Like Charlie Bucket whose golden ticket granted him access into Willy Wonka’s coveted chocolate factory, Mormon Texan John Wayne Schultz’s life changed before his very eyes when he received his golden ticket from ‘American Idol’ judges. Now he advances to the 15th and final season of the competition’s next round in Hollywood.

Twenty-seven-year-old John Wayne Schultz is a real honest-to-goodness Texas cowboy. Raised in the cowboy country of Karnes City, Texas, everything from his name to his cowboy attire to the gentle twang in his voice manifest who he is. His mother said that his father named him after “the Duke” because he wanted a son who was “rough and tough.”

Five years ago, Schultz competed in ‘American Idol’ season 10, advancing to the final round where he was first-runner up. Although it was disappointing not to win, he felt it a blessing to return home to his mother who was dying of breast cancer. In his recent audition, he sang Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” in memory of his mother who passed away shortly after season 10.

As a teen, this talented twanger recorded a 10-track set, entitled “Ropin’ Dreams” and was released on the independent and Texas-based label, BSW to the U.S., Europe, and Pacific Rim, BSW President and CEO Frank Wilson confirmed to Billboard.com

According to an article in the Texas A&M University newspaper, The Battalion, Schultz was 14 when ‘Ropin’ Dreams’ was released. Schultz parted ways with BSW when he left for a two-year LDS mission. Following his Church service, he worked on his family’s ranch, served in the Marine Corps, and is now a flight instructor.

Schultz is in good company as five other Mormon contestants will be following him to Hollywood.

Amber Lynn, Bri Ray, Johanna Jones, Jenn Blosil, Madelyn Paige, and John Wayne Schultz all wowed judges Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban at their respective auditions around the country. For their fans, it is no surprise as the six contestants have been on the road to stardom for quite awhile.

Amber Lynn

Originally from California, Utahan Amber Lynn Stoppel has a soulful, sultry voice. In December, she performed in the Salt Lake City Mass Choir’s Christmas Celebration and has her own YouTube channel. Her latest video is a duet with Joslyn Poole combining two hymns: “Be Still My Soul” and “His Eye is On the Sparrow.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EubEDFCmKMI



Bri Ray

Imagine Whitney Houston as a singer/songwriter–that’s the kind of talent Bri Ray brings to the table. This 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Utah also has a YouTube Channel where she showcases her incredible vocals. Prior to auditioning for ‘American Idol,’ Bri Ray, was chosen as a 2015 Presidential Scholar, an award only given to 140 students that year, according to the Provo Daily Herald. In addition to her scholastic achievements, the Daily Herald reported that Bri Ray started an anti-bullying program, “A Place for Everyone,” where she presented this program to more than 15,000 students in school assemblies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZopXU2dpo88

Johanna Jones

This 21-year-old Brigham Young University student has been singing for many years. Originally from Las Vegas, Johanna sang in many venues, including singing the national anthem at the National Hunter Jumper Horse Show last November. Now the next Celine Dion is studying commercial music and is a member of BYU Jazz Voices where she is featured in their “Valentine’s Medley.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0nPJZhZC-A



Jennifer Blosil

Quirky Jennifer Blosil is from Brooklyn, New York and seems to fit right to the eclectic city. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has a sound all her own and describes herself in BYU’s Digital Universe as “a white kid with an afro that sings blues.” She has performed at the Velour Live Music Gallery as well as the Stadium of Fire in Provo, Utah. Her song, “Take It Home” is available on iTunes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVZukwlX5ZA



Madilyn Paige

Singer-songwriter Madilyn Paige is oozing with talent. At 16, Madilyn competed on the sixth season of “The Voice” making it all the way to the Playoffs. After her elimination from the show, she released an extended play album, “Madilyn Paige” as well as competed in various local competitions. She also wrote a song for our Church’s 2015 Mutual (youth) theme album, according to LDS.org.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcrOedmgLR4

While Schultz and the five other LDS singers have a golden ticket, it is nothing more than a magic feather like the one Dumbo thought he needed to fly. All are talented in their own respects and will go far with or without an ‘American Idol’ win. Still, it is exciting to watch their talents blossom. Good luck, Mormon Six ! We’ll be watching.