Caleb Lee Hutchinson Is Embracing His ‘Incredible’ Experience on ‘American Idol’

All Caleb Lee Hutchinson has wanted to do is sing & he's finally getting his chance thanks to the experience he's had on American Idol.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Caleb Lee Hutchinson Is Embracing His ‘Incredible’ Experience on ‘American Idol’
AMERICAN IDOL - "113 (Top 14)" - After solo and celebrity duet performances with the top 24 contestants, the judges narrowed down the field to the top 14 finalists. Now the judges are handing over the reigns to America to start voting on who they want to crown the next Idol, as the search for America's next superstar continues on its new home on America's network, The ABC Television Network, SUNDAY, APRIL 22 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT). (ABC/Eric McCandless) CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON

At long last, 19-year-old Caleb Lee Hutchinson is pursuing his dreams of becoming a country star. The Georgia native recently earned a spot in the Top 10 on American Idol and is just one step closer to the winner’s circle.

“I’m really living the dream. It’s really insane,” an eager Hutchinson said during a phone call with Sounds Like Nashville.

The singer took several minutes in between his live show rehearsals to chat with SLN about his Idol journey so far, one the singing hopeful calls an ‘incredible experience.’

Me and 9 of my best friends have made it to the #top10 on #americanidol

A post shared by Caleb Lee Hutchinson (@calebhutchinsonmusic) on

“I mean, it’s been so incredible, just coming out of being in high school last year, just going straight into this, it’s just been a total change of pace, and I got to meet so many people and do so many things that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to,” he explained. “It’s just been an incredible experience, and I’ve just been trying to soak up every chance … every bit of knowledge I can gain from it.”

During his short time on the show already, Hutchinson has gotten to meet and work with the likes of Luke Bryan, Scotty McCreery, Bobby Bones and Bebe Rexha.

“Well, it’s an incredible opportunity that not a whole lot of people get. Luke Bryan is basically the face of country music the days, so to have him in close proximity with me, that’s amazing,” he shared, adding that though the two are country singers, he doesn’t get extra time with the judge over the other contestants. “He can relate to me more ’cause he’s been in my shoes. I think it’s cool having him. If anyone’s qualified to give me advice, it’s him.”

As he continues his journey to becoming the next American Idol, Caleb admits that he’s closer to his dream than ever before. Growing up, he always knew he wanted to sing and write music, with the show only confirming what he’s always meant to do.

Won’t you ride with us? @beberexha #americanidol #bestfriends

A post shared by Caleb Lee Hutchinson (@calebhutchinsonmusic) on

“Music was always my main interest. I never grew up wanting to be anything else,” said Hutchinson. “Early on I saw videos of Johnny Cash, and Elvis, and all the greats like that. Of course I rode around with my dad, and listened to people like Merle Haggard and Hank Jr., and what not. So, I grew up listening to that kind of stuff, and early on that was my dream. The older I got, just trying to find my place in the world, I think music gave me my identity, and it was the only thing I’ve ever been any good at. It’s always just been enough for me.”

Fans can catch Hutchinson, as well as his fellow Idol contestants, when American Idol airs live on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c.