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#video #American Idol - Season 24 - Episode 01: Auditions (1) #drama2026 #movie2026 #hotmovie
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:12American Idol, it's sacred, a place where greatness is born, and the finest voices in
00:00:19the nation echo in our history books.
00:00:22And the Grammy goes to Kelly Clarkson, Jeff!
00:00:25From Fantasia, to Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett, and Adam Lambert, these names define what
00:00:33it means to be an idol.
00:00:35The winner, Jamal Roberts, and I just feel like I'm in the presence of greatness.
00:00:42On the first note, I had chills.
00:00:45And now it's time to meet our incredible new class.
00:00:56This is American Idol.
00:01:00Hello, class of 2026.
00:01:08First day of school.
00:01:12Who is ready to be an American Idol?
00:01:19Idol! Idol! Idol! Idol!
00:01:23Idol! Idol! Idol! Idol!
00:01:25It's a better place to have the auditions than the legendary Belmont University.
00:01:29This is awesome.
00:01:31First day, guys.
00:01:32New season.
00:01:37Oh!
00:01:38Oh!
00:01:38That feels good.
00:01:39That hurts.
00:01:40Squat in some heels when they come talk to me.
00:01:42I love that duet.
00:01:44First thing in the morning.
00:01:45Idol University.
00:01:47Class is in session.
00:01:49Class is in session.
00:01:52Ah!
00:01:53Hey, guys.
00:01:54What's up?
00:01:54Hey.
00:01:55How are you?
00:01:55How are you?
00:01:56Gosh, this is crazy.
00:01:56I'm good.
00:01:57How are y'all?
00:01:57Oh, my gosh.
00:01:58You look like my child.
00:02:00Here.
00:02:00Look at this.
00:02:01Hold on.
00:02:01So, I took this picture of Bo the other day.
00:02:03I literally, like...
00:02:07Wow.
00:02:08Would that be...
00:02:09Hey!
00:02:10They could be brothers.
00:02:11Your peas.
00:02:13All right.
00:02:13Well, who are you?
00:02:14I'm Lucas Leon.
00:02:15I'm 17 years old.
00:02:16I'm from Gallatin, Tennessee.
00:02:17Lucas Leon.
00:02:19I love that name.
00:02:20That's not one star name.
00:02:21Yeah.
00:02:21Is that the real name?
00:02:22Yes, sir.
00:02:22Wow.
00:02:23But is it Leon or is it Leon?
00:02:24It's just Leon.
00:02:25I love it.
00:02:26The country version.
00:02:27What do you do up there in Gallatin?
00:02:29Play a lot of music, write a lot of songs, do some fishing.
00:02:32What are they biting on out there these days?
00:02:34Baby Brush Hog, Texas Rig.
00:02:36Now he sounds like my son.
00:02:38He fishes all day, every day.
00:02:41All right.
00:02:41Well, what are you going to sing today?
00:02:43I'm going to sing an original called Fall In Love Someday.
00:02:45All right.
00:02:46We pray you do.
00:02:48Oh, he will.
00:03:01All the wanderers are not lost, the ways down the road.
00:03:09Oh, I just wonder what's the cost, if you'd ever known.
00:03:15Cause I'm a young gun in North Forerun, rolling down the coast.
00:03:21I'm coming down Route 66, city with her ghost.
00:03:29So I'll meet Arizona, Texas, Mexico.
00:03:36Send me by a desert fire, let it be my home.
00:03:42And I ain't one for love.
00:03:46And I ain't quick to pray.
00:03:50Yeah, but I swear to God, I fell in love today.
00:03:58Oh, I swear to God, we fell in love today.
00:04:12All right.
00:04:14All right.
00:04:16We're all standing.
00:04:16Thank you very much.
00:04:18Thanks.
00:04:19Oh, yeah.
00:04:20Bring on out the bat, son.
00:04:23It's like your baby face and your adorable, but there's like this odd, awesome maturity.
00:04:28I feel like you could go pretty far in this competition.
00:04:34Pure, honest, and very talented.
00:04:38Yeah, I was just checking on notable people from Gallatin, Tennessee.
00:04:42Tell us, is he on that list?
00:04:43Well, Zach Duke, he's a former MLB pitcher.
00:04:46He's actually a buddy of mine.
00:04:47Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:04:48There's John Rogan, the second tallest verified human being ever documented.
00:04:55He was eight feet, nine inches tall.
00:04:58I did know that.
00:04:59Not really seeing any notable singers.
00:05:02Maybe old Lucas Leon.
00:05:04Maybe.
00:05:05He's got a spot here on the Wikipedia.
00:05:07I'm just having fun with you.
00:05:09Really great stuff you're doing at the age of 17.
00:05:12Tell me about it.
00:05:12And you have it all.
00:05:14So thank you for bringing your butt down here to us.
00:05:18Yes.
00:05:18Oh, it's my pleasure.
00:05:20Lionel.
00:05:22Yes.
00:05:24Let me think about it.
00:05:25Oh, come on.
00:05:27And yeah, it's a big old yes for me.
00:05:30Oh, wow.
00:05:31Thank you so much.
00:05:32Hollywood week.
00:05:33This is why we're here.
00:05:35Thank you so much.
00:05:36You got it.
00:05:36Yeah, man.
00:05:37I love it.
00:05:39I love it.
00:05:40Take care.
00:05:44All right.
00:05:45Kings are looking up.
00:05:47I'm really excited.
00:05:48Definitely hoping I can join on the Wikipedia page for Galveston Tennessee.
00:05:53That would be great.
00:05:54Idle gold.
00:05:55We're just getting started.
00:05:57Star, star, star, star, star, star right here.
00:06:00Did you have this much confidence when you were?
00:06:02I remember always being confident, but then like my first time I did the Opry and stuff,
00:06:07I mean, I was about to black out.
00:06:08Oh, no.
00:06:09Did it hit you that hard?
00:06:10Absolutely the same thing.
00:06:16All the way.
00:06:17All the way.
00:06:17Good job.
00:06:18There you go.
00:06:20Good job.
00:06:20Good job.
00:06:21Good job.
00:06:21Good job.
00:06:23Music wasn't a natural passion for me.
00:06:25I knew I could sing.
00:06:27Everybody around me believed in me but me.
00:06:30I wanted to play basketball.
00:06:32How does it feel when it's quiet and calm?
00:06:37My name is Keela Richardson.
00:06:39I'm from Pensacola, Florida, and I'm 29 years old.
00:06:42Love y'all.
00:06:44Y'all be good, okay?
00:06:45I've been a music teacher for about six years.
00:06:47Good morning.
00:06:48Good morning.
00:06:49Give me something.
00:06:49Do the thing.
00:06:51Life Shipping Learning Academy.
00:06:52It's time for music.
00:06:54When those kids step into the class, I see myself a lot of times.
00:06:59Good morning.
00:07:00Good morning.
00:07:02I grew up in the church.
00:07:03Grew up singing.
00:07:07Good job, Cloud.
00:07:08Y'all trying to show me a little girl.
00:07:10But I just felt like I wasn't good enough.
00:07:12Nobody saw me.
00:07:13Nobody heard me.
00:07:14I had to make up in my mind, like, you can do this.
00:07:16Whatever you put your mind to do, you can do it.
00:07:19Is it over?
00:07:22My son means the world to me.
00:07:23He's all I got.
00:07:24He's my best friend.
00:07:25I want you to have a good day today.
00:07:27I love you.
00:07:27Make me proud.
00:07:28Go in there.
00:07:30Crush him.
00:07:31It's just been me and her for most of my life.
00:07:35She's the best mom in the world.
00:07:37She deserves everything.
00:07:43Because of him, I'm here and I will never give up.
00:07:45I'm raising a young man.
00:07:46I'm a single mother by myself.
00:07:48You're the reason I'm here today and why mommy's going to keep going.
00:07:51Okay?
00:07:57Hey, guys.
00:07:58How you doing?
00:07:59I'm good.
00:08:00How are you?
00:08:02Great pants.
00:08:03My name is Keela Richardson.
00:08:04And where are you from?
00:08:06I'm from Pensacola, Florida.
00:08:07What made you want to be here at American Idol?
00:08:09I'm 29.
00:08:10I had a long musical journey, but I never give up.
00:08:13So I just want to keep going and give it one more try.
00:08:15Well, good deal.
00:08:16Well, what are you going to sing today?
00:08:18Glitter in the Air by Pink.
00:08:19Love it.
00:08:20That's great.
00:08:29You have a voice that will make people stop in their tracks.
00:08:35Drop the mic.
00:08:36Drop the mic.
00:08:37Woo!
00:08:39Well, what are you going to sing today?
