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Why did Will Moseley leave football? ‘American Idol’ Season 22 singer excels as judges call him ‘star’

‘American Idol’ Season 22 judge Lionel Richie instantly gave his 'Yes' to former footballer Will Moseley
PUBLISHED MAR 4, 2024
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley left football to pursue singing (@Disney/Eric McCandless)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley left football to pursue singing (@Disney/Eric McCandless)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 star Will Moseley played college football in Maryville, TN. However, he made a huge decision to step away from the sport after experiencing multiple concussions in the space of two seasons.

Choosing to prioritize his well-being, Moseley decided to hang up his football boots for good. Subsequently, he started focusing more on pursuing his passion for music, marking a significant shift in his life journey.

"There are times where you take hits and you think something’s not right. Something’s not the same now as it was before. It was tough on me,” he told Country Now, reflecting on his decision. “Are the hits I’m taking, the risk that I’m taking, worth in 30 years, having those long-lasting effects? There’s no reversing that.”

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley gets a golden ticket (ABC)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley prioritized singing after leaving football (@ABC)

"Football ended for me and that’s where I really picked up the guitar and started learning to play. It’s been a blessing in disguise,” he added. 

After singing just a few lines during his 'American Idol' audition, he managed to raise the eyebrows of the judges.

Suddenly, Lionel Richie stood up, enthusiastically shouting, "Yes!" However, he had to abruptly leave the set to catch a plane.

Before departing, Richie made sure to nod approvingly at the contestant.

Did 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley get a golden ticket?

Will Moseley secured his golden ticket, as Katy Perry and Luke Bryan also praised him, offering two more votes in his favor.

Katy encouraged Moseley to showcase his piano skills, and Luke took a seat at the piano, adding a special touch to the audition. Amidst the lively atmosphere, the 'Roar' singer declared, "They still got it here in Georgia."

As Moseley concluded his performance, the judges FaceTimed Lionel Richie to officially confirm the decision. Katy revealed, "Lionel’s gone for good, but I’m just going to FaceTime him in really quickly." Lionel enthusiastically declared, "I say Will is a star. He’s a star from the first note."

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley to audition in week 3 (Instagram/@willmoseleymusic)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley left football (Instagram/@willmoseleymusic)

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Will Moseley wants to make it big as a country singer 

Always aspiring to be a country music singer, Moseley's performance stood out as one of the best in the entire season of 'American Idol'.

The original song he presented was not only well-written but showcased Moseley's brilliant grip on his vocals. This impressive display resonated with viewers, emphasizing his potential as a standout country music artist in the competition.

"I’ve realized being on stage and singing to people, it’s an adrenaline rush. Really. The feeling that you get when you sing your own song and people sing it back to you is life-changing,” he expressed to Country Now.

Will Moseley is a country singer (Instagram/@willmoseleymusic)
Will Moseley is a country singer (Instagram/@willmoseleymusic)

'American Idol' Season 22 airs every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. Further, new episodes are available to stream on Hulu the next day.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICAN IDOL (2002) LIONEL RICHIE
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