In 2019, Alex Miller was one of many who brought talents to Indianapolis for the FFA Talent Show. Those in attendance didn’t realize the preview to country music greatness they were witnessing ahead of Miller’s “American Idol” debut, where he consistently impressed the judges, especially country musician Luke Bryan. This year, Miller returns to national convention as the opening act for Brett Young, a journey that is an inspiration for other aspiring talent in FFA. New Horizons caught up with Miller ahead of his revisit to Indianapolis.
New Horizons: We have been dying to know how your journey from competing on “American Idol” to graduating from high school to launching your professional music career has been going. What has it been like?
Alex Miller: It has been a total whirlwind. It’s like I went to bed one night and woke up the next day and I was “kinda sorta” famous.
I grew up on a small farm in Lancaster, Ky. Growing up on the farm, you learn a lot. You learn to persevere because everything is a challenge, and everything can go wrong. The music business has been no different. And in building my career these past few months, I’ve learned that farming people stick together. And that’s been the one constant through this journey that I have appreciated.
Watch: Alex Miller discusses his momentous music career thus far and gives an early listen of his latest single, “Don’t Let the Barn Door Hit Ya!”
NH: It sounds like the journey since your last FFA convention has been pretty incredible. How do you think FFA helped prepare you for this road?
AM: I joined Garrard County FFA when I was a freshman in high school, and I always wanted to be a part of the organization. My granddad was the first president of our chapter. My dad was also president. And I wanted to carry on that legacy. When I’m not singing, I can still keep a meeting going [thanks to parliamentary procedure], I still know parts of the Creed by heart, and I use public speaking skills nearly every day.
One way for me to bring something unique to my FFA career was through the talent programs. I enjoyed competing in the state and national talent contests, and those experiences have taken me many places and introduced me to some great people.
NH: You’ve been extended an invite by Brett Young to join him at convention. What does that full-circle moment feel like?
AM: Returning to convention as a performing artist this year is special. I’m a big fan of Brett Young’s music and while we have different music styles, we are going to ensure there is a little bit of everything at the concert for folks to enjoy. There will be nearly 12,000 people at the concert, so you will want to get there and grab your seats early!