00:08:41Glitter in the Air by Pink.
00:08:43Love it.
00:08:43That's great.
00:08:44Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
00:08:52Oh, close your eyes and trust it.
00:08:58Just trust it.
00:09:03And have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:09:13Have you ever looked fear in the face and said, I just don't care?
00:09:21Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
00:09:24There you are, sitting in the garden, clutching my coffee.
00:09:30Yeah.
00:09:32Callin' me Sugar, callin' me Sugar.
00:09:52Oh, interesting.
00:09:59Dang.
00:10:01If there's one thing I could tell you,
00:10:05is that sometimes just let it breathe a little bit, you know?
00:10:09Gotcha.
00:10:09One, two, three.
00:10:11I can imagine you on some songs
00:10:13where you would just blow the roof off of this place
00:10:16because of the range.
00:10:17Yes, sir.
00:10:18Now is how much you don't give us
00:10:20what Karrie said is correct.
00:10:22Yes, sir.
00:10:22What's the lyrics to the first line in that chorus?
00:10:25Will you roll her into that?
00:10:27And let me hear you sing that one more time,
00:10:30and I'm going to give you one little thing.
00:10:31Let's see if she does that lick again.
00:10:36Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it.
00:10:43That's so pretty.
00:10:45That's great.
00:10:46Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:10:52Stop that.
00:10:54Do it again.
00:10:55Right.
00:10:56Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:11:03Woo!
00:11:04Keep going.
00:11:06It's only half past the point of no return,
00:11:10the tip of the iceberg, the fire before the burn,
00:11:15the thunder before the lightning,
00:11:17and the breath before the phrase.
00:11:19Have you ever felt this way?
00:11:26Hi.
00:11:27Drop the mic.
00:11:29Drop the mic.
00:11:30Drop the mic.
00:11:31Who is this?
00:11:31This is my son and my dad.
00:11:33Oh, boy.
00:11:34Hi, Miss Carrie.
00:11:35Hi.
00:11:36How are you?
00:11:37Good.
00:11:38Did you hear your mom?
00:11:39Did you hear how great she did?
00:11:41Wow.
00:11:42You know, we love her.
00:11:44Hi, Mr. Lionel.
00:11:45Oh, how are you?
00:11:47Good.
00:11:47So cool, man.
00:11:49Hi, Mr. Luke.
00:11:50Hey, buddy.
00:11:52You see what your mama made me do?
00:11:56Oh, man, when you felt confident,
00:11:58the way you just sang that with confidence,
00:12:00you have a voice that will make people stop in their tracks.
00:12:05Great stop.
00:12:06Oh, gosh, I got, like, snot going on.
00:12:10What's your name, buddy?
00:12:11Drew.
00:12:12That's Carrie right there, Drew.
00:12:14I know.
00:12:15I watch American Idol all the time.
00:12:17Woo!
00:12:18There's a commercial right there.
00:12:19I can't believe you're 29,
00:12:21and you haven't been in our life yet.
00:12:24That's wonderful.
00:12:26Yes.
00:12:27Lionel Richie?
00:12:28No, excuse me.
00:12:29It's Mr. Lionel.
00:12:30Mr. Lionel.
00:12:31It's a yes for me.
00:12:34Big old yes for me.
00:12:37Oh, yes.
00:12:38Congratulations.
00:12:41You're going through the Hollywood week.
00:12:42Come on, guys.
00:12:43Come on, Drew.
00:12:44Come on, Drew.
00:12:46Oh, my God.
00:12:47Thank you so much, y'all.
00:12:50Do you sing, Drew?
00:12:51I have a song that I know how to sing.
00:12:53Oh, let's do it.
00:12:55Back on the Oval.
00:12:57Back on the Oval.
00:12:58Wait, here we go.
00:12:59Oh, God.
00:12:59Oh, God.
00:13:00My man seems like he's ready to go.
00:13:02What's the song, Drew?
00:13:03It's called God Only Knows.
00:13:05God Only Knows.
00:13:06Yes.
00:13:08God Only Knows what you've been through.
00:13:11God Only Knows what they say about you.
00:13:15God Only Knows the real you.
00:13:17And that's the kind of love that God Only Knows.
00:13:29I can't believe myself.
00:13:32I think I'm in a dream.
00:13:35Yes.
00:13:37My pride and joy right here.
00:13:38This is who I do it for.
00:13:39I'm going to do it for him.
00:13:40I'm so proud of you.
00:13:41Thank you, Drew.
00:13:42I'm proud of you, Drew.
00:13:43You're going to Hollywood, too, bud.
00:13:44Yeah.
00:13:45Yeah.
00:13:45I sung to him.
00:13:47That may have been one of my favorite moments I've ever had on this show.
00:13:51That was great.
00:13:52God Only Knows what you've been through.
00:13:56God Only Knows what they say about you.
00:13:59God Only Knows the real you.
00:14:02But that's the kind of love that God Only Knows.
00:14:05God Only Knows what you've been through.
00:14:08God Only Knows what you've been through.
00:14:38There we go.
00:14:40Look at this.
00:14:43I got a jersey.
00:14:45Come on.
00:14:46I got a jersey.
00:14:48I got a third jersey.
00:14:50Hey, hey, hey.
00:14:50My name is Jason Hart.
00:14:51I'm 24 years old.
00:14:52I'm from Fuquay, Green, North Carolina.
00:14:54I'm here today with the Texas Tailgaters,
00:14:57which is in the Banana Ball Championship League.
00:14:59You might be familiar with the Savannah Bananas.
00:15:02We play with them.
00:15:03It's entertainment baseball is what it is.
00:15:05They'll compare us to the Harlem Globetrotters a lot,
00:15:07but it's very competitive, too.
00:15:12We're all best friends, and we all get along, and it's great.
00:15:20I got into it, actually, as a singer.
00:15:22Outside of the actual game, we'll put on concerts.
00:15:25The whole point is just to keep the fans engaged the whole time
00:15:27and make sure they have fun.
00:15:29Come on, now.
00:15:30Ow!
00:15:32Hold it handy.
00:15:33I got it pretty quick, though.
00:15:36Awesome, awesome.
00:15:37How did I do?
00:15:39Oh, you ought to see me pitch.
00:15:41I think we can make that happen.
00:15:43I'm all good.
00:15:44Heck, I slept on my arm wrong last night
00:15:46and fell asleep for three hours, so...
00:15:49All right, well, who are you?
00:15:51My name's Jason Arendt.
00:15:52I'm 24 years old, and I'm from Fuquay, Verena, North Carolina.
00:15:54What are you going to sing for us?
00:15:56I'm going to sing Fire Away by Chris Stapleton.
00:15:57Love it. All right, you better be able to sing.
00:16:00Yes, sir.
00:16:01I'm right.
00:16:04Oh.
00:16:05Oh, yeah.
00:16:05Well, honey, load up your questions
00:16:08And pick up your sticks and your stones
00:16:16And pretend I'm a shelter
00:16:19For heartaches that don't have a home
00:16:26Choose the words that cut like a razor
00:16:33And all that I'll see
00:16:38Is fire away
00:16:44Oh, no.
00:16:47And take your best shot
00:16:50Show me what you got
00:16:51Because, honey, I'm not afraid
00:16:57Rear back and take it
00:17:02Fire away
00:17:03And fire away
00:17:06And fire away
00:17:10Fire away
00:17:12Oh, fire away
00:17:16Yeah!
00:17:18Thank you, come on!
00:17:19Thank you, Dave!
00:17:20Thank you, Dave!
00:17:23I want a team.
00:17:26All right, Carrie, you already got the gear on
00:17:29I do, I do
00:17:30Especially a tailgater
00:17:31Yeah!
00:17:32That's right
00:17:35I think you should go first
00:17:36Okay, all right, okay
00:17:38I'm gonna pass the ball
00:17:39Sorry, she's
00:17:40I think the abs
00:17:41It's very distracting
00:17:42Yeah, yeah, yeah
00:17:43The abs mess it up
00:17:44The abs mess it up
00:17:45Yeah, yeah, yeah
00:17:46Well, if that
00:17:47If it's that easy to distract you
00:17:48I'll just
00:17:49No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
00:17:54Luke, don't, don't, don't do that
00:17:55Don't, don't, uh-uh
00:17:57All right, all right, all right
00:17:59All right, so now, listen
00:18:00You've got a nice voice
00:18:01Yes, sir
00:18:02You've got a distinguishable voice
00:18:03And we don't have anything like that yet
00:18:06Thank you, sir
00:18:08Okay, I think I've
00:18:09You calm down now?
00:18:10I got my thoughts together
00:18:11All right, very good
00:18:11I think my thing is
00:18:13If you do end up going forward
00:18:16It's just the taking this part of you seriously
00:18:21You know what I mean?
