See the ‘American Idol’ Country Hopeful Who Luke Bryan Says Has a ‘Little Bit of Magic’

Max Dasher

Country cutie Max Dasher walked into his American Idol audition saying, “This is crazy. What am I doing?” And was encouraged by Katy Perry that he was “trying to live the dream.”

The 18-year-old country singer from Black Mountain, N.C., a warehouse worker, performed an oldie but goodie: Utah Phillips’ "Rock, Salt & Nails.”

After his performance, for which Katy gave him a standing ovation, she said, “You have that sparkle. It’s the stuff. You have undeniable authenticity. It’s like a gold rush.”

But Luke Bryan decided to have some fun with Max, who showed he could play along.

Luke said, “Here’s lesson No. 1,” and he adjusted Max’s jacket collar to look cooler. Next, Luke told Max to walk in again and demonstrated how he should strut his stuff. Max did just that, looking much cooler the second time.

Related: American Idol Judges Award the Second Platinum Ticket to the 'Best Thing We've Ever Heard'

Lionel Richie said, “Attitude.”

Then Luke said, “What I love about you is you just did your audition exactly the way I would have. Freaking out and playing the guitar like you were trying to break a string. If we can get you to breathe and calm down, and understand that you’re pretty damn cool, man you’ve got a little bit of magic to you.”

Lionel said, “Your mantra should be, ‘I’m 18 and I look like James Dean.’ You’re going to have to bump up your vocals, but remember, your attitude comes with it.”

Luke was a yes, Katy was a yes, and Lionel cemented Max’s Gold Ticket to Hollywood with a third yes.

Tune in to American Idol on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streaming the next day on Hulu.

Next, See the American Idol Contestant Who Gives Luke Bryan a 'Full Body Wave of Chills'