Pat Johnson, 26, of Stratford says he tried for years to get onto the show. Finally, he got the chance to play one of his own songs for Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.

McRae sported a black Grace Ling set consisting of a long-sleeve top and microshorts pierced with silver “claw” embellishments. Knee-high Scarosso boots and hoop earrings by Jacob & Co. topped off her ...