If you have been paying attention on social media lately, you might have heard of promising singer Dave Fio and his recent endeavors. Also known around Taylor as David Meyers, his given name, he is now a Hollywood card-carrying member of the famous singing competition, “American Idol.” His tryout aired in mid-March.

“About six months ago, my cousin Faith sent me a link that American Idol was having virtual auditions, so I figured, ‘What the heck’, let’s try it’,” he said. Singing was just part of Dave’s story. When he looked in the mirror that day, he did not like what he saw. He said that a switch went off in his head. It was time for some serious changes.

He stopped drinking and threw away all of the bad food in his house. By the time he got to the American Idol stage, it had been 12 weeks and he was down 65 pounds. A new man, he even had new clothes and boots.

With his parents Jody and David offstage with other family members, he pounded out a rendition of Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” for judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan in Nashville. The song’s lyrics fit young Fio to a tee: “Save me from me, me from myself …”

When Bryan cast the deciding vote, Dave became the only contestant from Michigan to that date to head for Hollywood.

He has actually been singing for about three years now. He began performing live at local spots and even writing and recording some original songs. The consensus among the community is unanimous: Dave Fio has talent.

“After high school, I worked a few jobs, but didn’t really sing (that) much,” he said. “After being introduced to a group of friends who made music, I started to fall in love with it and realized I was pretty good at it. From there, I took it as serious as a career”.

“Basically my whole family grew up and still is in Taylor” Fio said. “I played Little League, attended school and met my lifelong friends here. Taylor is home.”

Nothing in life has matched his trip on American Idol thus far. “It was the craziest experience,” he said. “Being involved in a Hollywood production, for all of America just to hear my voice was a pretty special thing.”

So special it left Dave Fio with a golden ticket.

“(To) top it all off with a golden ticket and a trip to Hollywood just sent it over the moon,” he beamed. “This has been a crazy experience; one I will remember forever. I am truly grateful. Off to Hollywood!”

Make sure to follow along with Dave Fio as he fights his way through the competition. American Idol airs on Sundays at 8 p.m. (EST) on ABC or next day on Hulu. For more from Fio, visit his YouTube channel for live performances, music videos, originals and more.