00:18:22Like, you guys are obviously so much fun
00:18:23I love it
00:18:24And I want to feel you in moat
00:18:26I want, I want to hear more
00:18:28Yes, ma'am
00:18:29Go ahead
00:18:29I used to try to sing everything as loud as I could
00:18:32It took me years to kind of go
00:18:33You know, I don't have to sing loud
00:18:35Every time I can kind of calm it down
00:18:36So just think about that
00:18:38All right, Lionel
00:18:40Yes
00:18:40Yeah!
00:18:42Yeah!
00:18:44Yeah!
00:18:45Come on, that's easy
00:18:46Yes, what are we, what are we
00:18:47What are we
00:18:48The pressure
00:18:49Oh, look at her
00:18:51Oh, no, no
00:18:52Karen, Karen, look over this way
00:18:54I got my own set of abs to stare at it
00:18:56Hey!
00:18:56Not mine, my husband
00:18:58There you go
00:18:59Um, I want to know who you are as an artist
00:19:03So I'll say yes
00:19:03Yeah!
00:19:06Huge fan
00:19:07Yes!
00:19:08Yeah!
00:19:10Yeah!
00:19:13You thought we were done?
00:19:14Okay
00:19:14Yeah!
00:19:15There you go
00:19:18Hey!
00:19:20Hey!
00:19:20Hey!
00:19:21Hey!
00:19:22Hey!
00:19:23Hey
00:19:24It's just mm-hmm
00:19:40It was pretty crazy, I'm not going to lie.
00:19:43He's still living his best life right now.
00:19:48I didn't expect Luke Bryan to bust a move like that,
00:19:50but I guess you see something new every day.
00:19:53That was good. That was good. That was fun.
00:19:55I'm going to Hollywood Week.
00:20:04The next class is going to teach us all what the future is going to be about,
00:20:07and I'm so excited just to be on the front row of this one.
00:20:11Just a small town girl
00:20:15Living in a lonely world
00:20:20She took the midnight train going anywhere
00:20:27Pocket that thing! Pocket that thing, man!
00:20:30Where are you from, Daniel?
00:20:31Moss Point, Mississippi.
00:20:32What happens back in Moss Point, Mississippi?
00:20:34For me, I'm a school teacher.
00:20:36What do you teach?
00:20:37I teach music.
00:20:38Okay, well then you're in the right place.
00:20:40Yes, sir.
00:20:40I absolutely love working with kids. They are my joy.
00:20:43And I'm doing this for my students, to let them know that you can reach your goals,
00:20:47There you go.
00:20:48Never give up.
00:20:49Don't stop believing.
00:20:50That's my motto.
00:20:51Don't stop believing.
00:20:59Yes, sir, man!
00:21:06Oh, it's all right, good.
00:21:16See what's up!
00:21:19Love, love, love, love, love.
00:21:25Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing that ever showed up in their lives.
00:21:31My cheeks hurt because I'm smiling so much.
00:21:34I'm just thinking about how lucky are the kids to have you.
00:21:37That's exactly right.
00:21:39Let's vote.
00:21:40Carrie?
00:21:40Yes.
00:21:41Luke?
00:21:43Yes.
00:21:45And I'll go down low.
00:21:46Yes.
00:21:48Welcome to American Idol.
00:21:49Thank you so much.
00:21:54I'm going to Hollywood, we!
00:21:57Yeah!
00:22:06I'm telling you, don't need that guy, so black and white.
00:22:18You're standing in your thunder, baby.
00:22:21Blue, blue, blue.
00:22:23Oh, that's a weird...
00:22:24Blue, no.
00:22:25No.
00:22:26Whatever, I suck.
00:22:27I just feel like the piano playing, like, wasn't quite there for me.
00:22:32I feel like it was distracting you a little bit.
00:22:35Ah!
00:22:36It was distracting.
00:22:37It was taking away from your vocals.
00:22:39That's not my audition song, Carrie!
00:22:42Wow.
00:22:44Look at this.
00:22:45Praise the Lord.
00:22:46This is awesome.
00:22:47My name is Tate Emmons.
00:22:48I'm 15 years old, and I'm from a real small town called Lake, Mississippi.
00:22:55We knew from a young age that Tate was extremely talented in what he could do.
00:23:00So I could sing before I could talk.
00:23:06I was three years old at my church, singing Jesus Loves Me.
00:23:10I've been singing ever since.
00:23:12Well, last week, I met with my vocal coach, who happens to be the uncle of Brianna Nix.
00:23:18The final person competing in the finale, Brianna Nix!
00:23:24I can't wait for you to get that golden ticket.
00:23:26You're gonna kill it.
00:23:27Lord willing.
00:23:28Sing loud.
00:23:28It's gonna be great.
00:23:30Oh, my goodness.
00:23:32Well, we know you.
00:23:33What just happened?
00:23:35Hi.
00:23:36This is Emerson.
00:23:37You wanna go stay with Carrie?
00:23:38Can I pick you up?
00:23:39Oh, that's good.
00:23:40You're not shy, are you?
00:23:42No.
00:23:42Did he grow up?
00:23:44That best?
00:23:44Right, Emerson.
00:23:45No, no.
00:23:46What have I been for the past 10 years?
00:23:49I grew up quick.
00:23:4915 years.
00:23:51Hey.
00:23:51You got some splainin' to do.
00:23:53My name is Tate Emmons.
00:23:54I'm 15 years old.
00:23:55I'm from a small town called Lake Mississippi.
00:23:57All right.
00:23:58Mississippi.
00:23:58That's right.
00:23:59About a week ago, I'm doing the Grand Ole Opry again.
00:24:01And he was there, and he's like, I want you to hear me sing.
00:24:05And I was just blown away.
00:24:07I texted immediately, hey, is it too late for an audition?
00:24:10And 20 minutes later...
00:24:11I'm sure you had some people pick up.
00:24:13Got a little clout, I love that.
00:24:15Right?
00:24:15He's one of a kind, and I really believe in him.
00:24:18Wow.
00:24:18Brianna, why don't you come over here with us?
00:24:20Okay.
00:24:21Yep.
00:24:21Yeah, here we go.
00:24:22Come on.
00:24:23I miss you guys.
00:24:24I miss you, baby.
00:24:25How are you?
00:24:25Good to see you.
00:24:26Hands are a little cold.
00:24:27Fancy chairs.
00:24:28Let you see him from this side.
00:24:29Are you nervous?
00:24:30A little bit.
00:24:31You seem cool as a cucumber.
00:24:33Well, thank you.
00:24:33We ready?
00:24:35Let's do it!
00:24:36He's like, let's...
00:24:37What are we waiting on, people like us?
00:24:39Let's go!
00:24:40Come on, Tate!
00:24:40I'm gonna be singing Hard Fault Hallelujah by Brandon Lake.
00:24:44Let's go.
00:24:44All right.
00:24:54Well, I don't always feel it Yeah, but that's when I need it the most
00:25:04So I'ma keep on singing Till my soul catches up with my song
00:25:14There's days that my hands go up freely Times that it comes
00:25:21Mmm, mmm, mmm There's days that a praise comes out easy
00:25:28Days that it takes all the strength I've got But I'll bring my heart-fought, heart-failed,
00:25:38Been through it, hallelujah And I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn sail,
00:25:47Story to tell, hallelujah Oh, hallelujah
00:25:59All right.
00:26:00All right.
00:26:02First of all, I'm really surprised at your guitar maneuverability at your age.
00:26:09And can I do an exercise with you?
00:26:12Come on.
00:26:12Just wanna hear you sing, heart-failed, hallelujah, like,
00:26:15I wanna hear you give it all on the chorus, you know?
00:26:20You don't have to play it either.
00:26:21You don't have to play it.
00:26:21Just close your eyes, don't worry about the guitar, and sing, sing, sing.
00:26:25Worship.
00:26:26So I'll bring my heart-fought, heart-failed, it is well, hallelujah
00:26:33I think guitar, you're perfect, but vocally, it does really, really feel even a little younger
00:26:42than 15 to me, which is a predicament.
00:26:48I understand exactly what you fell in love with because we just saw it.
00:26:53We heard it.
00:26:53It's when do we throw you out there?
00:26:58Our biggest thing is, is all of our mama and daddy hearts are looking at you saying,
00:27:04do we wreck this kid by feeding him to the entertainment industry?
00:27:10I remember a year ago when I came in, I was just like Tate, freaking out.
00:27:15I was so scared.
00:27:16Got it.
00:27:18Got to give him a chance, I promise.
00:27:21I promise.
