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'American Idol' Cast-off Aaron Kelly Plots Country Career

Aaron KellyAt 17, Aaron Kelly was this season's youngest 'American Idol' finalist. His journey on the show ended this week with elimination following his performance of Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me to the Moon.' But Aaron, who'll take part in the Idols Live tour later this year, isn't planning to follow in the footsteps of Ol' Blue Eyes. Instead, he'll take a bit of advice from judge Simon Cowell and pursue the musical genre that's in his comfort zone.

"Country music is what I've grown up listening to and what I feel I fit most comfortably with," Aaron said in a post-elimination conference call (quote via USA Today). "The people who inspire me the most are Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban. They have such great, honest music, and I have such a great time performing country music. I see myself hopefully going down that road."

Aaron, who not only sings but writes songs as well, added that he would love to work with Rascal Flatts in the future. "They're a huge inspiration for me," he said. "I got to meet them and take a picture with them. They're really down-to-earth guys. That was one of the highlights for me, getting to meet someone who inspired me so much. They thanked me for doing their music on the show, and it's an honor. I look up to them so much."

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buffy

I'm not a huge fan of country music but I LOVE George Strait. IMO (humble as it is)Aaron is the only one that can fill George's boots someday. Right now he's just a boy but someday soon he will mature and watch out!

May 09 2010 at 12:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Country fits this boy. After all he has gone through in his childhood, he deserves a huge break. I would buy his music. He really has a great voice and you can tell he is a great young man. All the best to him!!!!!

May 08 2010 at 8:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mikayladog21

Aaron Kelly is a great country singer i hope he goes for country music!

May 08 2010 at 7:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sharon

I have been listening to Aaron sing locally since he was 9. He is an amazing talent, and certainly more talented than some of the contestants still on the show. He has such a great career ahead of him. I am sure I will be buying an Aaron Kelly CD in the near future. And to think, he just lives a couple miles from my house!!! He has made our little area so proud.

May 08 2010 at 7:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rmcmahonb

He is genuinely a sweet guy with a great voice, and I agree--he has a great career ahead of him! Besides having a unique voice, personality has so much to do with selling records! Aaron is so humble and likeable that people want to see him succeed and will, ultimately, buy his records!

May 08 2010 at 7:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Peter

Aaron will go far in the country music genre. He has natural talent and I can't wait to see where he goes from here.

May 07 2010 at 10:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply