Zachariah Smith still remembers the words he told himself before performing on one of the biggest stages.

Smith, a native of Wabash, Indiana, reminded himself to "be original, be yourself, and don't be afraid to be yourself." Those words of encouragement were the fuel he used to advance to the final five singers on Season 21 of American Idol back in 2023. He performed "Don't Bring Me Down" by the Electric Light Orchestra, "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi and "Take It On The Run" by REO Speedwagon before Ian Tongi claimed the ultimate prize.

While he did not take top honors, Smith used the exposure and confidence to build up his career as a country music singer. More so, he realized, that along with being original and true to yourself — there was one other piece of advice he'd give to s

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