First it was Kelly, Then Ruben and Fantasia. And now, Randel Johnson?

Former Mr. N.C. Central University, Randel Johnson is on his way to Hollywood to compete in the current season of “American Idol” on FOX.

Serving as a large boost to the networks rating, Randel was a part of a 21,000-person audition in Washington, DC at the Convention Center.

Johnson has been singing since he was 3 years old. As he aged, he became his church's choir director.

His musical influences include Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Smokie Norful, to name a few.

From there his growing desire to be in the music industry became real to him as he decided to take one of the largest risks of his life.

"I'm not a big risk taker. This [“American Idol”] provided a perfect time to do so," said Johnson.

Currently working for the R.M.T. Program for Food Lion, L.L.C., Johnson is going to leave soon and go to Hollywood. Looks like work might not be so redundant after all for Johnson.

When asked about Simon Cowell and the rest of the judges on “American Idol” including a guest appearance by Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Johnson's statement was surprising.

"Simon and Mark were really cool. They gave really good feedback," he said.

Johnson spent two days of his life in the Convention Center with people singing all day and all night.

In order to get away from the noise, he stayed at a friend’s home near the Center until it was time for auditions again.

During the wait for his audition, Johnson went from being nervous because of rejected contestants to being excited for the few selected for Hollywood.

“You could smell the tension in the center because everyone wants to be the next American Idol, ” said Johnson.

Cowell told Johnson that he enjoyed his over all performance and that his presence demanded attention. Not too bad from the man known for shattering horrible singers’ dreams.

Well, what’s in store for the NCCU alumni?

“I can’t say. I’m just going to Hollywood,” said Johnson.