Posted Tuesday, November 28, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
There's a reason you know that Geico gecko or Flo from Progressive. Insurance companies have a lot of money to spend on advertising.
And thanks to ubiquitous American Family Insurance ads, Marietta singer Alex Guthrie has been seen by practically every American who has a TV over the past seven months. He was the street musician at Woodruff Park who was shocked when Jennifer Hudson strolled up and began dueting with him.
For Guthrie, a 23-year-old full-time musician with a soulful feel, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. And he has been touring ever since, including a stop at Eddie's Attic December 1. (Tickets here.) And he will open for the Bleachers and another "Idol" alum Kelly Clarkson for Star 94's Christmas concert at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre December 12. (Tickets here.)
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Guthrie said he was truly surprised when Hudson showed up. The producers kept him in the dark so his reaction is natural.
He said the impact of the ad was a lot greater than he expected. He has booked bigger gigs. And surprise! "Jennifer Hudson has stayed in some contact with me," he said. "She's kind of a mentor, offers me advice when applicable."
Folks occasionally know him in the vaguest sense possible: "People will say, 'I recognize you. You're that guy from that thing!' "
READ MORE ABOUT GUTHRIE on MYAJC.COM
CONCERT PREVIEW
Alex Guthrie
7 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2017
$14
Eddie's Attic
515-B North McDonough St.
Decatur
***
Star 94 Christmas concert with Kelly Clarkson, the Bleachers and Alex Guthrie
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2017
$44-$115
Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
800 Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta
