The new 2019 season of American Idol premiered Monday night (March 3), featuring the familiar judging panel of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and host Ryan Seacrest.

One strongly country contestant was Tyler Mitchell, 26, from Florien, La. The young singer attracted attention right off the bat due to his tall stature: "That's a man right there," Bryan sagely noted, while Perry urged him to come forward and compare hand sizes. "I just want to touch your hand and see how small my hand is compared to your hand," she noted.

After reporting that he is 6'4", has a twin brother, and also has two older brothers who join him as oil field workers, Mitchell was asked incredulously by Perry, "Is your mom still with us after that childbirth?"

Thankfully, the answer to that was yes. Mitchell also explained that his favorite activities include "Huntin', fishin', and lovin' every day," and that his audition marked his first trip to New York City, which he termed a "mind-blowing" experience.

In the end, however, he was there to sing. "I'm here 'cause I've been told I've got a God-given talent, and I'd like to show it off," he explained, giving the judges a rendition of Vince Gill's "Whenever You Come Around."

When he finished, Richie said in awe: "You’re in the oil biz? Let me tell you what you did, you struck oil!" Meanwhile, Bryan urged him to "Just be you. Smile through the awkward times," and Perry added "You have nothing to fear."

Indeed, Mitchell didn't seem as if he had much fear at all in his aura, choosing instead to focus on the positive aspects of his advancement to Hollywood. He said this was "The best day of my life," due to the fact that he "made my family and my wife proud."

Keep checking in weekly, as we'll be chronicling these hopefuls' journeys to the top, with a focus on country music offerings!

How Many of These American Idol Finalists Do You Remember?

More From Lonestar 99-5 FM