From American Idol to Country Star: Zachary McKenzie’s Journey

🎙️ Live from the Grotto, Greg Hanna and Neil Haley welcome Zachary McKenzie, a former American Idol contestant turned country music artist, to discuss his journey in the music industry, his lessons from Idol, and his latest single, "Don't Dish It Out If You Can't Take It." ✅ Zachary’s American Idol ExperienceCompeted in Season 12 of American Idol (2012).Unexpected audition: Won Arkansas Idol, which earned him a fast-track audition for American Idol in Oklahoma.Made it to Hollywood Week, surviving two rounds before being cut in the group round.Biggest lesson learned? Trusting his instincts in group collaborations and standing his ground on song choices. ✅ Inside the American Idol Audition ProcessThe audition process isn’t what it seems on TV—contestants go through three sets of producers before seeing the celebrity judges.The audition with Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Mariah Carey happened so fast that he didn’t have time to overthink it, which worked in his favor. ✅ New Single: "Don't Dish It Out If You Can't Take It"Released last Friday 🎵 Available on all streaming platforms!Inspired by a phrase Zachary frequently says and a real-life story about someone upset that their ex moved on after cheating.His wife gave him the idea after hearing When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs—suggesting he write a song around a well-known phrase. ✅ Where Zachary Sees His Music Career GoingCurrently performing full-time across Arkansas and surrounding states, booking shows two months in advance.Ultimate goal? ✅ Zachary’s Biggest Life Lesson 💡 “Think ahead. Whether it’s relationships, career moves, or everyday decisions, ask yourself—how will this affect my life six months from now?” 🌐 YouTube: Zach McKenzie Official 📱 Social Media: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook – @ZachMcKenzieOfficial 🎧 Stream His Songs: Don't Dish It Out If You Can't Take It & The Day That I Found You on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all streaming platforms. 🔥 Don’t forget to like & subscribe to the Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto! #AmericanIdol #CountryMusic #ZacharyMcKenzie #NewMusic #NeilHaleyShow #LiveFromTheGrotto #GregHanna Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:Where to Find Zachary’s Music 🎶