Insite’s Journey on American Idol: A Nu-Metal Perspective

The Bold Audition

Remember the moment when we introduced the American Idol contestant who brought nu-metal classics to the audition stage alongside Carrie Underwood? It was a thrilling departure from the usual fare of the show.

Insite, the metal enthusiast, kicked off his audition with Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” and later teamed up with Underwood for an electrifying duet of Drowning Pool’s “Bodies.” His standout performances earned him a coveted golden ticket, propelling him to Hollywood. This unique blend of rock and metal in a nationally televised competition was a breath of fresh air for fans of heavy music.

Unexpected Opportunity

Insite recounted his unexpected journey to the American Idol stage in an exclusive interview with Loudwire. “I had no intentions of auditioning for American Idol until one of the casting directors randomly reached out to me,” he revealed. After navigating multiple Zoom auditions and interviews, he finally received the green light to audition for the judges.

A Metalhead’s Musical Roots

His passion for metal ignited at age 12 when he stumbled upon Slipknot’s “Psychosocial” while exploring YouTube. The discovery of Alice In Chains’ “Man in the Box” further solidified his love for heavy music, leading him to embrace the genre wholeheartedly.

Facing the Judges

Understanding the risk of introducing rock and metal to a platform like American Idol, Insite felt a wave of nerves wash over him during his audition. To his astonishment, all three judges—Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—gave him a thumbs up, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

Hollywood Round Challenges

However, the Hollywood round proved to be a turning point. Insite performed Alice In Chains’ “Rooster” but was eliminated afterward. He expressed concerns that producers altered his performance to fit a particular narrative, suggesting that his style didn’t align with the traditional American Idol mold.

“They made me cut the song. I was only able to do half of the verse, half of the pre-chorus, and half of the chorus,” he explained. “While some contestants performed for two to three minutes, mine was cut down to nearly 60 to 90 seconds, with only about 20 to 30 seconds aired… It seemed like they wanted to get me off the show without making it look like my audition was a gimmick.”

Reflection and Future Endeavors

If given the chance to redo his performance, Insite would still choose “Rooster,” citing it as one of his favorite songs from Alice In Chains. Despite the challenges he faced, he was confident in his ability to deliver a strong rendition of the track. “I’ve performed and practiced ‘Rooster’ more times than I can count. There’s even videos on my social media where I’ve done ‘Rooster’ and it sounds good,” he affirmed.

Achievements Beyond Idol

Ultimately, Insite doesn’t harbor bitterness about his experience on American Idol. Instead, he views his journey to the second round as a significant accomplishment. “Being the first contestant in all the seasons to have gotten a golden ticket doing this kind of music feels like a huge achievement to me,” he reflected.

Moreover, his participation in the show has opened doors to new opportunities within the heavy music community. He recently released his debut single “Breakaway,” now available on all streaming platforms.

As one enthusiastic fan remarked in a social media comment, “American Idol missed the fuck out.”

Listen to Insite’s ‘Breakaway’

Conclusion

Insite’s journey on American Idol may have been cut short, but it has certainly left a mark in the world of heavy music. His bold choice to showcase metal on such a mainstream platform has not only garnered attention but has also paved the way for future artists in the genre. As he continues to grow and share his music, fans and newcomers alike will undoubtedly be eager to follow his career.

FAQs

What songs did Insite perform during his American Idol audition?

Insite auditioned with Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” and later sang Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” as a duet with Carrie Underwood.

Why was Insite eliminated during the Hollywood round?

Insite was eliminated after a shortened performance of Alice In Chains’ “Rooster,” which he believes was altered by producers to fit a specific narrative.

What is Insite’s debut single?

Insite’s debut single is titled “Breakaway,” and it is available on all major streaming platforms.

How did Insite start his journey in metal music?

Insite’s passion for metal began at age 12 when he discovered Slipknot’s “Psychosocial” on YouTube, followed by Alice In Chains’ “Man in the Box.”