Johnny Knox, a singer from Alabama, earned a golden ticket to Hollywood on Sunday’s episode of “American Idol,” pleasing the judges with his audition and a little something extra: A loaf of homemade sourdough bread.

Knox didn’t get much screen time on the two-hour episode, but he was featured in a segment about food, as he and another contestant, Carina DeAngelo, offered snacks to celebrity judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

The sourdough did the trick, evidently, along with Knox’s vocals. (”This is amazing!’ Perry said as she munched the bread.) Knox earned “yes” votes from the judges and moves on to Hollywood Week on the ABC reality series.

The celebrity judges also had some pointers for Knox after his audition, although only a few seconds of their responses were shown on TV.

“I think you’re only going to get better,” Perry said. “We need to go from sourdough starter to a loaf.”

Knox grew up in Huntsville, according to his Facebook profile. He attended Westminster Christian Academy and Auburn University, He now lives in California and, according to “Idol,” works as a medical software salesman. His “Idol” audition episode aired on his birthday, Knox said on Instagram, as he turned 27. (Early episodes of the season are filmed in advance.)

Knox, a singer-songwriter, has posted several videos showcasing his music on YouTube, including tracks from an album titled “Hear Your Voice.” His tunes also can be found on Spotify and Apple Music.

Knox is the second singer with Alabama ties to appear during “Idol” auditions for Season 21. Hannah Nicolaisen. a Montgomery resident (and former standout volleyball player at the University of Illinois Springfield) earned a golden ticket to Hollywood on the March 12 episode.

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The two hopefuls will now compete during Hollywood Week, a typically grueling phase of the competition that features brutal cuts. One more audition episode is scheduled for “Idol” this season, airing on March 26, and the show will feature Hollywood Week on April 2-3.

Alabama has a significant history on “American Idol” that includes wins by Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks in 2003 and 2006. The state also has produced two runners-up, Diana DeGarmo (2004) and Bo Bice (2005). More than 20 other contestants from Alabama have been featured during the auditions, Hollywood week and live performances.

Four singers from Alabama were among the contestants last year, and one of them, Kezia “Lady K” Istonia of Tuskegee, made it to the Top 10. Tristen Gressett of Pell City and Cadence Baker of the Shoals went as far as the Top 11 and Top 20, respectively. Tyler Allen of Mobile reached the Top 59, but was cut during Hollywood week during a round called “Showstopper/Final Judgment.”

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