Josh King: Charlotte’s Native on American Idol
Josh King (Joshua King) hits the stage on American Idol Season 23, with his audition airing on Sunday, March 16, 2025, on ABC. This 24-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, brings a fresh sound and big dreams to the show. Known for playing piano at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Josh is set to wow judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. This article explores his journey, from local talent to the national spotlight. Let’s meet Josh King!
Table of Contents
- Biography
- Age and Birthday
- Musical Talent
- Hometown
- Height
- Family
- Education
- Job
- American Idol Season 23
- Net Worth
Biography
Josh King steps into American Idol with a smile and a song. At 24, he’s a familiar face in Charlotte, where he plays piano for travelers at the airport. His love for music flows through every note, and Season 23 is his chance to reach a bigger stage. Josh told host Ryan Seacrest that friends urged him to audition, asking, “Why not? What’s the worst that could happen?” With a jazzy spin on a classic tune, he’s ready to capture hearts nationwide.
Josh King Age and Birthday
Josh is 24, born in 2000—his exact birthday stays private for now. As of March 15, 2025, he’s young and full of passion, bringing lively energy to his Idol audition filmed in late 2024.
Musical Talent
Josh has a special gift for music. He plays piano with style and sings with a smooth, jazzy voice. For his audition, he chose “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a song everyone knows, but gave it his twist with a unique arrangement. Previews show the judges swaying—Carrie Underwood even sings along! His talent has been winning over airport crowds for years.

Hometown
Josh King comes from Charlotte, North Carolina, a city full of southern charm and a growing music scene. He’s proud to carry his hometown’s spirit, where he’s built a following at the airport piano. Charlotte locals root for him as he takes this big leap.
Josh King Height
King stands at a height of approximately 5 feet and 9 inches.
Josh King Family
Josh keeps family details under wraps. No word on parents or siblings has come up, but his support crew shines through. Friends pushed him to try Idol, showing he’s got people in his corner.
Education
The American Idol contestant, Josh King, hasn’t shared much about his schooling. He might have studied music or learned by playing, but his skills show he’s spent lots of time practicing.
Josh King Job
Josh works as a pianist at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, turning travel waits into little concerts. It’s more than a job—it’s where he polished his music and caught attention.
American Idol Season 23
Josh’s moment arrives in Episode 2 of American Idol Season 23, airing March 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The season began March 9, with auditions taped across cities like Nashville and Los Angeles in 2024. Josh sits at the piano, singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” his way. Previews show judges Carrie, Luke, and Lionel loving it, with Carrie joining in. Will he grab a golden ticket to Hollywood? Watch Sunday, streaming next day on Hulu.
Josh King (Joshua King) carries Charlotte’s soul to American Idol Season 23. With his piano skills and jazzy voice, he’s one to watch. Tune in on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC to see if he heads to Hollywood.
American Idol Season 23 Contestants
Josh competes with other talents on American Idol season 23. They include:
- Baylee Littrell: Country singer, Brian Littrell’s son
- Filo Ebid: R&B artist with a Platinum Ticket
- Amanda Barise
- Sonny Tennet: UK singer with a soulful hit
- Thunderstorm Artis: Deep-voiced performer
- Victor Solomon: The Voice season 20 contestant
- Mikey Jimenez aka MKY
- Olivier Bergeron: a French Canadian
- Zaylie Windsor
- Breanna Nix
- Drew Ryn
- Gabby Samone
- Grayson Torrence
- Kolbi Jordan: Platinum Ticket awarded at a Tennessee Titans game
- Kyana Fanene
- Mattie Pruitt
- Penny Samar
- Canaan
- Che Chesterman
- Desmond Roberts
- Isaiah “Makk” Misailegalu
- Jamal Roberts
- John Foster
Josh’s Instagram is @officialjoshking. He shares his music and life there. Expect audition buzz after March 16 airs. Follow him to catch updates from his Idol journey!