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A Dandridge singer is following in the steps of her late father as she pursues reality show success.

Cay Aliese, A 24-year old mother of two – got a golden ticket this week on ABC’s “American Idol” as she will advance to the Hollywood round.

Appearing on the episode that aired March 12, Aliese performed an original song “City of Nashville” in honor of her musician father who struggled with addiction and died earlier last year.

Nolan Neal died from a fentanyl overdose in Davidson County at the age of 41. He had competed on reality shows “American Idol” and “The Voice.”

“When my dad passed, I don’t know really what the moment was, but it just clicked,” Aliese told WATE. “My dad passed and had so much greatness inside of him that could have changed millions of people if he had gone on the right path and so I was like, I know that I can do this the right way.”

On the show, Aliese said her dad was in and out of her life but the two bonded over music.

“He was a light to other people, but he couldn’t find that for himself,” she said.

“You have a unique sound. Don’t be afraid to soar. Don’t be afraid to push,” Idol judge Luke Bryan said.

Ultimately, she advanced to the next round with a yes vote from all three judges.