Arkansas singers hit the high notes on American Idol

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — The latest season of “American Idol” is in full swing, and tonight’s episode on ABC features two talented Arkansans ready to shine. Makiyah Mustifal from Pine Bluff and Michael Garner from the Forrest City area are set to showcase their musical prowess.

Micaiah shared her journey to the “American Idol” stage, saying, “I was at home and I was scrolling on Facebook, and I seen an ad come across my Facebook News Feed saying, Arkansas registration for American Idol. And I clicked on it, just to see, you know, is this real? Is this fake?”

She snagged the last spot to meet with executive producers and later auditioned in Nashville. Her audition will air this Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. central time on ABC and Hulu.

Reflecting on her experience, Micaiah said, “The energy was amazing. I’ve never would have imagined, you know, myself being in front of them and to sing my heart out.”

As an R&B soul artist, Micaiah hopes to release an album featuring powerhouse vocals like her idols, Fantasia and Mary J. Blige.

Meanwhile, Michael Garner dreams of touring the states and making a name for himself. He shared, “I definitely hope to tour. You know, it’s always been a big dream of mine, touring the states and everything. Getting people knowing my name and everything.”

Michael’s musical journey began at a young age, with his grandpa teaching him guitar chords at 13.

His advice to aspiring musicians is simple: “Just never quit. If, when things get hard in music, you just got to push through.”

Catch these Arkansan talents on ABC and cheer them on as they chase their dreams on “American Idol.”