00:27:23I trust you, Lord.
00:27:25All right, I'm ready to vote.
00:27:29An environment like this could be really beneficial to you.
00:27:33So this is school, I'm gonna say yes.
00:27:37Thank you so much.
00:27:40I'm gonna go the opposite.
00:27:45Gotta give him a chance, I promise.
00:27:47I promise.
00:27:49I'm gonna say yes.
00:27:50Thank you so much.
00:27:51I'm gonna go the opposite.
00:27:53Okay.
00:27:53I don't wanna take your phenomenon and blow you up.
00:27:56I just will not let that happen to you.
00:27:58Come back and look at this again from another angle.
00:28:01Couple of years of experience.
00:28:02I'd love to hear what you sound like.
00:28:04That's just me talking as dad now, okay?
00:28:08It's all up to you.
00:28:10No pressure.
00:28:12No pressure at all.
00:28:14I'm pretty nervous.
00:28:16I gotta feel sick.
00:28:18It's gonna be great.
00:28:19It's gonna be good.
00:28:24It's too soon.
00:28:26Okay.
00:28:27I'm a no.
00:28:28Okay.
00:28:29Thank y'all so much.
00:28:30I appreciate y'all listening to me.
00:28:31I hope you can understand why I'm saying this.
00:28:34I do understand.
00:28:35Yes, sir.
00:28:36I do.
00:28:36I promise.
00:28:39Thank you, brother.
00:28:40I appreciate you so much.
00:28:41And I love you.
00:28:43Thank you for your red foot.
00:28:44Keep doing what you're doing.
00:28:46Exactly what you're doing.
00:28:47Keep just giving glory where glory is new.
00:28:50It's a true honor to meet you.
00:28:51Thank you very much.
00:28:53All right, Tate.
00:28:54My son's named Tate.
00:28:55Really?
00:28:57He's 15.
00:28:58Oh, my goodness.
00:28:59Hey.
00:29:00It's amazing how you're playing that guitar.
00:29:03Just you keep doing it.
00:29:05Yes, sir.
00:29:05Thank y'all so much.
00:29:06Thank y'all.
00:29:07It's humbling to think the judges thinks that about me.
00:29:10I'm like, it gives me a lot of hope.
00:29:15Not this time.
00:29:16Not this time.
00:29:16Not this time.
00:29:18Aw, that's okay.
00:29:19I will support him forever, and he's a golden ticket here always.
00:29:22I'm still going to push you to do this every single year.
00:29:25Well, I'm always going to listen to your opinion, so I'll always pray about it.
00:29:28The yearly annual text message you're going to audition for.
00:29:32Just be ready.
00:29:32Get ready for it.
00:29:33I'll be ready.
00:29:34Yes, sir.
00:29:35You're at peace with that, right?
00:29:37Yeah.
00:29:39You're right.
00:29:40You're right.
00:29:41You know, I forgot how hard this was.
00:29:43It is hard.
00:29:44It never is easy just when they're looking at you and they want it so bad.
00:29:52What has happened over the years is we've gotten tougher only because we're expecting more now as judges.
00:30:00After Jamal, Grammy nominated Jamal, we've raised the bar to the point where we're going to be looking for that
00:30:08next level that instantly goes from American Idol stage to that Grammy award winning artist.
00:30:15Somebody said prayin' for me.
00:30:17I'm askin' for me.
00:30:18Lionel, they rehearsed that somewhere.
00:30:20We did not.
00:30:22If we were to go out dancing, let me show you what would happen.
00:30:25Idol University class of 2026, I can tell you right now, is off the chain.
00:30:31That was great.
00:30:33We're proud of you, son.
00:30:34Thank you so much, man.
00:30:35We're going to Hollywood.
00:30:38We've had 10 people today that look like they've been trained to sing and you look like you were born
00:30:44to sing.
00:30:44I see smiles and a ticket.
00:30:47It's going to be a great season.
00:30:50And I'm so excited just to be on the front row of this one.
00:30:56There we go.
00:30:57Hey, guys.
00:30:58How are you doing?
00:31:00Good.
00:31:00How are you doing?
00:31:01I'm good.
00:31:02My name's Jesse Finling and I'm 19 years old.
00:31:05What do you do?
00:31:06I'm a c-c-c-c-c-c-college student right now, but I've been singing ever since I was
00:31:12little with my brother and sister.
00:31:14We would pull out c-c-c-caraoke tracks and we would just sing with each other.
00:31:18And since then, I did c-c-c-c-choirs in school.
00:31:21If you haven't noticed, I have a stutter.
00:31:25And that's really where kind of my love for singing came.
00:31:30I've had a stutter ever since I was little.
00:31:34Dad, dad, take a picture.
00:31:37I am.
00:31:38And it's something that I've struggled with since elementary school.
00:31:43It was something embarrassing for me.
00:31:48It was something that I really had a hard time with.
00:31:50I wouldn't raise my hand in school.
00:31:51And it was just something that made me feel alone
00:31:54and something that I felt like I had to hide.
00:31:57So it was definitely hard.
00:32:00Singing has always felt freeing for me because when I sing, I don't stutter.
00:32:04When I sing, it was a way for me to express myself in a way
00:32:07where I didn't have to worry about being embarrassed
00:32:09or what people would think or somebody would laugh.
00:32:12So it was an outlet for me when I was little,
00:32:14and it's still an outlet for me now.
00:32:16Hey, child, things are like...
00:32:23Walking out with a golden ticket
00:32:26would mean that everything that I've struggled with in the past,
00:32:32it's all led me here,
00:32:33and I can do whatever I want if I work hard.
00:32:38I've come a long way with it, and it doesn't hold me back.
00:32:42There you go.
00:32:42Well, you're doing great.
00:32:43So your siblings sing.
00:32:46Are you a musical family, or you just all love music?
00:32:49Me and my brother sing with each other, and he also has a stutter,
00:32:51so it's really special when we sing together.
00:32:54It's crazy to see how far he's come.
00:32:57It's insane.
00:32:58I want to be a role model for him
00:33:01because I knew how hard it was for me in school.
00:33:03I love your attitude.
00:33:04I love your attitude.
00:33:05I'm sure.
00:33:05And you can tell that you are a good big brother.
00:33:08Well, what you gonna sing for us?
00:33:09I'm gonna be singing
00:33:10In the Stars by Benson Boone.
00:33:12It's a song me and my brother always sing together.
00:33:14I'm gonna be thinking of him when I sing it.
00:33:16Very good.
00:33:22Sunday mornings were your favorite
00:33:27I used to meet you down on Woods Creek Road
00:33:34You did your hair up like you were famous
00:33:40Even though it's only church where we were going
00:33:45Now Sunday mornings are just sleeping
00:33:52It's like I've buried my faith with you
00:33:59I'm screaming at a God
00:34:03I don't know if I believe in
00:34:06Cause I don't know what else I can do
00:34:11Oh, I'm still holding on
00:34:15To everything that's dead and gone
00:34:18I don't want to say goodbye
00:34:21This one means forever
00:34:24And now you're in the stars
00:34:28And six feet's never found so far
00:34:31Here I am alone between the heavens and the embers
00:34:38Oh, it hurts so hard
00:34:42For a million different reasons
00:34:49You took the best of my heart
00:34:54And left the rest in pieces
00:35:08Thank you
00:35:09Luke, you jumped up awful quick
00:35:12I don't think I blinked one time
00:35:14I mean, wow, you're a real singer
00:35:17Thank you
00:35:17Man, I'm really proud of you
00:35:19I love this show
00:35:20I love this show because we get to meet kids like you
00:35:24Your voice is beautiful
00:35:26You have a beautiful vibrato
00:35:28A beautiful tone
00:35:29We could understand everything you were singing
00:35:32And you were in the song emotionally
00:35:35Which just took us right there with you
00:35:38So it was just, it was beautiful
00:35:41Problem, what problem?
00:35:42You don't have a problem
00:35:43The only thing wrong with you is you gotta figure out
00:35:46How you gonna navigate this career
00:35:48Wow
00:35:49What's up, fam?
00:35:50What's up?
00:35:54Look at that
00:35:56I love you
00:35:57I love you
00:35:58I think we can vote
00:36:00Yes, indeed
00:36:01Yes
00:36:04Yes
00:36:05Yes
00:36:06I think you could go really far in this competition
00:36:09We just haven't had voices like yours coming through those doors
00:36:13I'm really excited to give you a big old yes
00:36:16And see what you've got to do with it
00:36:17Thanks, Gary
00:36:19We will see you at Hollywood Week
00:36:21We did it
00:36:22You did it
00:36:23We did it
00:36:24Yeah, we did it
00:36:25We did it
00:36:25When I was singing that song
00:36:26I was thinking of younger me
00:36:28Who wouldn't speak in class
00:36:30Who was scared of what people thought of him
00:36:33And the fact that I got this
00:36:34Is just proof that everything's working out how it should
00:36:37Well, he's got a pretty voice
00:36:39Yes
00:36:39I'm going to Hollywood Week
00:36:41Woo!
