ago. You see Phillips’s influence on the young security guard the moment he walked into his audition. Fritz wore a plaid shirt just like his idol. The singer also walked in with his guitar in hand, similar to how Idol fans remember Phillips winning Season 11.
“Being on the same stage Phillip Phillips was on is mind-blowing to me,” Fritz said.
Fritz on ‘American Idol’
In a heartwarming moment, Phillips makes a virtual surprise to wish the young singer luck. Fritz could not hide his excitement as the Idol winner gave him some quick advice.
Fritz performs “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi. Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan seem impressed by the young singer’s voice.
After constructive criticism from Perry, which acknowledged where Fritz lacked during the audition, the judges voted. Perry noticed the singer’s potential and voted yes. Bryan felt as though the Texan needed more work and voted no. The legendary Richie agreed with Perry and voted yes as well, sending Fritz on to Hollywood.
Viewers of Season 20 are getting used to the nail-biting moments on the show as the judges seem to be split in making decisions like never before. Perry was visibly upset when Richie did not vote yes to send Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter through to Hollywood. On last week’s episode, contestant Dontrell Briggs had to fight for his dreams in order to advance after Perry voted no to send him through.
