Dave Fio; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

Dave Fio earned praise on American Idol with a performance of a Jelly Roll hit. The 24-year-old construction worker from Michigan, whose real name is Dave Fiodeida, detailed the life-changing journey that he began after finding out that he was going to audition for Idol.

How Did Dave Fio Prepare For American Idol?

Ahead of his audition, he opened up about how he prepared to step in front of the American Idol judges, which include Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

“It’s been the coolest experience. I’ve just been living it up, feeling good, taking it in. The preparation for this was honestly just the most life-changing experience I could have ever had,” Fio said, before explaining that his cousin pushed him to audition for Idol. The audition prompted him to reflect on his life and make some big changes before going to showcase his vocals on Idol.

“One day my cousin sent me a link, and it was like American Idol auditions are coming up and after the videos were sent in, I looked back, and I’m laying in bed one night and I seen how I looked,” Fio detailed. “I had bags under my eyes. Face was puffy, and I didn’t recognize the person, and it was just a switch in my head. I thought I’m not going to get on American Idol and take this once in a lifetime opportunity and feel unhappy about myself. So that day I went sober, and I hit the gym and I threw the bad food in the house away, and it’s been about 12 weeks, and I’m down 65 pounds.”

Since his audition, he lost even more weight. According to Fio’s social media posts, he revealed that he has now lost over 100 pounds and now feels like a “new man!”

Auditioned With Jelly Roll’s “Save Me”

He chose to sing “Save Me” by Jelly Roll, as he admitted that the song is kind of fitting for his situation, “Save me for me, for myself.”

Donning a brown jacket over a black t-shirt, Dave Fio showcased his gritty vocals with a cover of Jelly Roll’s chart-topping hit, “Save Me.”

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Katy Perry and Luke Bryan Praised His Talents, Lionel Richie Said He Wasn’t Ready

Following his audition, Luke Bryan asked him to showcase his vocal abilities with less of the “growl and gravel.”

“First of all, great song choice for you. Thank you. Your voice naturally kind of is in line with what Jelly Roll does, but I’d like to hear more like just natural singing coming out of you and not leaning on so much of that growl and gravel,” Bryan commented.

Lionel Richie then admitted that he thinks Fio needs a bit more time to sharpen his craft. “What I would recommend is put a little bit more work in, because if you’re really going to do this, and you’ve got the voice, you’ve got the style to make a career out of this. Thank you. But I don’t want to make you too soon in this because you haven’t discovered your machinery,” Richie said.

Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

Katy Perry agreed with Bryan’s recommendation and requested that Dave Fio re-sing the chorus of the tune with less grit. “Hold on dude… The start of the chorus without the hammer. Just hit the note. Okay, let’s do a little exercise,” she asked of Fio.

Perry then praised his vocals. “That was great. Look, he’s a fighter. You’ve got a solid voice, you’ve got the fundamental stuff, you’ve got personality and a style…” Perry gushed. “I think if you put all that fighting passion you have into this audition more than I think anyone this season, you can grow so much more than you know.”

The judges on Idol proceeded to cast their votes on the singer/songwriter’s audition. Perry kicked things off with a “yes,” but Richie felt the Idol contestant wasn’t quite ready yet, so he opted for a “no.”

“I’m going to actually stick to my guns. I think you need a little bit more. I’m going to, no, it’s on you, Luke,” Richie explained.

Dave Fio; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

Earned A Golden Ticket To Hollywood

Perry asked Dave Fio what it would mean to him if he made it to Hollywood. “It’s an opportunity for me to learn to grow, to come to the next stage. I’m eager to learn. I’m eager to make changes that are beneficial, and then I can guarantee results to my absolute best of my ability,” Fio replied.

It was then up to Luke Bryan’s vote on whether or not he would earn a golden ticket and advance to Hollywood week.

“Alright, Dave, you’re going on a journey! It’s a yes for me!” Bryan told Fio, advancing him to Hollywood week.

American Idol airs every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.