Country music singer and "American Idol" alumni Bucky Covington will perform at a free concert in Streetsboro City Park for Streetsboro Family Days Aug. 1.

The former car mechanic who hails from a small town in North Carolina entered the national limelight when he competed as a finalist on "American Idol" during the 2005-06 season.

Since then, Covington landed a major record deal, had two country music chart-topping hits, was nominated for a CMT Video Award, appeared as a presenter on the Country Music Awards, toured the country and was cast in the Hannah Montana movie to be released in 2009.

In an interview after a sound check in Hillsboro, Covington attributed much of his post-"American Idol" success to a little boy who had been watching the program and became a fan.

According to Covington, when he was voted off the show, the little boy said to his father, "Daddy, you have to help him."

That little boy's father just happened to be Mark Miller, a former "Star Search" winner and lead singer of the country band "Sawyer Brown."

Miller called Covington the next day and offered to produce his CD.

Covington agreed and the CD has since provided him with two major hit songs: "It's a Different World" and "It's Good to Be Us."

"I used to think I put in long hours when I worked in the auto shop with my Dad," Covington said, "But I never knew there'd be so many more hours of work doin' music. I mean -- you've got to talk to the press, you've got to prepare for the videos, you've got to prepare for the tours, you got to record in the studio -- there's always so much to do! But being on stage is the best place in the world to be."

And on stage is where he spends a lot of his time these days.

He travels with his band all over the country headlining and opening for major artists such as Trace Adkins and Dierks Bentley.

Band members include Covington's identical twin brother "Rocky," along with his high school friend "Ducky."

"That's no joke," Bucky said "Our band has a 'Bucky,' a 'Rocky,' and a 'Ducky.'"

When asked if Rocky feels overshadowed by Covington success, Covington said "No, not at all. We share everything and Rocky is glad he doesn't have to do all the work that I have to do."

Any chance the identical Rocky might fill in for Covington if he's ill and no one would know the difference?

"No, no chance of that" Covington said, laughing.

People treat him differently since his success, he said.

"In fact, tomorrow I'm going to be getting a tattoo right here [pointing to the inside of his forearm] that says 'Everybody's different, but I'm still the same.' It's a line from a song I can really understand."

According to Covington, the most valuable advice he ever received about his career came from his producer Mark Miller who told him, "It's very important to know when to say 'no.'"

"It's easy to say 'yes,'" Covington said, "But you have to say 'no' to some opportunities so the public won't get tired of you."

What advice would Covington give to young people who want a career in music?

"If you want to be a singer, you should record yourself first and listen back so you can hear what you really sound like 'pitch-wise' before you let something like 'American Idol' broadcast you all over the place."

In his spare time, Covington enjoys boating and likes to shoot guns outdoors.

"But I'm not really a hunter," he said, "If I ever hit a deer, I'd probably call the vet."

Opening for Covington at the Streetsboro Family Days show will be the Nelson Brothers (identical twin sons of the late Ricky Nelson) and the Robert Jeffrey Band, starting at 7:30 p.m.