Maize graduate Cameron Bedell performed on American Idol on Wednesday night and earned a golden ticket to advance to Hollywood week.

Bedell, 25, is a musical artist, writer and producer. He graduated from Maize in 2007.

Bedell discovered his love for music when he began teaching himself how to play the guitar. By the age of 13 he was writing his own music. Bedell was inspired by some of his favorite artists such as: Usher, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Elton John.

Bedell considered himself more of a rapper at the time, but when he realized he had no one to sing his songs, Bedell decided he would try to do it himself.

In high school, he was in choir all four years and spent his first two years out of Maize at Butler Community College, where he wrote the school’s anthem before going on to Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

By the time Bedell reached Belmont, he had released two extended plays and began making a name for himself.

While in Nashville, Bedell was in a band for a while called The Skunks, who played a few shows around Nashville and Atlanta. The Skunks came out with their first and last self-titled album in 2012.

The following year, Bedell went off on his own, wanting to pursue a solo career.

Today, Bedell lives in Franklin, Tenn. with his wife, Anna.

Bedell’s album with The Skunks is available on iTunes and on their website: http://www.cameronbedellmusic.com/cameron-bedell-the-skunks-ep/