Murfreesboro native Jordan McCullough has stayed busy following his run to the grand finale of American Idol. After captivating millions of television viewers as the runner-up on Season 24 of the popular singing competition show, McCullough is proving that the finale was only the beginning.
The Oakland High School graduate, longtime worship leader and emerging artist has wasted little time building upon his national success. Since the American Idol season concluded in May, McCullough has made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, released his first major-label single and signed with one of Nashville’s best-known record labels. Now, he’s preparing to return home for a special benefit concert that will support one of Murfreesboro’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.
For local fans who watched his remarkable journey unfold week after week, the upcoming September benefit show marks an opportunity to welcome home one of Murfreesboro’s newest hometown stars.
McCullough entered American Idol as an unknown singer from Murfreesboro and quickly emerged as one of the season’s favorite performers. His audition performance of CeCe Winans’ “Goodness of God” earned praise from judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, while performances throughout the competition—with songs including Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands,” MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine,” Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and Smokie Norful’s “Dear God”—showcased a vocalist equally comfortable with gospel, soul, classic rock and contemporary music. Richie described him as “a teacher, a preacher, and a helluva singer.”
Although he finished as the season’s runner-up, McCullough’s career has accelerated rapidly.
On July 17, he released his debut single, “See Me,” a deeply personal song inspired by the whirlwind experience of competing on American Idol.
“‘See Me’ has been a journey and we are just getting started,” McCullough wrote on Instagram while announcing the release.
“They said I’d never break through, but look what grace and grit can do.”
In interviews surrounding the song, McCullough said “See Me” reflects what he experienced throughout the competition and expresses his hope that listeners will better understand who he is as both an artist and a person.
Another dream became reality on June 18, when McCullough stepped onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, a milestone many country and gospel performers consider among the highest honors in music.
“Thank you Opry for allowing this Tennessee-grown boy to step into the circle,” McCullough shared afterward.
The appearance came just weeks after the Opry surprised him with the invitation while he was filming his hometown visit for American Idol.
McCullough has also signed with Sugar Hill Records, one of Nashville’s most respected labels, whose roster includes artists across the Americana, country and Christian music worlds—currently the label home of Sarah Jarosz, Sam Bush and Lee Ann Womack, with previous releases from the likes of Dolly Parton, Nickel Creek and Doc Watson. The partnership gives the Murfreesboro native a platform to continue developing the blend of gospel, soul and inspirational music that defined his television performances.
Now, McCullough is bringing his music back to Rutherford County.
He says he is excited to headline this year’s Live in the Boro show, a concert and talent show set for Friday, Sept. 18 at Hop Springs Beer Park, with proceeds benefiting Greenhouse Ministries, a Murfreesboro nonprofit that has served the community since 1999.
Founded by Cliff and Jane Sharp, Greenhouse Ministries has grown from a small volunteer effort into one of Rutherford County’s largest community outreach organizations. The nonprofit provides a grocery-style food pantry, clothing, furniture assistance, counseling, job-readiness resources, educational classes including GED preparation and budgeting, and mentoring programs designed to help individuals and families move toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency. More than simply meeting immediate needs, the ministry emphasizes helping clients build lasting independence and meaningful lives while creating volunteer opportunities for the broader community.
The Hop Springs event will showcase an array of other local talent, with an area-wide talent competition offering a $1,000 grand prize to the winning performer.
For McCullough, the concert represents more than another stop on an increasingly busy schedule. It’s an opportunity to return to the hometown that celebrated him with a parade following his American Idol success and to use his growing platform to support a ministry dedicated to serving Murfreesboro people and sharing the love of God.
Find Tickets for the Sept. 18 Live in the Boro, priced at $25, at liveintheboro.org; a VIP upgrade including a meet-and-greet and photo op with the singer is also available. Hop Springs is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy.
