It’s funny, because he really does have a lot in common with the American Idol star.

They both went to Carolina high schools, share a deep love for music, cherish their families and feel very blessed to be where they are today, doing what they’ve always wanted to do.

Seneca native and Clemson University graduate, Michael Hughes, couldn’t have predicted he’d be onstage at Madison Square Garden if you’d asked him five years ago. A fantasy, maybe, but he wouldn’t have considered it a reality.

And he probably wouldn’t have pictured himself playing music with one of the most well known current country pop musicians to date.

Be that as it may, Hughes has watched his hopes and dreams morph into a very bright reality, stemming from the popular television series, American Idol.

No, he didn’t try out and no, he didn’t end up on the reject section of the show where America’s worst acts are showcased for belittlement.

Instead, he finished his psychology degree at Clemson University and added a music minor.

Hughes can’t tip his hat to anyone in particular when it comes to his love for music, except maybe his sister Jennifer.

“She took piano lessons growing up,” he said. “So, all I saw was this big shiny toy that I could sneak close to and play when no one else was using it at our house.”

And while his love for all kinds of music and various instruments grew, he improved his talent with a mix of self-taught practice and formal lessons.

“I figured out pretty early that if I really wanted to make it in the music business, I needed to be good at more than one thing. So, I play guitar, piano, keyboard and I sing,” he said. “Going to Clemson, even though it was a great time and gave me my degree, it was always a back-up plan. I always knew in my heart that I wanted to play music.”

And when Season Five of American Idol came to a close, a sixth-place finalist became a country favorite in her own right. Tie in her bubbly personality and effortless beauty, and you get a music industry star that can hang her hat on four Top 25 hits, a gold debut record and a total of 906,000 albums sold.

Kellie Pickler has been igniting crowds across the country since her stint on American Idol came to a close in 2006.

One of judge Simon Cowell’s season favorites, Picker is coming to the Bi-Lo Center on Sept. 4 as part of Taylor Swift’s “Fearless Tour.”

And with Pickler will be Michael Hughes, the Seneca resident, full-time band mate and keyboardist to the country superstar.

“A series of events got me the gig with Kellie,” he said. “And although it seemed sudden, what people don’t see are the 15 years of playing with local bands and working hard to get where I am now. I know I am lucky and very blessed.

“We played Madison Square Garden last night,” he said. “And since she’s from North Carolina, we are all looking forward to playing a hometown venue. She’s always said that she wanted a big brother, and she knows she has that in me and the four other guys on her team.”

The show will headline with Taylor Swift, immediately following a performance by Pickler and her rockin’ band mates.

Tickets are still on sale. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Visit www.bilocenter.com for more information.