Paul McDonald of 'Hightide Blues'

Paul McDonald of 'Hightide Blues'

Paul McDonald was one of the 10 contestants in our 2008 Atlanta's Hottest Rocker competition.

Since then, the musician has relocated from Atlanta to Nashville and has gone on to success in season 10 of "American Idol." Congratulations to making into the top nine, McDonald. We're proud to say we knew you when.

Here's our 2008 interview with him:

Paul McDonald from Hightide Blues looks exhausted. He’s bleary eyed and clasping a can of PBR to get him through a day he’d probably rather spend asleep. He’s just returned from a show in Florida, which is part of the Southern rock band’s heavy touring schedule.

You’ve got “blues” in your name but the music’s not bluesy.        
No, were more grounded to Ben Harper and the Black Crowes but our influences are drawn from everywhere. It’s more roots rock-n-roll, fun stuff to shake your ass to.

You’re obviously tired. How’s the touring going?
It’s been going really good. We did 150 shows last year, and I was still at school.

School? That must have been tough balancing the two?
Yeah, I’m all done with school now.

Does so much touring interfere with recording?
No, we’ve cut two EPs and we’re planning on going back in the studio soon. We love it in there. We were in the studio for a whole week in February.

Where are you off to next?
We just got done with the Midwest, planning more on the East Coast, then we’re going out to the West Coast.