Rashid Saint-Fleur, a 24-year-old singer from Norristown, had music chops before making the decision to audition for American Idol. He just wasn’t sure his talents were rooted in what the show seeks. Alicia Vitarelli, 6abc, reported on a well-timed gentle nudge that paid off for him.

Saint-Fleur grew up with a musical background; his Haitian mother sang casually around the home, a pastime she still enjoys.

At age seven or eight, Saint-Fleur got interested in the drums and took lessons in Philadelphia. On that foundation, he started writing music.

He hesitated, however, before considering American Idol.

Saint-Fleur’s father, however, gave him the gumption.

“He was like, ‘Man, you have to take this opportunity. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that people who dream of never get to do,'” Saint-Fleur recalled.

His initial performance was a New Orleans audition that was shaky. Literally. Saint-Fleur reported a definite quiver in his voice.

But he received three-of-three votes to continue.

Next stop is Hollywood.

“My sound is very relaxed, chill, laid back,” Saint-Fleur says. “They said my voice was unique and that it was a lot different from a lot of contestants. A lot softer. They even compared me to Seal, which is really, really dope.”

More on Rashid Saint-Fleur and his goal to be the next American Idol is at 6abc.

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Rashid Saint-Fleur at a New Jersey concert, singing gospel.