‘Idol’ Winner Chayce Beckham Pulls Off Epic Surprise in His Hometown: ‘Lit Up My World’

Nearly four years after Chayce Beckham auditioned virtually for “American Idol” producers from his family’s home in Apple Valley, California, the chart-topping country star — and season 19 winner — returned to his hometown to deliver an epic surprise.

On December 12, 2024, Beckham surprised 30 kids at the same park and rec afterschool program he attended as a kid and surprised them all with new guitars, according to a press release from BBR Music, the record label he’s been with since winning “Idol” in May 2021.

Chayce Beckham Hopes His Gift Inspires Kids to ‘Dream Big’

Sarah Krieg/BBR Music

Beckham partnered with Gibson Gives and Free Guitars 4 Kids to deliver the new instruments and speak with kids at Singh Center for the Arts. He talked about how passionate he is about the importance of music education for youth everywhere, and especially in his hometown.

“Music has always been a big part of my life,” he said in a statement. “One of my most cherished memories is when my grandmother bought me my first guitar. Knowing the impact music can have on someone’s life, especially my own, I want to give these kids the same opportunity and encourage them to dream big.”

In an Instagram post after the event, Beckham wrote, “When I walked in the room and I saw all the kids with the guitars on their laps, picking and strumming and smiling, it lit up my world. Music has changed my life so much and I can only hope one of these kids will grow up to be a songwriter, a player, a producer or maybe even an artist. The world is so much bigger than the desert we’re from and I hope these guitars will help them get out there and see it.”

Ben Dudley, executive director of Free Guitars 4 Kids, told the local Daily Press that since founding the organization in 2020, they’ve given away over 2,000 guitars in 23 states and two countries. For the Apple Valley event, he said Beckham provided the funds and the organization secured 30 Epiphone Natural guitars.

Each guitar came with a gig bag, tuner, and guitar strap, per the outlet, and every young recipient also received a month of free guitar lessons.

Chayce Beckham’s Mom Was On Hand for Special Gifting Event

Beckham’s mom, Windie Petersen, attended the event in Apple Valley and told the Daily Press why it was so special for her to witness her son giving guitars to kids after he’s achieved so much success.

“As a child, Chayce loved playing music at an early age,” she told the paper. “He picked up his first acoustic guitar as a toddler and his first electric guitar around 3rd grade. Chayce played that electric guitar in a talent show at Vanguard Elementary School in Apple Valley with his first rock band.”

“We are truly blessed with his heart and talent,” Petersen continued. “We hope this can become a tradition year after year and that these 30 guitars are able to help other kids find their passion.”

In his Instagram post, Beckham echoed his mom’s sentiment, writing that he’s already excited for next Christmas and the chance to gift more guitars to kids. Until then, though, he’ll be touring the U.S., Canada, and Europe in 2025, supporting his “Bad For Me” debut album.

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