00:36:43Love you
00:36:43Love you too
00:36:43You can do anything you put your mind to
00:36:45And I'm always here for you
00:36:47I'm very proud
00:36:48Love you
00:36:48Love you
00:36:49But you'll feel right, kid
00:36:55You're going to Hollywood Week, my friend
00:36:57And
00:37:00All right
00:37:01He has a great voice
00:37:02He has a good voice
00:37:04I'm hitting the restroom
00:37:05I just saw that we're in the Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Paisley ballroom
00:37:10Oh, yeah
00:37:11We're in your ballroom, Paisley
00:37:16You know what I mean?
00:37:22Oh, I can't wait to ruin this whole show
00:37:25This is going to be so much fun
00:37:26We're counting on you
00:37:29Now you are going to wind Luke up a little bit to get Carrie, right?
00:37:32Yeah, yeah, yeah
00:37:33So we're putting your piece in Luke's ear
00:37:35Basically, I'm going to try to make Luke say ridiculously awkward stuff
00:37:40We're not ruining someone's audition
00:37:42So you can really have some fun with it
00:37:43Here's our contestant
00:37:45Nice to see you again
00:37:45Nice to meet you, Dylan
00:37:46You want a safe word?
00:37:52What's our safe word, Luke?
00:37:53The safe word is hot chicken
00:37:56Don't chicken out
00:37:57Don't hot chicken out
00:37:59Sorry, kids
00:38:01Here we go
00:38:02Number nine
00:38:04Luke, I want you to turn to Carrie right now and say
00:38:07Hey, Carrie, how much do you think I can bench press?
00:38:09Carrie
00:38:11Well, sure, how much can I bench press?
00:38:15I don't know
00:38:16What kind of question is that?
00:38:19165, Carrie
00:38:21165
00:38:21Really, huh?
00:38:22What are you benching these days?
00:38:24I don't know
00:38:25Why don't you know these things?
00:38:27You're in all these fitness ads
00:38:28I am, but I'm not looking for, like, personal records
00:38:31Who are you?
00:38:33My name is Dylan Holmes
00:38:34I'm from Spring Lake, Michigan
00:38:36I can't stand Michigan
00:38:38I can't stand Michigan
00:38:39Oh, that's it
00:38:41What is happening?
00:38:43We just lost all of Michigan
00:38:44I don't even like Illinois
00:38:46And Illinois is falling off, too
00:38:48Well, there's two states
00:38:50You can only tour in 48 states now
00:38:52Okay
00:38:52Did you go take shots?
00:38:54You're in your bathroom break
00:38:55Let's see what you got
00:38:57Let's see what you got
00:39:00Pass
00:39:01Pass
00:39:02Pass
00:39:04Can you just let the poor boy sing?
00:39:06Can you let the man
00:39:07Why don't you sing a Lionel Richie song?
00:39:09Come on
00:39:09Sing a Lionel Richie song
00:39:10No, no, no
00:39:11Don't sing a Lionel Richie song
00:39:12I'll do it
00:39:12We are the world right now
00:39:13We are the world
00:39:14No
00:39:16There comes a time
00:39:18Somebody come get a move
00:39:19When we need a certain call
00:39:21All right, you're good
00:39:22Good?
00:39:23All right
00:39:23She comes from silver spoon
00:39:26Golden rule
00:39:27I'm going to try to bench 175 tomorrow
00:39:31I'm benching 175 tomorrow
00:39:33She keeps on loving me
00:39:37Loves me the way I
00:39:43She's not just along for the ride
00:39:46She keeps on loving
00:39:50And I keep on wondering
00:39:54Why
00:39:59Um, I need more hot chicken
00:40:02Every time you take a sip
00:40:05I need more hot chicken out of you
00:40:07He's doing the hot chicken reference
00:40:09Which is his bail
00:40:10What the heck does hot chicken
00:40:11Why do I look like a waiter?
00:40:14Carrie, guess what?
00:40:14My physical trainer's here
00:40:15That's helping me bench press
00:40:17Carrie, guess what?
00:40:18My physical trainer's here
00:40:20He's awesome
00:40:21Sexiest trainer I've ever seen
00:40:23What is happening?
00:40:24And he's been telling me
00:40:25What to say this whole time
00:40:26And this trainer's been telling me
00:40:28Everything to say
00:40:28This whole audition
00:40:29What are you doing?
00:40:32Is that where you were
00:40:33When you went to the bathroom?
00:40:35What is happening?
00:40:37For like 20 minutes
00:40:38Is that why we started
00:40:39Hating on Michigan?
00:40:41Yeah, I was just telling him
00:40:42What to say
00:40:42We really like Michigan
00:40:44By the way
00:40:44I thought he had fallen
00:40:46Yeah, he's having an episode
00:40:48You want to hear something great?
00:40:50I didn't think anything
00:40:51Looked wrong
00:40:54Business as usual
00:41:00I think that should just be
00:41:01Like our exclamatory word
00:41:03That should be our bottle
00:41:04For the school class
00:41:05Hot chicken
00:41:05Hot chicken
00:41:06Very real simple
00:41:10Kind of man
00:41:14Won't you do this for me son
00:41:17If you can
00:41:19That's your wheelhouse
00:41:21Kind of the southern rock thing
00:41:23I'm a yes
00:41:24Hot chicken
00:41:25Hot chicken
00:41:27Thank you so much
00:41:28That's how you do that
00:41:32Hey guys
00:41:33A little hot chicken
00:41:33Is celebrating the auditions
00:41:35In Nashville
00:41:40My
00:41:44Wow
00:41:53Really well done
00:41:55It's a yes
00:41:55Hot chicken
00:41:56Thank you
00:41:57Oh my gosh
00:42:04You know I can't stand it
00:42:07You're running around
00:42:09You know better die
00:42:11I can't stand it
00:42:14Cause you put me down
00:42:17No, no, no
00:42:19I put a spell on you
00:42:36You have a bring the house down voice
00:42:40You have a bring the house down voice
00:42:41I'm already standing up
00:42:42It's a yes for me
00:42:43Hot chicken
00:42:44Hot chicken
00:42:46Cheers, Rob
00:42:49I'm gonna go with the pickles
00:42:51Yeah
00:42:54My name is Genevieve Hayward
00:42:55My group of people that I brought with me
00:42:57Are wearing my iconic
00:42:59If I do say so myself pickle shirt
00:43:02I'm a big fan of pickles
00:43:04I just love them
00:43:05Today I have about a million people with me
00:43:09Oh my god, Kyle
00:43:11Oh no
00:43:13I think he broke this table
00:43:17Oh Genevieve
00:43:19Oh my god
00:43:20I love pickles
00:43:22Who doesn't?
00:43:24Sweet or dill?
00:43:25Dill
00:43:25Sliced or whole?
00:43:27Whole
00:43:27Rigid or flat?
00:43:29Rigid
00:43:29Do you make your own pickles?
00:43:31I do
00:43:31I love pickling things
00:43:32I like pickling things too
00:43:34Girl, me too
00:43:34Let's go
00:43:35I make pickles
00:43:36Give me some recipes
00:43:37I'm here for it
00:43:38Dad, I don't think
00:43:39I've seen you in a pickle shirt yet
00:43:41Thanks for whooping it out today for me
00:43:43You put me in a pickle more than once
00:43:44Yeah
00:43:48What are you gonna sing for us?
00:43:49So today I'm gonna be doing Magic Man by Heart
00:43:52Oh, you're kidding
00:43:54Woo
00:43:55Okay, let's hear it
00:43:56Okay
00:44:02Cold late night so long ago
00:44:04When I was not so strong, you know
00:44:07Pretty man came to me
00:44:09Never seen eyes so blue
00:44:11You know I could not look the way it seemed
00:44:15We seen each other in a dream
00:44:18Seemed like he knew me
00:44:20He looked right through me
00:44:23Yeah
00:44:28Come on home girl
00:44:30Mama cry on the phone
00:44:33Soon to lose my baby
00:44:36And my girl should be at home
00:44:39But try to understand
00:44:41Try to understand
00:44:43Try to understand
00:44:46Try
00:44:49Try, try, try
00:44:52Try to understand
00:44:53He's a magic man
00:45:17He's a magic man
00:45:22You know how to think about your sexuality a little bit
00:45:23You have this cool rasp at the top into your voice
00:45:25I want to hear more
00:45:27Yeah
00:45:27Carrie's funny Carrie wrote pickle girl on her
00:45:30I just want to make sure I remember
00:45:33Let's go
00:45:34I think you're going to still yet have to push even more
00:45:38with some of the singers we have, but you did well.
