"American Idol" runner up and Lee alumnus, Clark Beckham is looking forward to the next step in his career.
'My first goal is to do an album,' Beckham said.
Having recently finished his 4x4 tour, Beckham has been hard at work writing music, playing events and putting funds together to achieve his dream of becoming a full time musician.
Beckham's success has given him a number of opportunities including working with Brian McKnight, performing with Michael McDonald and receiving a nomination for Music's Next Big Thing on the Teen Choice Awards.
Creating these connections has pushed his career further into the direction he wants it to go. He has found the process of talking to other artists such as Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder and Tori Kelly informative.
'[I'm] definitely learning a lot about the industry,' Beckham said. 'I met a lot of people.' Just talking to them from Jamie Foxx to Stevie Wonder to Tori Kelly.'
Beckham spoke highly of Lee University's role in preparing him for American Idol and the music industry.
'I've gotten to be a better musician in every aspect just because of the singers and the players here at Lee and in Campus Choir,' Beckham said. 'Spiritually, physically, musically and in every way Lee has really helped me.'
Beckham believes God has put him in this position for a purpose.
'I don't think [God] put me on 'Idol' and [gave] me what I have and the platform I have, just to make an average album,' Beckham said. 'I think God has called me to a high place in the music industry ... So I want to make an album that's worthy of that.'
Beckham has since flown out to Los Angeles to work with Youtube sensation and jazz musicians Postmodern Jukebox.
Beckham plans to continue songwriting, performing and working towards creating a new album.
