Appearing on the “American Idol” can be a big boost for aspiring singers, but, the show also allows for some stars to shine a little brighter. Just ask UC Riverside graduate Peter “Rocky” Ajoku, who has had the distinct honor of appearing on ads and billboards touting the Fox reality show’s return Wednesday.

Ajoku wasn’t even aware of the billboards’ existence until friends started messaging him on Facebook and sending photos.

“I was in tears,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “Uncontrollable tears of joy. I couldn’t believe it.”

The singer, who graduated from UCR with a degree in biological sciences in 2013, even traveled to Azusa—a location of one of the “American Idol” billboards featuring Ajoku holding up his golden ticket, which signals a contestant’s advancement on the show—to film a music video for his song “Good Day.”

Appearing on the long-running singing competition came at a good time for Ajoku, who was homeless at the time of auditions. He said that friends got together and helped pay for him to fly out to San Francisco to try out. While many contestants rely on pop standards to impress the judges, Ajoku performed a original song that he had written. His audition original is just one of 100 songs Ajoku has written for himself.

And how did he feel singing in front of musical veterans such as Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban? Not as nervous as one would suspect.

“Once I get on stage I lose the nerves,” Ajoku said. “It’s like a home to me.”

To see more of Ajoku’s work, check out some of his other songs on YouTube by searching for “Rocky Peter.”

“American Idol” premieres its 14th season Wednesday and Thursday 8 p.m. on Fox.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9342 or tguy@pe.com