Julie McCombs
Kody Young's voice dominated the competition en route to the 2013 Greer Idol Teen championship.
Julie McCombs
Kody Young locks on his eyes with a captivated audience.
Julie McCombs
Even the judges were overwhelmed with Kody Young's raw talent as week after week they praised him forward.
Julie McCombs
Stephen Young, overwhelmed with his son's, Kody, success, auditioned for this year's Greer Idol. He is among the five finalists.
By Dana Jordan
Kody Young took his $500 winnings from 2013 Greer Idol Teen and parlayed that into his first single. That’s a long way from when he made his first public appearance on stage at last year’s Freedom Blast.
Since then Kody and his friend, Hannah Enyart, released “Breaking to Breathe” in April. It is available on iTunes.
Kody inspired his father, Stephen Young, to audition for Greer Idol this year. Stephen is among the five remaining contestants. Tonight’s Greer Idol and Tunes in the Park was postponed. Greer Idol finals will be held Aug. 8 with The Carolina Coast Band rescheduled for that date, too.
Kody had to endure postponed appearances much like tonight’s Greer Idol Teen with last summer producing a record rainfall and shortening the 2013 season. Regardless, Young was the talk of the town and drew big crowds during the Idol Teen competitions.
Kody drew a fan base not seen since Idol began. Signs proclaimed him the girls’ favorite and had teens swooning over his good looks and charismatic showmanship.
The moment he won Greer Idol Teen, Kody said, music was what he wanted to pursue in life. “It gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams. I had never performed in public until Greer Idol Teen and I won.”
Making music videos and recording songs he has written has become Kody’s passion in his spare time in the past year. “I get my inspiration from my family and friends,” said Kody.
He has made guest appearances. He sang the National Anthem at the Greer Heart Walk in April at Greer City Park with thousands in attendance. “ I was a little nervous, but I delivered a solid performance and felt very good about it,” Kody said.
Kody’s mother, Wendy, said that he has come out of his shell and sings everywhere he goes. He auditioned and earned a spot with a band at NewSpring Church.