When most 7-year-olds are learning their integers, their ABCs, or how to “color in the lines,” Concordia College sophomore and Marengo County native Linzell Tucker, was discovering his gift of song.

For as long as he could remember, the business management major was grabbing a microphone and making melodies to God at church.

“I’ve been singing a long time,” Tucker said, who sings in Concordia’s Gospel Choir and plays in the school’s marching band. “I like gospel and R&B, but gospel the most. I like ‘old school’ gospel, traditional.”

In just a few short weeks, Tucker will travel to Atlanta to audition for the popular gospel reality vocal talent show “Sunday Best” on Saturday, April 14. Tucker will audition in front of a panel before moving on to showcase his vocal abilities to celebrity panelists.

Tucker said he was encouraged to try out by his peers.

“I had a lot of people tell me I should try out for ‘Sunday Best,’” Tucker said. “I like to sing, it’s my passion; so I said, ‘why not?’”

Tucker, who enjoys such recording artists as Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers, Rance Allen, Chris Brown and Anthony Hamilton, said he comes from a family of singers.

“Most people would say my voice most resembles Rance Allen’s,” Tucker said.

Tucker’s choir director, Minnie McMillan, thinks a chance on the popular show would be ideal for Tucker.

“I think it’s going to be an honor for him, he’s one of our student directors (and) he’s musically well rounded,” McMillan said. “I think he seems well prepared and it shows we (Concordia) really have a pool of great talent.”

Tucker hopes his experience will encourage others to cling to God.

“I hope to get a different experience, maybe go to places I’ve never been before, hopefully expand my talent and give to people what God has given to me,” Tucker said.