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DURHAM — Once again, the Bull City has found itself in the eyes of the nation -- this time including the scrutinizing eyes of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson.

Durham's own Adam Lee Decker found out Thursday that he survived the latest round of cuts on "American Idol" after his group performed Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock" to mixed reviews from the judges.

On Wednesday, Decker will return to the show to continue competing, but for now, he's taking it easy in his adopted city.

Born and raised in Cortland, N.Y., said he fell in love with music in school and decided when he was 10 years old that it was what he wanted to do with his life.

In 2008, Decker ended up moving to Durham after an a cappella group he had been touring with fell through.

"I really liked the area, and I really liked the weather," he said. "I made it my home and found my fiance."

In fact, it was Decker's fiance, Mischa Abshire, who encouraged him to audition for the show in the first place.

"She's the reason I was able to audition -- she picked me up," he said. "I was in a bad place and nothing was going anywhere musically, and she inspired me."

Decker, who performed at the Carolina Hurricanes game on Jan. 31, said he's has not been involved with the Durham music scene since he moved here.

"When we met, he was trying to get out of that situation, so I helped him get out of that place, so that's why I encouraged him to audition for these shows," Abshire said. "It was more his lifestyle that was why he didn't get into the scene."

To prepare for the audition, Decker also found Kenni Hairston, owner of KH Productions in Raleigh, on Craigslist for vocal training.

"Our focus was on conditioning and on technique," said Hairston. "We also worked together on coming up with arrangements that would fit into the audition format."

Life has been crazy for Abshire and Decker since the first audition in July 2011 -- especially with an upcoming June wedding to plan.

Abshire, who owns part of InsideOut Body Therapies and also acts as Decker's publicist, often travels with him to performances and said seeing the judges in person has been exciting, although the effect can wear off after a while.

"It's funny how when you're in that situation and there for a while, you forget that you're in the presence of these huge stars," said Abshire. "I'm so wrapped up in what's going on with him, and then I'm like, oh hey, Ryan Seacrest."

Decker said that even if he doesn't win, he's still grateful for the stepping stone "American Idol" has given him in the pursuit of his dream.

The couple also said they're grateful for the outpouring of support from their family and friends through their Twitter and Facebook pages.

"We love the love and support from the Triangle -- we've made it our home for now," said Abshire.

Hairston said that no matter what the outcome of the competition may be, he has faith Decker will always be involved in music. "He's an artist -- and that's the bottom line," said Hairston. "So no matter what, he's still going to pursue what he does. That's the thing about musicians -- you never stop being that. I'm just rooting for him and that he can go all the way."