Minnesota Vikings Alum Blake Proehl Goes From Wide Receiver To ‘American Idol’ Fan Favorite After Winning A Golden Ticket

Competing on American Idol wasn’t originally part of contestant Blake Proehl‘s game plan. In fact, the fan favorite and son of NFL alum Ricky Proehl was a member of the Minnesota Vikings before being introduced to Idol viewers during the show’s Season 22 premiere on Feb. 18, per People.

His NFL career unfortunately came to a close after he tore his patellar tendon, ACL, meniscus, and MCL, per ABC 45, and was released from the team last year. But, the pro athlete made a dramatic pivot to music and is now competing on the current season of Idol, where he impressed the judges with his audition.

While recently speaking to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, Proehl recalled “placing all of[his] identity in football,” saying that he “felt like [he] had no purpose” after he no longer could play.

“And music has taught me that, you know, life is more than just your career, or being on a pedestal, or whatever that is,” he shared. “It’s about relationships and connecting with people. That’s why I honestly fell in love with it.”

Noting that he “was super nervous” to step foot into the audition room where judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan would be waiting for him, he highlighted a particular moment that captured the hearts of fans.

“And then they brought Nana in,” he shared with the outlet, referring to his grandmother, whom he credited for his confidence during his Idol introduction.

He performed “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young at the piano during his audition, the same song he covered in a 2021 TikTok in which he shocked Nana with his musical talents, per American Songwriter. Proehl’s audition even prompted Perry to request his autograph afterward, which he admitted to FOX9 was a startling moment.

“I don’t know if you saw it, but my face was like super shook,” he said. “I thought I forgot to sign a document to like be there that day. Like, I didn’t know she was being nice and like, ‘I want your autograph.'”

He secured a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, but prior to issuing that verdict, Perry praised Nana’s judgment.

“Listen, every grandma thinks that their grandchildren are great, but you’re right!” she exclaimed.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8/7c on ABC. Next-day streaming is available on Hulu and ABC.com. Check out Proehl’s audition above.