HOLLYWOOD--Being old can sometimes give you a leg up!
Nick Fradiani advanced to the Top 9 on "American Idol" on Wednesday night. And what better theme for season 14's oldest contestant than '80s night?
Nick, who was born in 1985, sang Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" after finding out he was voted into the Top 9.
After last week's judge's save, two people needed to be eliminated on Wednesday night.
FOX CT got the scoop on Nick and his Idol lifestyle from his family. Check it out in the video below.
"He prepares himself by trying to stay as calm as possible, drinking water to keep his throat, you know, cleansed so he just feels like, ready," said Nick Fradiani Sr., Nick's father. He, Nick's mother Liz and sister Kristen just returned from a trip to Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, the family watched a live screening of the results from Hartford's Spotlight Theatres.
"It was really great to see it on the big screen, but I was so in tune to his performance because I know how much this song means to him so I was really excited, yea," said Nick's dad.
During their California trip, Nick had a full schedule, said his mom.
"We don't talk to him that much. He's pretty busy. We sort of let him do what he has to do and you know, he calls us and texts. We text a lot," she said.
In weeks past, judges had said Nick needs to smile more and "crack open."
"He's a humble kid and you know, he is shy in a way, but he just is great. He feels it, but I think they just want him to get it out there a little bit more," said Nick's dad before Wednesday's results show.
After Nick made it through to the Top 9, both Nick's father and the judges agreed that his performance was top notch.
Tune in next week to see if Nick will move on to the next round. If he does, he'll be singing a Kelly Clarkson song!