Kutter Bradley is headed to the next round of American Idol.

The 22-year-old Florence native earned a spot in the American Idol Top 30 during Hollywood Week on ABC after performing HARDY’s “Boots.”

Bradley, a fire protection inspector who relocated to Nashville to pursue music, reflected on the moment during the episode.

“I never would have thought I would be right here ever,” he said on the show. “It’s just kind of a dream that I don’t realize that I’m living.”

“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Bradley added. “I moved away from home to do this dream. Kind of left everything behind, and so I want to stay really bad.”

Judge Carrie Underwood praised his stage presence and range during the broadcast.

“I feel like you’ve got a solid voice. I feel like you’ve got a big range. You were like a lion, like pacing back and forth, like getting ready to bust out of the cage,” Underwood said.

Bradley first impressed judges during his audition with “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down, earning a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week. Lionel Richie called his vocal growl “signature” during that audition.

Bradley is one of three Alabama contestants advancing to the Top 30 this season.

Bryant Thomas, 26, of Mobile, advanced after performing Taylor Swift’s “Champagne Problems” during Hollywood Week.

Sixteen-year-old Kiera Howell of Geneva also secured a Top 30 spot with her rendition of “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls.

The Top 30 will now compete in the show’s ‘Ohana Round, filmed in Hawaii, where the group will be narrowed to 20 contestants.

Season 24 of American Idol airs Mondays on ABC.

Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.