A mail handler at the Atlanta Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Palmetto, GA, recently advanced to the second round of the current season of “American Idol.”
Brajawn Upshaw, 22, auditioned in Nashville for the musical talent contest show.
“I grew up singing,” he said. “It’s just something I had inside me.”
Singing became a form of expression for Upshaw and a source of inspiration — and comfort — for his family and friends. When his father was ill, Upshaw sang for him in the hospital and later performed at his funeral.
Despite his talent, Upshaw lacked confidence in his abilities.
“I doubted myself a lot, and I held myself back,” he said.
His mother, Tosha Dia — a distribution operations supervisor at the Atlanta RP&DC — signed him up for the “American Idol” audition.
“I had to push him,” she said.
Upshaw went on to the show’s second round after having received “yes” votes from judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Lionel Richie gave him a “no” vote, though.
Although he was eventually eliminated, his performance is part of the March 16 episode of “American Idol,” which can be streamed on Hulu.
Since appearing on the show, he has been collaborating with other musicians and hopes to eventually land a recording contract.
“I pray that I will do my best during this whole ‘American Idol’ experience,” he said. “I want to make my family proud and show my mom that she was right.”
