BOISE -- If she looks familiar, it's most likely because you've seen her shine on "American Idol" this season.
Nineteen-year-old Maddie Zahm of Boise has risen to become one of America's favorites on the show, inspiring people across the country with her story.
"It's been like a win. I still can't believe that I made it," she told KTVB.
Her journey is one of perseverance and courage.
We got the chance to catch up with Maddie on Friday and learned she's definitely not letting the fame get to her head; she is as real and raw as they come. Maddie didn't go on the show for the fame or the glory, but a recent video of her celebrity judge audition is going viral. It highlights Maddie's story and the person who's been by her side and in her heart, seeing her for who she is and pushing her to achieve her dreams.
"I legit never expected to even make it to that judges round," Maddie said.
When she decided to hop in her Ford Taurus and drive down to Utah last year, Maddie's goal wasn't fame; it was to prove to herself that she could do it.
"It was a God thing deciding to audition," she said. "I would have never done this three years ago."
"That was such a monumental moment for me. I just felt it was something I had overcome and it felt like this moment in my life where I am finally making the decision to allow myself to be seen," Maddie added.
She's always loved music but says after gaining weight in high school because of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) she struggled with performing and showing off her gift.
"I stopped singing. I kind of felt embarrassed of who I was and I didn't want to put myself on stage because I was afraid people were going to focus on my weight rather than my talent. Hid myself a little bit and didn't allow myself to be shown or feel like I was the center of attention," Maddie said. "I think when you start struggling with insecurity about anything I think it affects all your areas, I feel like. So even though I was insecure about my weight I think that kind of started a habit of not talking very nicely to myself and not believing I was good enough in just anything. So I think what started with me being insecure about my weight kind of led to, like, am I good at anything?"
Through her friendship with a young man named Marcus who has Down Syndrome, Maddie started to overcome her doubts. She met him six years ago when she accidentally walked into his special education music class.
"Absolutely fell in love with him, he was my best friend. He was singing a Katy Perry song which "American Idol" just ate up, they loved that he sang "Firework." Through his friendship and self-discovery of knowing that, I don't know, that I am the person I'm supposed to be and God created me the way I am and just finding security in who I am and how important kindness and internal beauty is I just decided to sing again."
Marcus also sparked Maddie's passion for working with those with disabilities and special needs; she was pursuing that in college and would love to work in a field where she's serving that community.
"Marcus has always been kind of a driving force of believing in me and believing that I'm good enough. He literally thinks that I've just conquered the world," Maddie said.
"Really sees me for the things I want to be and I want people to see me for. And I think he does that for everybody. He sees the best in people," she added. "Learning to kind of love myself for the things Marcus loves me for, you know, I think that was a big driving factor of why I auditioned."
When she joined her church's worship team a year ago, she discovered that her insecurities left her when she took to the stage. She says she feels like a different person on stage and it's where she's supposed to be.
"That kind of kick-started my love for music again. Just reminding me who I'm singing for and that it really isn't about me," she said.
The viral video of her audition in front of judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie shows them asking Maddie to bring in Marcus and sing with him.
"At first I asked Marcus, 'are you OK with me talking about you?' Because I never wanted him to feel like I was using his story," she said. "For him to be there and me to ask, 'are you OK with also being a representative for people that don't fit the mold?' I think it was a great moment for us to really decide between us, are you OK with it?"
The video has millions of views and is sparking conversations and people sharing their stories, which is what Maddie wanted.
"I just want to use my music for good and use my story to help motivate and educate people on PCOS and what it's like to have friends with disabilities. And if God gives me a platform and if I'm supposed to be famous or whatever you call it then, I don't know, I'm gonna shout his name," she said.
The former Boise State University student is highlighted quite a bit in the show and says there are moments where she's portrayed as lacking confidence or struggling. She's showcased as someone who thrives on stage and struggles off of it, she says.
"Just because I don't believe I'm a huge competitor or I'm somebody that's aggressive doesn't mean I'm not confident. Just means that I love people more than I love the spotlight, you know," Maddie told KTVB. "I just really wanted to be someone that wasn't nervous and just represented what inclusion, kindness and integrity looked like. And that was my whole goal throughout this process was just to be kind and loving."
All the while, representing Boise, Idaho on national television.
"I love Boise because everyone is so kind here and genuine and I really wanted to bring a lot of that realness and kindness. If you are someone from Idaho and you go anywhere else, you stick out," she added.
Maddie says more than anything, she's made the deepest friendships with people who share her same passion for music. You can catch her on "American Idol" again next Monday for 'Hollywood Week.'
