American Idol season 20 Top 10 finalist Fritz Hager said he's "in shock" as his self-titled EP reached number one on the pop charts and number seven on the overall charts. The 21-year-old singer from Tyler, Texas, auditioned for the show in Austin by singing "Before You Go" by Lewis Capaldi. During the audition, Fritz revealed that as a kid he was really inspired by American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, from whom he received a personal message and later met in person on the show. He also shared that he worked as a security officer, but he really wanted to pursue music, even though his parents thought he should take a different path. Although judge Luke Bryan voted no for him to go to Hollywood because he needed a little more work, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie said yes, and Fritz earned his golden ticket.
Fritz struggled a bit with his confidence, saying that he knew that he was not one of the best singers in Hollywood, but his performances proved that he is growing as an artist. During the Showstoppers round, he sang an original song called "Inconsequential Love," which he wrote for his little sister, whom he described as the only other person in his family who has any interest in music. He said that they are kindred spirits. Fritz shared that he wrote the song after a big fight that he and his sister had with their parents, during which a lot of really hurtful things were said. His emotional performance earned him a standing ovation from Katy and a spot in the Top 24. During the American Idol Judges' Song Contest, Luke chose "Wonderwall" by Oasis for Fritz. Fritz stunned the audience by making the song his own and transforming it into his own distinct style. He easily made it into the Top 10.
Fans of American Idol have fallen in love with Fritz, and he admitted that he is "in shock" because his self-titled EP has reached number one on the pop charts and is currently number seven overall. In a post on Instagram, Fritz wrote, "I’m still in shock right now. This afternoon, in just a few hours, my debut EP climbed the pop charts to #1, and is currently #7 overall. All I can say is thank you to everyone who listened, everyone who backed the Kickstarter, and the amazing people who helped make it possible." Fritz then went on to thank all of the musicians who worked with him on the EP. He also thanked fellow American Idol Top 10 finalist Leah Marlene, whom he said co-wrote with him. Fritz concluded the post with heartfelt words of gratitude, saying, "This is such a dream and it’s only the beginning. And thanks to @americanidol for starting this whole thing. Just. Thank you."
Fritz's fellow American Idol finalists left an outpouring of support for him in the comments section. Eliminated contestant Ava Maybee wrote, "YESSSSS," while former finalist Cameron Whitcomb called him a "legend." Current Top 10 finalists Nicolina Bozzo and Emyrson Flora also wished Fritz well. Nicolina said, "CONGRATS U DESERVE THIS AND SO MUCH MORE!!" and Emyrson wrote, "You're so cool." Fans of Fritz also left congratulatory messages as they celebrated their favorite American Idol contestant's achievement.
Fritz is the type of contestant that American Idol was made for. He has raw talent that is being developed into a distinctive sound that will propel him to the top of the competition. He has proven to everyone who doubted him that he has the technique and the artistry needed to become a successful musician and singer. Fritz might just be the next American Idol, but if not, he has already won in many people's eyes.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Source: Fritz Hager/Instagram