00:45:41You've got the tools to do pretty much anything you want to do.
00:45:43Just don't think, just let your voice do what it's supposed to do.
00:45:46Cool.
00:45:47All right?
00:45:47Yeah.
00:45:47Carrie, what's your vote?
00:45:48My vote is yes.
00:45:50Wow.
00:45:51Luke.
00:45:52Yes.
00:45:53I'm going to stand up on this one.
00:45:54It's a yes for me, and you're going to Hollywood week.
00:45:57Yay!
00:45:57All right.
00:45:58Oh, my God.
00:45:59They all have their shirts on.
00:46:01I love you.
00:46:02Wow.
00:46:04Pickle girl.
00:46:06Pickle girl.
00:46:08Pickle girl.
00:46:08Yeah.
00:46:09Let's go, baby.
00:46:10Woo.
00:46:11She's the real dill.
00:46:13Ah.
00:46:15How does it feel to be pickle girl?
00:46:17You know, it's not who I thought I would be,
00:46:19but I think it's who I was born to be,
00:46:21and we can't always pick that.
00:46:22That was pretty kosher.
00:46:24Ah.
00:46:26That was very good.
00:46:28I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I could be.
00:46:31Cheer-o-been!
00:46:34Cheer-o-been!
00:46:36Cheer-o-been!
00:46:37Cheer-o-been!
00:46:38Cheer-o-been!
00:46:39Hot chicken!
00:46:39Hot chicken!
00:46:44You know this one?
00:46:46I do.
00:46:47Sherry, Sherry baby, Sherry baby, Sherry baby, Sherry baby, Sherry baby, Sherry can you come out tonight, tonight?
00:47:18That's not an easy one to pull off.
00:47:20It's not.
00:47:21I like the Frankie, I'm looking for your identity.
00:47:24Okay.
00:47:24You have a lane and you're really good at it, but in the context of American Idol, like that's just
00:47:31not what this is.
00:47:33So it's a no for this, but a yes for you.
00:47:37There you go.
00:47:37And just keep being awesome.
00:47:42Sherry baby.
00:47:43Goodness.
00:47:44Oof.
00:47:45Did I get there?
00:47:45Yeah.
00:47:46Oh yeah, you did.
00:47:48Woo.
00:47:49This year we have a very unique talent.
00:47:53Hi guys, I'm Jules.
00:47:54I'm 25 years old.
00:47:56And I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina.
00:47:58Today I will be singing Bust the Windows Out My Car.
00:48:01Oh goodness.
00:48:02That's it.
00:48:03I bust the windows out your car.
00:48:03Thank you very much everybody.
00:48:05Good night.
00:48:06I saw that movie.
00:48:07I know it didn't mean my broken heart.
00:48:10I'll probably always have these ugly scars.
00:48:13Wow, that's like...
00:48:14But right now I don't care about that part.
00:48:18It's really magnetic when you see these kids with a different sound.
00:48:22I traveled each and every highway and more, much more than this, I did it my way.
00:48:41Man, you have a great voice, but you're in a deal where you want to do the hell of a
00:48:46stuff.
00:48:47Right, yeah.
00:48:47Sometimes people that are a little left of center, you have to maybe work on them on the fly.
00:48:54You may think that I'm talking foolish.
00:48:57Now you sing that in your voice.
00:48:59You may think that I'm talking.
00:49:02You're from Maine.
00:49:03You don't say that like that.
00:49:05We're picking on you right now because you have something.
00:49:09Come back and show us who you are and I guarantee you, you will leave with a golden ticket.
00:49:14But it's a no right now.
00:49:16I'll bust the windows out your car.
00:49:19I feel like you deserve a shot to bring the bigger notes.
00:49:22I think it's in there.
00:49:23I say yes.
00:49:24I'll bring it out.
00:49:24I will not bust no window out your car.
00:49:27I know I can bring it.
00:49:29I know you would not be disappointed at all.
00:49:31I'm a no.
00:49:33Really?
00:49:34I am.
00:49:34You'll never have to hear that voice again in your life.
00:49:36Give me one more chance.
00:49:37I promise.
00:49:38I'm dug in.
00:49:39I'm dug in.
00:49:40What does dug in mean?
00:49:41Dug in like a tick.
00:49:43Like not moving.
00:49:44Aw, heartbreak.
00:49:46I'm sorry.
00:49:47I think you made a wrong decision.
00:49:51Tell me about your music history.
00:49:53How do people respond to your voice when you sing?
00:49:56I think it's unique, I would say.
00:49:58I can't wait to hear.
00:49:59Does that mean we should get ready for some uniqueness?
00:50:03If you want, yeah.
00:50:04So, who are you?
00:50:07I'm Brooks Rosser.
00:50:08I'm 22 years old.
00:50:09I'm from Bel Air, Maryland.
00:50:11What do you do up there in Maryland?
00:50:12I work at a dementia care facility as a medication technician.
00:50:17Nice.
00:50:17Very cool.
00:50:18How many shows are you playing a year?
00:50:21I've gone to a couple gigs, but I've only just played guitar.
00:50:24Um, I've never really performed.
00:50:32It ain't alright.
00:50:34The hardness of my hair.
00:50:39Morning, John.
00:50:40Hey, Brooks.
00:50:41Good morning.
00:50:44Morning, Skip.
00:50:45Hey.
00:50:46How are you, buddy?
00:50:47Not bad.
00:50:49Doing alright?
00:50:50I was just looking at this article on the next generation of Accela's.
00:50:55Oh, yeah?
00:50:56I like trains.
00:50:59You sleep good?
00:51:00Yeah.
00:51:01For the last three years, I've been working in the dementia care field, and it's been extremely fulfilling.
00:51:07I've made a lot of friendships with so-called patients.
00:51:10They're actually just friends.
00:51:12Can you sing me a song today?
00:51:14Yeah.
00:51:15It ain't alright.
00:51:17Growing up, I was a shy kid.
00:51:21I didn't really know how to make my own friends.
00:51:24My grandmother was always my biggest fan.
00:51:27You know, she was one person that I never had trouble talking to.
00:51:30When she first started showing dementia-like symptoms, I picked up the guitar, and that
00:51:34was one way where we could both practice speaking from the heart.
00:51:38But it's still alright.
00:51:39Woo-hoo!
00:51:41It would help her learn her words back, and it would help you.
00:51:45To help me get mine out.
00:51:50After taking care of my grandmother, I realized this was a passion of mine.
00:51:53To be there for people, even if they don't remember me.
00:51:56I'm standing out on a ledge with no way to get down.
00:52:01Music is one thing that you can't forget.
00:52:04I think your town is far above most people.
00:52:13Next week, I'm going to Nashville to try out for American Idol
00:52:16and see if they like me.
00:52:19I have no experience playing in front of people.
00:52:22It's going to be a lot different, but I'll just pretend
00:52:26the celebrity judges are just more of my friends in residence.
00:52:30I think you're going to do fine if you play like that.
00:52:34If I play like that?
00:52:35And you sing like that.
00:52:37All right.
00:52:38I'm going to root you on.
00:52:46All right, what you got?
00:52:48What you singing?
00:52:49Your Place at My Place by Joshua Sloan.
00:52:51Okay.
00:52:52Perfect.
00:52:53Let's go.
00:53:20Let's go.
00:53:22Let's go.
00:53:37Let's go.
00:53:40Let's go.
00:53:45Let's go.
00:53:49Let's go.
00:53:52Let's go.
00:54:08Let's go.
00:54:09Let's go.
00:54:40Let's go.
00:54:40Let's go.
00:54:42Let's go.
00:54:46Let's go.
00:54:50Let's go.
00:54:53Let's go.
00:54:54Wow.
00:55:13Let's go.
00:55:15Let's go.
00:55:17Let's go.
00:55:24Let's go.
00:55:30Let's go.
00:55:39Let's go.
00:55:41Let's go.
00:55:47Let's go.
00:55:55Let's go.
00:56:11Let's go.
00:56:15Let's go.
00:56:18Let's go.
00:56:47Let's go.
00:56:50Let's go.
00:57:08Let's go.
00:57:12Let's go.
00:57:14Let's go.
00:57:14Let's go.
00:57:15Let's go.
00:57:43Let's go.
00:57:44Let's go.
00:57:44All about you.
00:57:45Skippers.
00:57:48Remember when I told you I was going to audition for American Idol?
