Spencer Lloyd, 19, a UALR business student, knows a thing or two about performing in front of crowds.

Not only has he played guitar and sung at several school events, including the recent Battle of the Talents in which he won first place, but he is also a regular contributor to the praise and worship band at his church in Bryant.

So it comes as no surprise to the people who know him best that he has made it as far as he has in the newest season of the hit reality show “American Idol.”

The show kicked off its 13th season Wednesday, Jan. 15, which aired on local television station FOX16. Lloyd and another Arkansan were featured during the broadcast.

A large group joined Lloyd and his family at Family Church in Bryant Thursday, Jan. 16, to watch his debut on television, including his fellow Chancellor Leadership Corp scholars. Lloyd is on leave from UALR this semester to compete on “American Idol.” He is a 2012 graduate of Bauxite High School.

For his “American Idol” audition in Austin, Texas, Lloyd performed “Never Gone” by Colton Dixon and received the much-desired golden ticket to Hollywood.

During Hollywood Week, which began Wednesday, Feb. 5, Lloyd  performed A Great Big World’s “Say Something.” The following night, his group sang “Best I Ever Had” by Gavin DeGraw. Both nights, the judges moved him on to the next round.

The show continues Wednesday, Feb. 12, with the semifinalists announced on Thursday, Feb. 13.

During the Battle of the Talents competition at UALR last November, Lloyd gave the judges a list of 27 songs. While he played guitar and sang, the judges called out the songs at random and Lloyd seamlessly transitioned from one song to the next nonstop.

The business finance major’s Facebook fan page is rapidly growing in size.

In addition to his obvious talent, Lloyd was also a frequent volunteer for service projects during his freshman year, according to Chancellor’s Leadership Corps coordinator Nick Steele.