18-Year-Old Zack Dobbins Is A 'Diamond In The Rough' On American Idol - Inspirational Videos

18-year-old Zack Dobbins shows the judges to never judge a book by the cover with his unique American Idol audition. Zach hails from Clay, West Virginia where it’s no surprise to see a relative going down the road or recognizing a friend from their exhaust.

Despite his rough exterior, Zack is a music man at heart. “Music is a passion. You just gotta do what you like. And if nobody likes it, then that’s too bad, ‘cause you do.”

After making a promise to a girl, Zack agreed to audition for American Idol. Even though he is no longer with that girl, he decided to honor his word and attend the call. But even Zack admits that he isn’t experienced in this glamorous world. “I don’t know nothin’ about singing. Other than I like to do it.”

Donning cowboy boots and a ball cap, Zack had the judges taking a second glance. But a few beats into his original song ‘Miss Use’ and he had won over the judges with his soulful tone and honestly.

Judge Katy Perry said, “You’ve got a sound. You’re so authentic. Yeah, a lot of these people out here, they’re polished. They’ve been to some fancy school. They know blah, blah, blah. They can’t sing half as good as you.” And Lionel Ritchie agreed that Zack had a unique quality.

“You’re giving us heart and soul and real. And you just stay being like you.”

After 3 ‘yes’ votes, Zack was given his golden ticket to Hollywood where he will compete with others to win the ultimate title of American Idol. I think Katy said it best when she said, “He was a diamond in the rough.” And we’ve only scratched the surface of this rising star.