Former 'American Idol' contestant performs at Bourbon Summerfest

Monday, August 12, 2024 at 11:41 AM

By Shelby Lopez

Screaming fans gathered around the entrance of Triton Junior/Senior High School this weekend for a performance by former "American Idol" contestant Anthony Key.

Key, a Merrillville native, also know as "Popstar Anthony," filmed his spot in Season 19 of "American Idol" in October 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key said the episode ended up airing on the day of his parent's wedding anniversary on March 7, 2021. By coincidence, Key says his parents have been his main inspiration for his upcoming career in the music industry. Growing up around the inspiration his mother, who had a habit of making every day-to-day task a song, and his father teaching him drums and guitar, music has always been a huge part of Key's life.

Although he didn't advance to the next level in "American Idol," the setback never stopped Key from touring the U.S. with his passion. Bringing his passion back to small towns and school events like the Bourbon Summerfest on Saturday afternoon, Keys says he also loves to do small shows to bring him back to his roots.

This is the second time Key has brought his K-Pop performance to Bourbon, and said he hopes to do more shows in the area in the future. Key currently has four singles, including his most popular song "Key to My Heart," available on Spotify, Apple Music and all major music platforms. Key says he has a fifth album coming out and is also in the process of putting out a full-length album in the future.

Key's music can also be found on Instagram and his YouTube channel.