Ex-Victoria man’s music featured on American Idol

A performer with ties to Victoria had his music featured on American Idol Monday night, the second time in less than two weeks an artist from the area was showcased on the hit TV series.

Singer-songwriter Mike Edel, who recently left his Victoria home for career opportunities in Seattle, was contacted by producers of the hit ABC show two weeks ago, asking to use his 2018 song Finish Line during the March 18 episode.

Producers paid Edel an unspecified sum to use the song, but did not reveal how they discovered his music.

“But I’ll take it,” Edel said. “It’s a crazy thing to happen so randomly.”

The music of Metchosin rocker Jesse Roper also made its way to prime time March 6, when American Idol contestant Jake Durkin of Nashville sang Roper’s song Anytime of Night during his audition.

The exposure is expected to lead to new opportunities for Edel and Roper, both of whom are independent artists.

American Idol has averaged eight million viewers per episode during its current season.

“When you work your ass off, you celebrate the little victories,” Edel said. “When something like this happens, it allows you to keep your head up.”

For more information on Edel, visit mikeedel.com. He will return to Victoria in the fall for a concert celebrating the release of his new album, Thresholds.