00:57:50Yeah.
00:57:53They said yes.
00:57:55That looks classy.
00:57:57You want to hold it?
00:57:58That is great.
00:58:01Thank you for your support.
00:58:02All you have to do is win.
00:58:13What are you going to do when you sing Lionel?
00:58:15I'm going to scream.
00:58:17Hey.
00:58:17Hey, book signing.
00:58:19Oh, look at that.
00:58:20Is this for you?
00:58:21Lionel Richie.
00:58:22That guy's got aura.
00:58:23Oh, my gosh.
00:58:24I read the whole thing this weekend.
00:58:26Lionel likes to use his legend status.
00:58:29Lionel's got rings, dude.
00:58:31Legend card.
00:58:32What is that?
00:58:32I love it.
00:58:36What's your name?
00:58:37Kendall.
00:58:38Kendall, who is here today with you?
00:58:40This is my mom and my dad.
00:58:42Hi.
00:58:42And my husband.
00:58:44Are you excited yet?
00:58:46Growing up, we watched American Idol a lot, like, as a family.
00:58:50I'm 29, and I live right here in Nashville, Tennessee, and I am a singer-songwriter full-time.
00:58:58I'm 16 years old, so just being here, I'm really excited.
00:59:02I've been pursuing music as far back as I can remember.
00:59:05I've never wanted to be a lawyer or a doctor, or I just wanted to do music.
00:59:10Oh, my God.
00:59:13I started singing in my youth group.
00:59:14It kind of got me out of my shell a bit.
00:59:17But I've never met anybody huge or famous or anything, so it's going to be really different.
00:59:22Definitely a little nerve-wracking, though.
00:59:26To be a songwriter, it's my favorite thing in the world, because eventually one person kind
00:59:32of, like, understand, you know, what you've written about or what you're singing about,
00:59:37and that's my favorite part about it.
00:59:40Hello.
00:59:41How are you?
00:59:42I'm great.
00:59:42How are y'all?
00:59:43Good.
00:59:44What's your name?
00:59:45My name is Lainey Grace.
00:59:46I'm 16 years old, and I'm from Prattville, Alabama.
00:59:49What do you do as a 16-year-old in Alabama?
00:59:51I work at Chick-fil-A.
00:59:53Nice.
00:59:54That's really fun.
00:59:55There you go.
00:59:55Tell us a little bit about your family.
00:59:57I've got 12 siblings, two brothers, and 10 sisters.
01:00:01Wow.
01:00:02There's a lot of us.
01:00:03Let's say a prayer for your brothers.
01:00:05Are they here today with you?
01:00:07I have two of my sisters and my dad out there.
01:00:10Yes.
01:00:11So not a whole crew.
01:00:12We have a big farm, and my mom had to stay back and handle that.
01:00:15Okay, head inside and wait.
01:00:16Your audition is next.
01:00:18What's on your farm?
01:00:19Like, six cows, lots of chickens.
01:00:21We've got three goats.
01:00:22Cool.
01:00:23What are you going to be singing for us?
01:00:25I'm going to be singing Honest by Kendall Inskeep.
01:00:28How did you discover that?
01:00:29She is kind of a small artist.
01:00:31I discovered her music through my sister, actually.
01:00:34And I was like, what is this song?
01:00:35I love it.
01:00:36Cool.
01:00:37That's cool.
01:00:38Okay.
01:00:39Are you playing?
01:00:40I am playing.
01:00:41Awesome.
01:00:43Variation, love.
01:00:50Every time I walk out of the house, put on another face, just a blend in with the crowd.
01:00:57So nobody sees me.
01:01:00You would never believe me.
01:01:05I tell you that I'm old, but I'm still healing.
01:01:08I tell you that I'm happy, but I'm grieving.
01:01:11Thought I was a fighter, but I'm still in the fire.
01:01:18And if I'm being honest, I'm not being honest.
01:01:26I'll give you roses, just hoping you don't see the weeds in my garden.
01:01:33I tell you that I'm old, but I'm still healing.
01:01:37I tell you that I'm happy, but I'm grieving.
01:01:40Thought I was a fighter, but I'm still in the fire.
01:01:47If I'm being honest, I'm not being honest.
01:01:55I'm sitting here waiting and praying for someone to show me what love is.
01:02:02I'm just being honest.
01:02:06I'm just being honest.
01:02:17Minus the concentration of trying to play the piano, you have some vocal chops.
01:02:23There were a lot of kind of timid things that you were doing that will only improve the more you
01:02:28play out.
01:02:29But I mean, I feel like you have a lot of potential.
01:02:33Everything about you is 16, but you have a tone and sound in your voice that's really undeniable.
01:02:41You are by no means ready for this, but I don't think I can fight the urge.
01:02:47Say yes.
01:02:48I think I have to tell her yes.
01:02:50Oh, God.
01:02:53I think it's a not quite yet for me.
01:02:56No, listen, hey, if I put you through now, I feel like all the other big voices that have been
01:03:04playing out for years,
01:03:05they are going to wash you away.
01:03:08I would rather give you...
01:03:09What if she just did one without the piano?
01:03:10She could just try singing to the top of her lungs.
01:03:14You think she could win this?
01:03:18Like, right now we're in...
01:03:20Well, then there's your answer.
01:03:22I mean, it's up to Lina.
01:03:23We still have one more dog in the fight.
01:03:26Say yes, say yes.
01:03:28I think you've got some real grown-up qualities in there I like very much.
01:03:32I might need to hear a little more.
01:03:36Well, the song that you sang, the songwriter, Kendall, is actually here.
01:03:46Now.
01:03:46Right now.
01:03:47Right now.
01:03:48Kind of coming up behind you.
01:03:50Right now, kind of walking over your shoulder.
01:03:52Oh, my God.
01:03:54Oh, my God.
01:03:55Can I hug you?
01:03:56Oh, my God.
01:03:58That was so beautiful.
01:03:59Isn't that great?
01:04:00Can you guys sing that together?
01:04:02Yeah.
01:04:02Give her a stool.
01:04:03You sing it.
01:04:04We got you a stool.
01:04:05Well, first of all, are you auditioning?
01:04:07I'm auditioning today.
01:04:08Wow.
01:04:09And hopefully changing one vote.
01:04:12Yeah.
01:04:13Let's hear y'all do it.
01:04:15Yeah.
01:04:15Okay.
01:04:17Per-Jay, fill this room up.
01:04:19Per-Jay, fill this room up.
01:04:20I'm just being honest.
01:04:22Yeah.
01:04:24Oh, I'm not being honest.
01:04:26Sing it to him.
01:04:28I'll give you roses just hoping you don't see the weeds in my garden.
01:04:35Yeah.
01:04:35If I'm being honest, I'm at my darkest.
01:04:42Come on, girl.
01:04:43I'm sitting here waiting and praying for someone to show me what love is.
01:04:50I'm just being honest.
01:04:53Good, good.
01:04:54Oh, you're so great.
01:04:56Oh, that was so great.
01:04:57Sorry, I'm just fine.
01:04:58What do you think, Lionel?
01:05:02Um, I must tell you, I'm debating if you have a master of it yet.
01:05:17Good.
01:05:18Oh, that was so great.
01:05:19What do you think, Lionel?
01:05:23Um, I must tell you, I have Luke's heart.
01:05:28I'm telling you, come back to see us.
01:05:35It's a no for me this time, but that was very, very inspiring.
01:05:38It was.
01:05:40Very, very great.
01:05:41Very inspiring.
01:05:42Thank y'all.
01:05:42All right, we'll see you back here.
01:05:44All right.
01:05:45Thank y'all.
01:05:45Y'all have a great day.
01:05:46All right.
01:05:47Cheers, babe.
01:05:47I've been doing my best, but my best, it just don't.
01:05:53I got to know.
01:05:55No.
01:05:56I'm so proud of you.
01:05:58Luke said he liked me, and Carrie and Lionel said I had a little bit of growing to do.
01:06:02But I got to meet Kendall Inskeep, and I got to sing with her, so it was really mind-blowing.
01:06:07Give me a second, and I'll make it out of this woman.
01:06:17I know I've been reckless, but one day I know I'll be all again.
01:06:26It might be today, and it might be tomorrow, when I wash my hands of the shame that I've borrowed.
01:06:38I'm sorry to unload like this.
01:06:43I just can't keep it in.
01:06:58Give me a second, and I'll make it out of this woman.
01:07:30Give me a second, and I'll make it out of this woman.
01:07:36I just can't keep it in.
01:07:41Amen.
01:07:49Kendall, you got stuff.
01:07:51You got stuff.
01:07:52You got stuff.
01:07:52You got stuff.
