In this raw and wide-ranging conversation, host Corey Schonhorst sits down with recording artist and American Idol finalist Nikko Smith to uncover the incredible story behind the music.
From performing backflips in Arsenio Hall to singing on stage with Michael Jackson, to grinding through heartbreak, rejection, and sudden fame on American Idol, Nikko opens up about the emotional highs and lows of chasing a dream—and how music became his personal sanctuary during his parents' divorce and beyond.
They dive deep into:
Growing up in the shadow of a Major League Baseball legend
How martial arts and dance paved the way for a music career
The behind-the-scenes reality of American Idol
Meeting musical icons like Prince, Michael Jackson, and more
Why stepping outside your comfort zone may be the key to becoming who you’re meant to be
Music as Therapy – Nikko shares how music helped him process his parents' divorce and shaped his sense of identity.
Behind the Idol Curtain – A no-BS look at the reality TV machine, including manipulation, backstory pressure, and last-minute surprises.
Meeting Michael Jackson – The surreal true story of singing onstage with the King of Pop—and how it changed everything.
Breaking the Mold – What it’s like to live in the shadow of a famous parent—and still carve out your own identity.
#NikkoSmith #AmericanIdol #MichaelJackson #MentalPodcast #MusicJourney #StLouisMusic #BehindTheScenes #RisingStar #PodcastInterview #MensMentalHealth #FameAndFamily #SpasAndMore
🛁 Big thanks to our sponsor: Spas and More
Check them out for premium hot tubs, saunas, and wellness gear.
👉 Spasandmorestl.com
Follow Punchline Productions
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.