Towson University Singer Makes Top 10 On 'American Idol'

TOWSON, MD — A Towson University student taking the semester off to pursue "American Idol" has made it to the top 10 on the popular TV show. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon will continue relying on votes from the public to remain in the competition.

His path to the top 10 came thanks to votes from fans who applauded his performance of Elton John's song "We All Fall In Love Sometimes."

"I just see 'Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon' on this big billboard, you know?" judge Luke Bryan said.

Harmon, 26, who is from Catonsville, also received the ultimate compliment — praise from the original performer.

Elton John said that Harmon's performance of "We All Fall In Love Sometimes" on the show "took my breath away."

The Catonsville native replied on Instagram: "What an INCREDIBLE honor sir!!! I’m speechless. Thank you."

"American Idol" judge Lionel Richie said: "There are notes that Elton can't do...you went to a z flat somewhere up there." According to Richie: "It was amazing, and your voice is amazing, and your career is going to be amazing."

After being informed that he made it to the top 10, Harmon performed a song he wrote called "Almost Heaven" on the episode broadcast on Monday, April 15.

It was the song he originally sang in his first audition for the show.

"You're such a gift. You're a light to the world," judge Katy Perry said after Harmon performed. "Your story is everything, and your talent, it just like supersedes all."

The story that "American Idol" has portrayed is not exactly how things have taken place in real life, Harmon said in a recent interview with Out magazine. Since his family was not with him in the early auditions and has grappled to reconcile his homosexuality with their religion, the TV show has given the appearance that they are estranged.

"I've never said that my parents have rejected me or don't accept me as their son," Harmon told Out magazine. "The reality is that we've grown a lot together,"and Harmon said that he's "really excited to get the full story on the show."

RELATED: Towson University Student In Top 20 Finalists On 'American Idol'

After the April 15 episode, Harmon is one of just 10 contestants remaining. Another is also from the Baltimore area — Dimitrius Graham was picked by Bryan to remain, after the audience votes did not give him enough leverage to stay in the top 10.

The next episode will be on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC. It will take place at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.