According to Howie Mandel, “America’s Got Talent” may have uncovered “the new Elvis of country,” Drake Milligan. The 23-year-old singer and his band entered the stage during Season 17’s second audition show, playing Milligan’s original tune “Sounds Like Something I’d Do.” The audience exploded in enthusiasm from the first note, and the judges, who unanimously voted “Yes,” observed that the song had all the makings of a Top 40 smash.

«For me, a good song is a good song, and you’re very likable,» Simon Cowell commented.

Heidi Klum expressed her admiration for your band. We don’t have many bands on the program yet, so I believe you’re ideal for America’s Got Talent.

Milligan, who is from Fort Worth, Texas, said Elvis Presley inspired him to become a singer. «When I was around seven years old, I witnessed an Elvis impersonator while out with my family and was intrigued. «That’s when I realized I wanted to be like Elvis,» Milligan remembered.

He already has his debut album. Published in 2021, Milligan’s self-titled EP featured five original compositions, including his audition song, “Sounds Like Something I’d Do.” The EP is accessible across all major streaming services. On his website, Milligan discussed his musical inspirations.

«My biggest inspirations are George Strait and Elvis, as well as Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, and George Jones. “That’s the music I grew up with,” he explained. «I’ve discovered that the finest sorrowful songs are bittersweet but optimistic. That’s the charm of country music: even sorrowful songs make you feel understood. «Not everything is sunshine and rainbows.»

Milligan will be touring the United States from June 10 to July 2, including stops in Missouri, Michigan, and other locations. Fans may still purchase tickets and see the whole schedule on his official website, www.drakemilligan.com/tour.

He relocated to Nashville to pursue his aspirations. Milligan, originally from Fort Worth, relocated to Nashville to pursue his musical goals. «I could not have set this record in Texas. Nashville is home to some of the finest songwriters and musicians in the world. While I never want to abandon my Texas roots, there’s nothing like Nashville,” he wrote on his website. «I arrived here because my heroes did. The creators and performers of my favorite songs continue to excel. Collaborating with them was an unforgettable experience for me.

Catch Drake Milligan and other outstanding performers on “America’s Got Talent” Season 17, which airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.