Ethan Burdick’s journey almost ended before it ever began. American Idol said no…but Ethan didn’t take it as rejection.

Ethan went back to his college dorm, taught himself guitar, dropped out of school, and started singing on TikTok Live — making just enough money to keep his dream alive.

Even when nothing seemed to be happening, Ethan believed God had a plan. So he kept showing up. Kept writing. Kept trusting.

Then someone discovered him on TikTok.

That single moment opened a door Ethan never saw coming. It led to opportunities he’d only dreamed about, including writing and releasing his hit song “I Get the Picture,” hearing it on SiriusXM Hits 1, and joining Jelly Roll on tour.

In this episode, Ethan shares the full story behind his journey from American Idol rejection and TikTok Live to Nashville, SiriusXM Hits 1, touring with Jelly Roll, and the faith that carried him through it all.

We talk about:

Getting rejected by American Idol
Teaching himself guitar in his college dorm
Making money on TikTok Live before anyone knew his name
Dropping out of college to pursue music full-time
How one TikTok changed the course of his career
Hearing his song on SiriusXM Hits 1
Touring with Jelly Roll
Why faith has remained at the center of his journey

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Host: @askamandaadams
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Get to know Ethan Burdick
YouTube: @ethanburdick
Instagram: @ethanrburdick
TikTok: @ethanburdick
Facebook: Ethan Burdick

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