According to Howie Mandel, “America’s Got Talent” may have discovered «the new Elvis of country» in Drake Milligan. The 23-year-old singer and his band took the stage during Season 17’s second audition episode, performing Milligan’s original single, «Sounds Like Something I’d Do.» The audience erupted in applause from the very first note, and the judges, who unanimously voted «Yes,» remarked that the song already had the makings of a Top 40 hit.

«For me, a good song is a good song, and you’re very likable,» Simon Cowell commented.

Heidi Klum added, «I also love that you guys are a band. We don’t have many bands on the show yet, so I think you’re perfect for America’s Got Talent.»

Milligan, who hails from Ft. Worth, Texas, shared that his inspiration to become a singer came from none other than Elvis Presley. «When I was about seven, I saw an Elvis impersonator while out with my family, and I was mesmerized. That’s when I knew I wanted to be like Elvis,» Milligan recalled.

Here’s more about this rising country star:

He already has a debut album

Milligan’s self-titled EP was released in 2021, featuring five original tracks, including his audition song «Sounds Like Something I’d Do.» The EP is available on all major streaming platforms. On his website, Milligan shared his musical influences.

«My main inspirations are George Strait and Elvis, along with Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, and George Jones. That’s the music I grew up with,» he explained. «I’ve learned that the best sad songs are bittersweet but still hopeful. That’s the magic of country music—how even sad songs make you feel understood. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows.»

He’s currently on tour

Milligan is performing across the U.S. from June 10 through July 2, with stops in Missouri, Michigan, and more. Fans can still get tickets and view the complete schedule on his official website at www.drakemilligan.com/tour.

Moving to Nashville to chase his dreams

Originally from Ft. Worth, Milligan moved to Nashville to pursue his musical ambitions. «I couldn’t have made this record in Texas. Nashville is home to the best songwriters and musicians in the world. While I never want to lose my Texas roots, there’s nowhere like Nashville,» he shared on his website. «I came here because my heroes did. The people who wrote and played my favorite songs are still at the top of their game. Writing with them was a rite of passage for me.»

Catch Drake Milligan and other talented acts on “America’s Got Talent” Season 17, airing every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.