MKY wowed the judges with his smooth vocals and genuine personality on the Sunday, March 16, installment of American Idol, leaving viewers eager to see just how far he’ll go in the popular talent competition.

Life & Style rounds up everything there is to know about the season 23 contestant.

Who Is ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Contestant MKY?

MKY (pronounced “Mikey”) is a Mexican American singer who competed in season 23 of American Idol. He was 25 years old at the time his first episode aired.

Where Is ‘American Idol’ Season 23 Contestant MKY From?

MKY grew up in East Los Angeles in Southern California.

What Is the Meaning Behind MKY’s Stage Name?

MKY’s stage name is a play on his real name, Michael “Mikey” Jimenez — a moniker he shares with both his father, who goes by Myke Nez, and his late grandfather, who went by Mike Jimenez.

MKY Missed a Huge Life Event to Audition for Another Reality Competition Show

MKY wasn’t able to attend his high school graduation because he wanted to audition for ABC’s Boy Band in 2017. He made it onto the show after singing Ne-Yo‘s “Because of You,” and ended up finishing the series in the top eight.

MKY and three other contestants from the series formed the boy band 4th Ave in 2018. However, he decided to leave the group to work on his solo career in 2019.

MKY Reveals Where He Got His Passion for Music

In MKY’s American Idol video package, he said a love for singing has run in his family for generations.

“Music is definitely in my blood, it’s in my DNA,” he explained. “My great Uncle Little Ray [Jimenez] was the first Chicano Mexican American singing R&B-soul music in the ‘60s. My grandfather sang with a soul group called Tierra, and my dad sings R&B-soul. So, it’s in me. My family has been chasing this dream, and they passed it on to me.”

MKY also said his “biggest inspiration” was his grandfather, who passed away three years prior.

Which Song Did MKY Choose for His ‘American Idol’ Audition?

MKY sang “Ooo Baby Baby” by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, prompting judge Lionel Richie to get up and dance with his heartfelt performance.

“You know where that put me? That put me in high school,” he told the young singer. “Yes, sir, high school.”

When MKY was asked by judge Luke Bryan why he chose Smokey Robinson, MKY revealed he “grew up” on the artist as the song was a “classic” in his family.

MKY Got His Golden Ticket on ‘American Idol’

All three judges voted for MKY to move on in the hit talent competition.

Lionel called him “sensational,” while Carrie Underwood said he’s “got all of the pieces” and that she was “excited” to see how far he would go.

On Sunday, March 16, MKY took to his Instagram to share a photo of himself holding his golden ticket as he thanked American Idol for the “opportunity” to compete on the show and his “fam and supporters” who have been there for him throughout his journey.

“THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING,” he wrote in the caption of the snapshot.