• Kiera Howell, a 16-year-old from Geneva, Alabama, will be featured on an upcoming episode of “American Idol.”
• Howell has been singing since she was young and performs a wide variety of musical genres.
• The “American Idol” experience has helped the high school student grow in confidence.
• A public watch party will be held in Geneva for her audition episode.

Kiera Howell of Geneva, Alabama, has been a singer since she could speak. When she turned 16, Howell decided to put her voice and confidence to the test.

She must be doing something right because the nation will get to watch her audition for season 24 of ABC’s “American Idol” when the Feb. 9 episode airs.

“I’ve been watching ‘American Idol’ since I was a little baby, since I could comprehend it,” said Howell. “It’s always been a dream of mine. I just didn’t know when the time was right. I turned 16, which is in the age limit, and I was like, ‘You know what? I might as well go for it.’ “

It was thrilling but being on the show wasn’t an easy experience. Still, Howell can’t wait for everyone to see her performance. Since she made it to the audition, one phrase has been going through her head.

“Whatever happens is in God’s hands,” she said. “I can’t complain about anything. It’s all just amazing, and being here is definitely in God’s plans.”

Home life for Howell in Geneva

Howell attends Geneva High School, and has a large family. Along with her mom, dad, sister and half-brother, Howell said she’s got a “bunch of grandparents and a bunch of cousins.”

Did Howell ever do home concerts for them when she was little?

“All the time,” she said. “I used to sing in our living room, and the TV would have karaoke in the back. I would never stop.”

More: Montgomery’s Trew TheStar brings positivity to ‘American Idol’ stage

For now, Howell said that she doesn’t have favor one particular musical genre.

“I literally do everything,” Howell said of her music style. “I’m so indecisive, I can never make a choice. I do anything from Journey to Adele, Lauren Daigle, to a little bit of Carrie Underwood, the Beatles. I’m indecisive.”

One thing Howell recently had to make her mind up about was being in the school band program, which she’d been a part of for years.

“This past year, I actually had to drop out of band,” she said. “My schedule is so full … Honestly, it was best for me to take one thing off of my plate.”

Teen singer is growing in confidence

Being a part of “American Idol” has improved her artistry, she said.

“It’s given me confidence,” Howell said. “It was a hard thing to audition in the first place. When I got there, I was terrified. I was really scared. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

The experience has also helped in areas outside of singing.

“I used to be afraid of posting to my social media account, but honestly I’ve become a lot more comfortable after meeting all these people who post all the time,” Howell said.

Not the only Alabamian on the episode

Howell will have a little bit of Alabama with her on the Feb. 9 episode: 25-year-old Montgomery artist Trew TheStar will also be auditioning.

“I am so excited. I got to meet Trew in our audition, and he is the nicest person,” Howell said. “I’m excited to watch his audition, because I didn’t get to see it. I can’t wait to see everything.”

More: KBlocks Q&A: Making plans in Montgomery after ‘American Idol’

Watch party in Geneva

Geneva will be gathering for a watch party for Monday’s episode at the Vintage Room, 512 S. Commerce St. It starts at 6:30 p.m., a half hour ahead of the 2-hour episode.

“It’s an open invite,” Howell said. “Anybody who wants to come is more than welcome to come.”

Come hungry. A food truck will be on site, Howell said.

“I can’t wait for everybody to come on down,” she said.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com. To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.