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Football fans watching the season premiere of “American Idol” on Sunday no doubt saw a name that looked familiar.
An East Carolina standout was Blake Proehl, son of former NFL star receiver Ricky Proehl, who also made it to the NFL and spent time with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
He was fired on August 29, 2023 and then appeared on Idol on Sunday.
“I went through a really tough injury,” Proehl told the Idol judges. “I broke a lot of things…”
Proehl said doctors told him “it will be a success story if you can run again in general.”
“That was definitely the hardest moment, without a doubt,” she said before her voice broke and her eyes filled with tears.
After taking a moment to compose himself, Proehl said he was “fine.”
“But now we are here,” he said.
“I couldn’t walk for that long,” he said. “That’s where music came in and saved me.”
Proehl explained that he would play the piano and sing for his grandmother.
“She’s the only reason I have confidence to be in this room,” he said.
Her story brought tears to Katy Perry’s eyes, and as she wiped away her tears, the judges insisted that Proehl bring her grandmother for the performance.
Then he captivated with the piano and with his voice, obtaining the affirmative vote of all the judges for a ticket to the big show.
“Just sign here and sign your autograph,” Perry said running up to Proehl after his performance. “You are not allowed to leave this program.”
“He could win it,” Perry said after Proehl was voted out.
“No joke,” added Lionel Richie. “Oh really.”