McGraw finds success on two different stages

WHEELERSBURG — Batman, Superman, Spiderman, even the Green Hornet can understand the life of Landon McGraw.

Landon “Music Man” McGraw is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound wide receiver for the Wheelersburg Pirates’ football team and a forward on the basketball team.

But while he’s a student by day and a ballplayer at night, he has his own secret identity, only his secret life is about to be unveiled.

McGraw was chosen to be a contestant on the reality television show American Idol and it has been a whirlwind experience.

“I submitted a video one night. I was scrolling on Instagram one night and it said to submit your profile and I thought ‘why not’ and so I did,” said McGraw.

“I thought, if something happens, it happens.”

And, sure enough, something happened.

A few days later McGraw did a ZOOM meeting and then right before the Pirates big game against Ironton he got a call.

“I got the call that I was going to be out there,” McGraw said of his invitation to be on American Idol.

What followed was his audition and hopes to be chosen to be part of the finalists.

“It was a great experience,” said McGraw. “There’s more things to come. If you’re one of those guys who likes to watch those reality TV shows, yeah, you’ll probably see me on there.”

Understandably, McGraw admitted he was a little nervous but that “playing football and basketball helps a little bit to calm my nerves because you’re used to being in front of people. But it’s a whole different ball game when you’re in front of three celebrities (the judges) and that stuff.”

McGraw said he sang a song by The Commodores and Lionel Ritchie “which they liked pretty well.”

McGraw said the rest of his ongoing experience has to remain quiet but he plans to reveal everything that happened and will happen once this round of competition has been completed and a winner is chosen.

The experience has solidified what McGraw plans to pursue in the future in terms of a career.

“It’s definitely something I’d love to do. Music is more of a hobby than a job. If I can turn my hobby into a job, that would be great.”

As for his athletic abilities, McGraw has made his share of contributions in helping the Pirates maintain their current undefeated record and clinching the schools' 10th regional championship last weekend. He and his teammates will play in the Division 5 state semifinals this Friday night.

Just another heroic day in the life of Music Man.