Murfreesboro native Jordan McCullough has made it to the final 11 contestants in season 24 of American Idol.

McCullough has impressed judges, peers and fans of the show on his way to “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night,” set for Monday, April 13.

Making it this far in a season full of talented singers has been a meaningful experience for McCullough.

“You have all the best singers in America here, and being in such a few number means a lot to me,” McCullough said.

During the Ohana Round of American Idol, where the pool of competitors was narrowed from 30 to 20, McCullough received one of three platinum tickets from a vote decided by his castmates. Earning this honor from the singers he was competing alongside was, he said, a touching experience.

“It means a lot to have that recognition,” McCullough said, “knowing that we’re in this competition and there can only be one in the end.”

Since the early rounds, McCullough has been forced to step outside his comfort zone when it comes to musical genres, but he has embraced the challenge.

During the top 12 round of the show, McCullough performed Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby,” which judge Lionel Richie selected. The judges were impressed with McCullough’s willingness to step outside of the box, with Richie saying it was a “tall moment.”

“Lionel [Richie] knows exactly who I am!” McCullough said.

Leading into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, McCullough and his team have tried to prepare for everything he’ll need to be ready for.

“It’s a lot of preparation, but it’s very important, and by the time it comes to do the live show, it’s muscle memory,” McCullough said. “Expect the unexpected. We’ll definitely be touching into that gospel rock.”

Throughout his time on the show, McCullough said he has received waves of support from the city of Murfreesboro and has been very grateful for it.

“It’s been incredible,” McCullough said. “People going out of their way to send kind messages and encouragement, even just making sure my family is doing okay while I’m away.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night episode, narrowing the competition down to nine contestants, will air Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m. Central on ABC.