Key Takeaways:
– Mackenzie Sol, a viral TikTok star and former “X-Factor UK” contestant, is now auditioning for the 22nd season of “American Idol.”
– Despite his online popularity for prankster videos, Sol is dedicated to refocusing his career on music.
– Born Mackenzie Sol Williamson in Great Britain, Sol has been based in the U.S. since he was 13 and has accumulated over 12.4 million TikTok followers.
Popular British social media personality, Mackenzie Sol, renowned for sharing humorous prank videos with his 12.4 million TikTok followers, is realigning his career focus towards his true passion for music with an audition for the 22nd season of “American Idol.”
Venturing Back to Music Roots
Sol first fetched online attention at the age of four, singing on the British competition show “X-Factor UK.” Although his content shifted to continually entertaining his followers with funny pranks, primarily involving his family and friends, his old love for music never really disappeared.
Born Mackenzie Sol Williamson, Sol relocated to the U.S. at age 13 with his family to advance his entertainment career. After an “American Idol” producer noticed him and extended an opportunity to audition for the show, Sol seized the moment to prove his musical talent. He underwent three rounds of digital auditions before being invited to Santa Barbara, California to showcase his skills in front of the judges.
Challenges and Struggles
Sol’s foray into the entertainment circuit wasn’t devoid of challenges. He candidly discussed his childhood struggles with continuous bullying due to his unique hobbies, such as ballet, as he explained to the U.S. Sun in 2021. After attending a talent convention in Florida at age 13, Sol and his family moved to Los Angeles, where they felt overwhelmed by the highly competitive entertainment atmosphere. It was here that Sol gained insight into the power of social media.
Taking a leap of faith, Sol used social media as a tool to connect with his audience and gain popularity. However, he mentioned one downside of the current emphasis on numbers over talent in the music industry, sharing, “You have to have numbers, which is sad. There’s a lot of talented people who don’t get the opportunity they deserve.”
Redirecting Success through “American Idol”
Sol aims to harness the platform of “American Idol” to pivot his public persona from comedy to music. Despite the substantial popularity of his prank videos, Sol confessed to KTNV that he felt restricted, comparing himself to a heart surgeon limited to only mouthful tasks.
Driven by the aim of becoming a musical sensation, Sol, whose parents were touring musicians, dreams of hitting it high in music similar to his notable success on social media. He also expressed his interest in songwriting not only for himself but for others and intends to share more of his own compositions post “American Idol” stint.
Believing that “American Idol” will act as a catalyst in his music career, Sol is excited about the show facilitating a redefinition of his online presence and stage performances. Always aiming for the trifecta of talent, determination, and exposure, Sol is eager to explore where this journey on “American Idol” leads him next.