DALTON, Ga. — Today when Rocky Face resident Austin Zackary auditions for “American Idol” in Atlanta he said he’ll have one thing that was missing during a previous audition six years ago — confidence. 

“That was my first time singing in front of people in a long time,” said Zackary. “This time I’m going with more confidence knowing I have a shot at this. I’m going in there and be my loud singing self.” 

“American Idol” is a popular televised singing competition that began in 2002. The show will return to television on ABC in 2018 with longtime host Ryan Seacrest.

Zackary, 23, signed up for the Atlanta auditions earlier this summer. He received a confirmation email from “American Idol” producers with a ticket to the auditions. He and his mother LaDonna Redden left Monday for Piedmont Park-Oak Hill where the auditions are being held. 

Zackary, a 2012 graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, said although he didn’t make it to the next round, his first “American Idol” audition was a “great experience.”

“It gave me a little bit of a feel of how the music industry is,” he said. “Seeing all the people wanting to get on the show was inspiring.”  

A material handler at Teems Fabrication in Ringgold, Zackary started singing at age 4 in church. He said by the age of 8 his voice began to change.

“It was high pitch, going in and out,” he said. “I didn’t like that, or people were staring at me.”

He stopped singing for years until he joined the school chorus during his senior year of high school. He’s now choir director at Lindsey Memorial Baptist Church in Rocky Face. 

Growing up, Zackary’s favorite music was contemporary and southern gospel, rock, blues and country. He was inspired by country singers like Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire and Randy Travis. He’s now a country singer and songwriter who plays the drums, guitar and trumpet. 

For today’s audition he’s considering “Sometimes I Pray” and “Save My Soul” by Jacob Bryant or “Blue” by Keith Urban.

“I have multiple songs because with everyone singing at the same time if I can get one that can be projected better I can get the judges’ attention,” he said. 

Kaytlynn Redden, 12, said her brother is a “really good singer.”

LaDonna Redden said it’s not unusual to hear Zackary’s loud voice through the house at 1 or 2 a.m.

“We’re kind of accustomed to it,” she said. “Sometimes he goes on the front porch.” 

Zackary said those are the best times because everything is quiet. His dad, Billy Redden, said they don’t mind the noise. 

“He’s a good kid that doesn’t cause us any trouble,” he said. “We’re proud of him.” 

LaDonna Redden said she’s a little biased, but thinks her son is a great singer.

“When people ask me if he can sing I pull out my phone and show a video and say, ‘You tell me,’” she said.

In his spare time Zackary sings at different events. He’s performed at malls, restaurants, festivals and Screen on the Green. He said he also recorded two songs in Nashville, Tenn., recently.

“I’m trying to finish everything and release an EP so people can hear me worldwide,” he said. 

Jordan Garcia, a sales associate at Legacy Cattle Co. in Rocky Face, said they heard of Zackary after his agent sent a video of him performing.

“We thought he sounded good so we booked him,” she said. Zackary performed at Legacy last Saturday night for three hours.

Garcia said about 25 to 30 people were in attendance.

“He sounded fantastic, he knows how to play the guitar just right too,” she said. 

LaDonna Redden said she’s proud of his growth.

“When something goes south and doesn’t work he’s in good spirits,” she said. 

Zackary said he’ll always have a positive attitude.

“If I don’t make it on the show I’ll just keep going,” he said.

For more information on Zackary including upcoming performances, visit www.facebook.com/austinreddenmusic or www.instagram.com/redden.austin.