The second round of American Idol season 21 Las Vegas tryouts airs on ABC on Sunday, February 26 at 8 p.m. ET. The show will feature 14 vocalists from across the United States attempting to dazzle the judges with their singing and acts, including a country artist with no formal training. Cody Winkler, 25, only started performing professionally two years ago. He played melodies to himself while working on his property before that. Cody stated in an interview that music comes easily to him and that he was “mesmerized” after seeing the judges, ultimately delivering his best performance on stage.

Cody Winkler, an American Idol competitor

Cody Winkler is a singer from Marion, Texas, and a graduate of Samuel Clemens High School. He performs all over the state and has over 1300 Instagram fans. In addition to being a landowner, Winkler also owns a transportation and construction business, which he regularly shares on his social media profiles. He is affiliated with Colt Records, based in Nashville, and has released two songs, ‘Fourteen Carat Thoughts’ and ‘Select Me on Your Way Down’.

Who are the other contestants in the second round of American Idol auditions?

To compete for the “Hollywood Week Roundup”, the following vocalists appeared in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. The successful auditions receive a platinum pass. One of the performers may even receive a Silver pass, which will allow them to avoid Hollywood Week’s first task and choose their own companions in the duo round before others.

• Aiden Adair of Clover, South Carolina
• Trey Louis of Santa Fe, Texas
• Stefan Benz from South Africa
• Jon Wayne Hatfield of Goshen, Ohio
• Alessandra Aguirre from Peru
• Matt Wilson of Buffalo, New York
• Ashley Tankard of Durham, North Carolina
• Jeverson from Grenada
• Caroline Kole of Nahsville
• Nutsa from Georgia
• Kaylin Hedges of New York City
• Madison Neisus from Dallas
• McKayla Stacey of Andover, Kansas

According to ABC’s recap of the show,

“Viewers join celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on a national search for the next vocal phenomenon in New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville. Ryan Seacrest, an Emmy Award-winning host and director, hosts the show.”

american idol season 21

Ryan Seacrest is the host of Season 21 of American Idol. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will evaluate the season for the sixth time in a row. In addition to Las Vegas, the auditions also played at the Four Seasons Hotel in New Orleans and the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville. After the Hollywood Week roundup, the vocalists will have the chance to perform live with the help of celebrity coaches at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.

The top 24 candidates then perform in Los Angeles. The winner of the competition receives the American Idol trophy and an unknown monetary reward.

According to ABC’s recap of the show,

“Several American contestants perform for a group of top judges to earn the championship and a record company contract.”

Season 21 of American Idol airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. One day after the television broadcast, fans can watch the program on YouTube, Fubo TV and DirecTV Live.