(PHOTO COURTESY OF: AMERICAN IDOL)

HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- An Elmira resident and local American Idol star's journey has sadly come to an end. While Isaiah Smallwood's time at American Idol is over, he said this is just the beginning.

"If I could make it to Hollywood, then I could make it to the Grammys. If I can make it to the Grammys, then I can make it anywhere. I can make it on the biggest stages, and it's not because of me, but it's because of the fact I believe(d) in myself," said Smallwood.

Smallwood said meeting Ryan Seacrest was crazy, and meeting judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie was phenomenal. He said he'll never forget his American Idol journey, and going to Hollywood was an unreal experience. "I made a lot of friends. I made a lot of family members, like people who are closer than friends.  Just that experience of being on that Hollywood stage, turning around before singing and looking back and seeing the Idol sign in the background in front of all those lights was a dream come true," said Smallwood.

He said before he went on stage to perform, Lionel gave him some advice about what he should do before he performs. "He was like, 'Now listen. Before you get up there, before they call your name, before the curtains get pulled, before you even start singing a note...I want you at that moment to think in your head and just say man, this is crazy.' I said Lionel, I really appreciate the advice; I’m definitely going to do that," said Smallwood.

While Smallwood's American Idol journey stopped at Hollywood, he said he was very proud of himself in a Facebook post. He said out of the 150,000+ people who auditioned, he was glad to be one of the 100 people who made it to Hollywood.

For now, Smallwood is going to continue pursuing his music career. At this time, Smallwood is working on an 'EP' which is a mini version of an album. When Smallwood isn't making or producing his music, he will be showcasing his talents across the Southern Tier.

On Tuesday afternoon, Smallwood sang and played guitar for the residents at the Saint Joseph's Skilled Nursing Facility in Elmira. On April 14th, he will sing the National Anthem along with a couple of his songs at First Arena in Elmira. Looking ahead to August, he will also have the opportunity to sing the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems during NASCAR Week in Watkins Glen.

WENY News would like to congratulate Isaiah on his American Idol run, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.