American Idol’s Aaron Kelly Sees Himself Going Country

American Idol castoff Aaron Kelly can’t wait to get back on stage for the American Idols Live Tour this summer. As for the rest of his future, Kelly says he could see himself pursuing a career in country music.

Aaron Kelly on 'American Idol' (FOX)

“Country music is what I’ve grown up listening to and what I feel I fit most comfortably with,” Aaron Kelly told USAToday.com. “The people who inspire me the most are Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban… I see myself hopefully going down that road.”

Aaron Kelly has already kicked off a press tour to talk about his time on American Idol. His first stop was on the Ellen DeGeneres show, where he performed Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”. Not a very ‘country’ choice, but a pretty decent rendition regardless.

Although Kelly hasn’t seen an American Idols Live concert himself, he is “really excited to be a part of it and interact with the fans” on the tour. “It’s going to be good clean fun, and we’re going to have a blast,” Kelly said.

In an interview with Billboard.com, Aaron Kelly said he thinks American Idol guest mentor Harry Connick Jr. would be “a great replacement for Simon [Cowell]” when the AI judge leaves at the end of this season. “He’s very honest and he’s going to tell you [his opinion] straight out. I think [he'd] fit the bill perfectly.”

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