The Last Song

LeBryant Crew packed a suitcase and his well-tuned instrument and hit the road. He and thousands of other young singers were casting their dream onto the big stage before American Idol judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Junior. When all the notes had been hit at the Arkansas audition, LeBryant had his gold ticket and was one of the 48 singers selected for the next round of competition in Hollywood.

The 26 year-old El Dorado native smiles broadly when asked about his singing. “I’ve always remembered singing. It’s just always been there. It’s like breathing. I’ve always listened to the radio and paid attention to singers in church.”

When asked what he would sing if he were told he had only one opportunity left to sing, the ordained minister paused, looked up to the sky, and crooned “Yes, Jesus Loves Me.”

Before the judges for American Idol, LeBryant sang “My Baby” by Little Walter. He recalls Lopez and Connick described him as “likeable” and gave him high marks for his talent.

He waited anxiously to be admitted to the next round of competition. Millions of Americans tune in each season for the making of the next “American Idol”. The singing competition is a launching pad in the music industry for young talent looking for a big break. And, the show has delivered some chart-topping stars: Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and Fantasia to name a few of the more well-known alums.

Unfortunately, the season progressed past the initial 48 without the young singer who’s still deciding what he wants his career to look like. LeBryant says, “I’m a working man so I’ve worn a lot of different hats, but ideally, I would love to do music in a few different capacities. I would love to one day be able to teach music, but I would love to perform every day. I love engaging people and entertaining them.”

LeBryant is an avid supporter of the arts. “To think of a world without music, without songs, without art, without literature, I think that would be hell,” he joked. Little Rock is now home for the rising star. And, like many singers who started in the choir at church, he is looking for a place where he can praise and give thanks. He had his first experience in the Hollywood spotlight, but he understands who is the light. “A lot of people these days say they are self-made. I’m not self-made. He made me just the way I am, and I thank Him for it.”