Where is Drake Milligan now? 'Elvis of Country' returns to 'AGT: Fantasy League' after record deal and international tours
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: After competing on 'America's Got Talent,' the Texas native, Drake Milligan has advanced his career in country music tremendously, securing his position as a rising star in the genre.
Drake rose to prominence after a spectacular performance on 'AGT' in 2022, when he finished third. Since his appearance on the beloved program, the Texas native has made amazing advances in his country music career, establishing himself as a rising star in the genre. Here's what Drake has been up to since his appearance on 'AGT'.
Competing on a reality talent-hunt show is one of the easiest and sure-shot ways to not only break into the entertainment industry but also become famous, and nobody knows this better than Drake. The Texas native had fans swooning all over him after his performance on 'American Idol' Season 16. But sadly, the Elvis Presley impersonator left fans disappointed when he abruptly quit the singing competition show. If you've been missing him, then get ready to watch him audition for 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League'.
Will Drake be able to impress Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum just the way he wowed the judges the first time round? We will have to watch the upcoming episode to get our answers. But in the meanwhile, you can learn more about this King of Rock's look-alike here.
Who is Drake Milligan?
Born in Mansfield, Texas, Drake is best known for his striking resemblance to Elvis. Having grown up listening to country music, Drake decided to pursue a career in the music industry. He started off by performing as Elvis's impersonator. He even landed a role on CMT's 'Sun Records' series where he reprised the role of Elvis.
In an interview with Sounds Like Nashville, Drake discussed his childhood and career. He recounted, "I grew up with both of my parents’ music. My dad runs a scrap metal recycling yard and my mom’s a veterinarian. We had all the George Jones, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson and George Strait CDs. One of my first loves in music were George Strait’s CDs, which [my dad] always had in his car. My mom was cool too. She had all the Waylon Jennings and outlaw stuff that she loved."
"And then when I was about 7 or 8, I discovered Elvis and just thought he was the coolest thing ever. I tried to find everything I could about Elvis, researched all of his movies, songs and dance moves, which grew into me trying to sing like him throughout high school. That was my gig- traveling as an Elvis tribute artist. But all the while, I was playing traditional country songs as well. And then I got into [acting on] CMT’s Sun Records. I was lucky enough to be part of that and figured after the show, I’d move to Nashville to try to make my way as a songwriter and a singer," he added.
Why did Drake Milligan quit 'American Idol'?
After landing the plum role of Elvis on the CMT series, Drake became a household name when he auditioned for 'American Idol' Season 16. After showing off his velvety smooth vocals with a performance to George Strait's 'You Look So Good in Love', Drake bagged the golden ticket from Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry. Sadly, fans didn't get to see much of him after his audition as he decided to withdraw from the competition.
In an Instagram post, he explained to his fans and followers that it was a "tough decision" but he wasn't ready for it. He wrote, "Been getting a lot of questions about no longer appearing on American Idol after my audition, just thought I'd let y'all know what's goin' on! After my audition I decided that I wasn't quite ready for that platform yet, and that it would be a better step for me to move to Nashville and focus on my music first! It was a very tough decision, and it in no way reflects my experience during the audition process... Everyone on the show was very kind and I feel absolutely blessed and gracious to have been a part of it! Wishing the best of luck to all the talented folks competing in the show. I will be tuning in all season and I hope y'all do the same! Happy Easter 🐇 #americanidol #bringincountryback #cowboycool."
Though Drake didn't compete on 'American Idol', he still went on to sign a recording contract with BBR Music Group and released his self-titled debut EP produced by Tony Brown.
What has Drake Milligan been doing since 'AGT' Season 17?
During his tenure on 'AGT,' the Stoney Creek recording artist released his debut album, Dallas/ Fort Worth. The project rocked iTunes upon its debut in September 2022, scoring back-to-back No.1 singles on the iTunes Country Songs Chart, #1 on the iTunes All-Genre Chart, and reclaiming the No.1 place on the iTunes Country Albums Chart.
Drake had places 1, 2, 3, and 5 on the iTunes Country Video Chart at the same time. Furthermore, the project debuted in the top ten on Billboard's Country Albums Sales Chart.
This Fort Worth, Texas, native is a dynamic performer influenced by musical giants George Strait and Elvis - the King of Country and the King of Rock 'n' Roll - and a fan of traditional country music with the magnetism of early Rock 'n' Roll.
Drake's unusual combination of classic Country has gained him friends, peers, and media attention, including major appearances on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' the Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, and Stagecoach.
Another watershed event for Drake occurred in 2023, when he achieved a Canadian Country Radio No. 1 with "Honky Tonkin' About" with The Reklaws.
Drake recently thrilled a local audience of almost 4,000 fans at his inaugural headline performance at Billy Bob's Texas, earning a position on the fabled "Wall of Fame" within the venue. Following this success, he was invited to headline the venue's massive New Year's Eve event in 2023, capping off another major year in his career.
'AGT: Fantasy League' star Drake Milligan to drop new single
Drake showed no signs of slowing down as the new year rang in. The Jukebox Songs EP will be released on February 16th.
The four-song EP will expose listeners to his boot-stomping version of country music. The EP, produced by fellow Texan Trent Willmon, will feature Drake's silky and deep baritone vocals once more.
“Jukebox Songs is exactly what it sounds like,” Drake claims.
“My goal for this EP was to write and find songs that feel classic and memorable – the kinda tunes would fit right in on some old Rock-Ola in the corner of a smoke-filled bar on the outskirts of nowhere Texas. It’s a continuation of the old-meets-new Country sound I’ve always gone for, and this time with my friend Trent Willmon at the reins as producer, I’m very excited to keep this honky tonk train rollin.’”
The classic country artist teased fans with the release of "Don't Leave Me Loving You." The song, written by Bobby Pinson, Matt Rogers, and Ben Stennis, is a timeless, classic-country ballad.
Drake Milligan joins Team Howie for 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League'
Drake hopes to return to prime-time television with the release of his new EP. The rising talent will soon participate in the NBC 'AGT' spin-off show "Fantasy League."
The show debuted on Monday, January 1, with judges Simon, Heidi, Howie, and Terry Crews, as well as past Judge Mel B, who is returning after four years. The judges will choose a squad of their favorite artists in a method similar to fantasy sports drafts.
The judges will actively compete alongside the participants, offering coaching to their preferred acts throughout the competition, a first in the show's history. Their goal in 'AGT: Fantasy League' is to acquire bragging rights and see a champion from their squad.
The winning performer will get a grand prize of $250,000. In addition to participating in "Fantasy League," Drake will join Cody Johnson on his local tour this winter for ten nights.
'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' Season 17 airs Tuesdays, at 8 pm on NBC. Following the show's premiere, you can catch all-new episodes every Tuesday from 8 to 10 pm ET/PT. For viewers who wish to tune in to the show without cable, they can do so using any of the following streaming services: Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu With Live TV, AT&T TV, or YouTube TV.