Samford University commercial music sophomore Alex Kanaday stepped into her American Idol audition hoping to simply share her story. She walked out with a golden ticket and unanimous approval from judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. 

For Kanaday, the moment was transformative. 

“It’s the biggest highlight in my musical journey,” she said. “My mind was filled with so many emotions — excitement, disbelief — but more than anything, it confirmed that this career path is the one I’m supposed to be on.” 

When Kanaday transferred to Samford at the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, she changed her major because she found confidence and clarity in the School of the Arts’ commercial music program. 

“Commercial music has helped my confidence and reassured me that I’m in the right place pursuing the right thing,” she said. “To have a department that is in my corner, confirming I’m doing what I’m meant to do, but also stretching me, is such a blessing.” 

Behind the scenes of Hollywood Week 

Although Hollywood week hasn’t aired yet, Kanaday has already experienced the whirlwind of filming. 

“There are so many behind-the-scenes moments I got to see and be a part of,” she said. “Knowing what all goes into the show before it even airs is wild.” 

Among the highlights was rehearsing with the Kris Pooley Band, known for backing global artists including Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter.  

“It was an amazing honor to play with such insanely talented and respected musicians,” Kanaday said. 

She hopes viewers connect with her authenticity as much as her voice. 

“I want people to see my music as something more than just three minutes of sound,” she said. “I hope my lyrics and stories land and resonate with people.” 

How the School of the Arts prepares students for a stage like this 

Kanaday’s advancement on American Idol is a clear example of how the School of the Arts trains and supports emerging artists. Commercial music professor Steven Potaczek said her success reflects the breadth of preparation woven through the curriculum.  

“We teach all of the elements that are important in auditions like this: songwriting, live performance, music production, even foundational details like theory,” he said. “Being an incredible performer is a combination of multiple things happening at once. Alex is a great writer who is really developing into an incredible tour de force.” 

That foundation is strengthened by a culture of active musicmaking and real-world engagement. Joel Davis, chair of the Division of Music, noted that the commercial music program’s strength is reflected in what students create every day.  

“We are blessed with experienced and well qualified faculty, and our students are already establishing themselves professionally,” he said. “More than 50 student albums were recorded in Samford’s Eleanor Ousley Recording Studio in the last three years.” 

Davis has watched Kanaday grow rapidly as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and emerging professional.  

“She connects course concepts with her own musical influences, and as teachers, we often learn from students like Alex just as we hope they learn from us,” he said.  

The curriculum, from ensembles to songwriting showcases, equips students to step into demanding industry environments.  

“Alex exemplifies what happens when students integrate growing mastery of music with real world application,” Davis said. “She is continuing in her studies while stepping onto the Idol stage, representing our campus community with excellence.” 

Dean Lance Beaumont emphasized how Kanaday’s moment on the national stage affirms the School of the Arts’ mission and reputation. “Alex’s advancement shows our commitment to preparing students for careers in music,” he said. “We believe strongly in career preparedness. We want our students to be ready to step seamlessly into, and onto, that professional role.” 

Beaumont added that national visibility from a student’s performance speaks not only to individual talent but to the overall quality of Samford’s arts programs.  

“Anytime a student is on a national stage, the School of the Arts is recognized for the excellence of our academic programs,” he said. “We have world class faculty and facilities, and moments like this speak to that truth.”