01:07:53Thank you so much.
01:07:54I like the song.
01:07:56I love your voice.
01:07:57I felt like we were in your world when things kind of took off.
01:08:01And hitting those, baby, that note, like, from here, it was like, yeah.
01:08:07I commend you on the fact of just taking your time exploring who you are.
01:08:13I think that's just so brilliant.
01:08:16You've got artists written all over you, and I'm loving every minute of it.
01:08:20Thank you so much.
01:08:21I'm loving it.
01:08:22I was really impressed when you stepped on the gas, and you had that extra level of stuff in your
01:08:28range.
01:08:30I think we can vote.
01:08:32I can vote.
01:08:32I can vote.
01:08:33Go for it.
01:08:34We can all vote.
01:08:35Let's tell her the good news.
01:08:37You're going to Hollywood a week.
01:08:40Wait, can I like, can I shake your hands?
01:08:42Please.
01:08:43Please.
01:08:43You guys are so cool.
01:08:45Oh, you are so cool.
01:08:47Good job.
01:08:47Thank you guys so much.
01:08:48Congratulations.
01:08:51This is what it feels like.
01:08:54Oh my gosh.
01:08:56So nice.
01:08:58Oh my gosh.
01:08:59Wait, can I tell you something?
01:09:01What?
01:09:02The girl before me auditioned with Honest.
01:09:05I just love the song, and I love how much you've spoken to me through your lyricism.
01:09:10And it's just been so amazing.
01:09:12And to be able to sing with you, it was absolutely so inspiring.
01:09:16You're so sweet.
01:09:16Just to be able to meet you.
01:09:17You're so sweet.
01:09:20I love you.
01:09:20I love you, babe.
01:09:22We're besties now.
01:09:23We're good.
01:09:23Okay?
01:09:24This is what it feels like.
01:09:26You both got this.
01:09:26Yeah.
01:09:30Group selfie.
01:09:32Oh, leave me up.
01:09:35Oh, Lionel, is that you?
01:09:38This next kid went viral because he's posting singing from the shower.
01:09:44Go away!
01:09:47Hi, my name is Alona, and I am so excited to be here today.
01:09:51I am actually not singing, though.
01:09:53My boyfriend, Bryant, is, and no one has any idea what he looks like.
01:09:58The camera is never on him.
01:10:00It's always just on me doing my hair and makeup.
01:10:02So it's just me reacting.
01:10:04So we're gonna not watch him sing.
01:10:07So just make him feel comfortable.
01:10:09Yeah, we gotta ease him into this.
01:10:12I hear him walking.
01:10:13I hear him.
01:10:14He's getting close.
01:10:17Life with Bryant is...
01:10:19Oh, I'm gonna cry.
01:10:20Sorry.
01:10:25Gotta pull it together.
01:10:28You've made me come out of my shell a lot, too, as a person.
01:10:34I didn't think that love ever existed like this until I met him.
01:10:40I can't see a thing.
01:10:42I'm so excited to be on this journey with him, and this is such a big deal.
01:10:47All right, we can break these down.
01:10:48Come true.
01:10:50Hop from behind the pillar.
01:10:52Don't look at me.
01:10:53We're not looking.
01:10:53We're not looking.
01:10:54We can't see you.
01:10:54Okay.
01:10:55All right, who are you?
01:10:56My name's Brian Thomas.
01:10:58I'm from Mobile, Alabama.
01:11:00Alabama.
01:11:01Well, you sound like you're from Alabama.
01:11:02Roll Tide.
01:11:03Roll Tide.
01:11:04I am a singer-songwriter.
01:11:06I grew up in the church, singing music.
01:11:09How many fans do you have?
01:11:11Like 110,000.
01:11:12Wow.
01:11:13So the fans have never seen your face.
01:11:15Correct.
01:11:16Blowing your cover?
01:11:17Well, this is the first time we've ever allowed one of these to go this way.
01:11:20Yeah.
01:11:21A new era of America night.
01:11:23All right, what are you gonna sing for us?
01:11:25I'm singing Against All Odds by Phil Collins.
01:11:27Fantastic.
01:11:36How can I just let you walk away?
01:11:40Just let you leave without a trace.
01:11:44When I stand here taking every breath with you.
01:11:49Ooh.
01:11:52You're the only one who really knew me at all.
01:11:57Wow.
01:11:58That's really great, great.
01:11:59So take a look at me now.
01:12:03There's just an empty space.
01:12:07And there's nothing left here to remind me.
01:12:12Just the memory of your face.
01:12:15So take a look at me now.
01:12:21I feel the end one.
01:12:23I feel the end one.
01:12:24But you coming back to me is against the odds.
01:12:29But it's what I've gotta face.
01:12:32Take a good look at me now.
01:12:34Hey!
01:12:34Yay.
01:12:35Fast, I'll still be standing here.
01:12:39And you coming back to me is against all odds.
01:12:45But it's what I've gotta face
01:12:52Woo!
01:12:54All right.
01:12:57to take a long and lean now
01:13:05Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow
01:13:08wow wow wow wow wow wow wow
01:13:11Way to do it thank you guys so much the reveal
01:13:15Good job the reveal here I am
01:13:17How does it feel?
01:13:18You know I'm overwhelmed I can't I can't lie to you you know
01:13:21I'm just gonna be like like Luke and I'm gonna make jokes
01:13:25You're still kind of covered because you got your shades on but I get it Karen what you think your
01:13:34voice is
01:13:37Outrageous thank you so much. It means means a lot to me to hear that from
01:13:41It really is even over there behind a pillar
01:13:45You can feel just so much emotion and life in your voice. So
01:13:51Well done. What you think Lionel about Bryant? I think we got ourselves a hit record here
01:13:57You've got star
01:13:59power
01:14:01vocals man
01:14:03And that little rasp you have is just on fire
01:14:08Thank you so much. You were all the way there and I'm loving it man. Thank you so much
01:14:14Yeah, man great job and really really soulful voice. Oh, I feel like I'm hallucinating right now
01:14:20I like like is this a projection of this is this AI? Well, let's vote Lana
01:14:25What you think about your Alabama boy?
01:14:27I think for the University of Idle I would deem it very excited to put you in as part of
01:14:34this class
01:14:34It's a yes for me. I'm a heck. Yes
01:14:39I'm a yes. I love it
01:14:42Congratulations, you got a lot of family in there behind you
01:14:45What's up? How are y'all good? Are you the girlfriend? I am
01:14:49You started all this I did come on guys center in
01:14:53There you go. Well, he's going through the Hollywood week and he's a great singer
01:14:59I appreciate y'all bringing him to have one thing to say. Yes
01:15:02Yes
01:15:04Oh
01:15:11So I told you we know when we started this whole journey, you know that you were the one for
01:15:18me
01:15:19To be honest whether I got a golden ticket or not. I was gonna do this
01:15:23And I just want you to know that like my journey started with you and it's gonna end with you
01:15:28And I promise you of that
01:15:31It's okay
01:15:32Can you say something?
01:15:33Yes, yes, yes
01:15:36Congratulations
01:15:39Only on American Idol
01:15:41Oh my god, this is beautiful
01:15:44Oh my god, guys
01:15:46Congratulations
01:15:47Congratulations
01:15:49Oh my god
01:15:52Way to go, man
01:15:53Oh my god
01:15:54Way to go
01:15:56Way to go
01:15:58I mean, how did you sing knowing you had to do that?
01:16:02I'm telling you something right now with the voice you have
01:16:04The sky could be the limit of where you're going
01:16:07Congratulations, man
01:16:10We're getting married
01:16:10We're getting married
01:16:13We're getting married
01:16:13I've been behind the scenes
01:16:15And I feel like I'm made for the stage and the spotlights
01:16:17So I'm ready to assume my role in the front of this boat
01:16:22And take us all the way home
01:16:25That was good
01:16:30Awesome day y'all
01:16:32It was a good day
01:16:33I must tell you
01:16:34The class is getting very impressive
01:16:37And each one unique unto themselves
01:16:41That's what makes it so beautiful
01:16:44All right
01:16:46Hello
01:16:47Hi, how are you?
01:16:49How are you?
01:16:50I don't believe you are a contestant
01:16:52I am not a contestant
01:16:55My name is Heather Wyatt
01:16:57I'm here to introduce Chloe
01:17:00Chloe
01:17:00Chloe is a young girl who about a year ago
01:17:03Wrote and performed a song in honor of my daughter Aubrey
01:17:07That we lost to suicide in 2023
01:17:10Ugh
01:17:11Sorry
01:17:13So sorry for your loss
01:17:14Thank you
01:17:14That is just unimaginable
01:17:18Here's an original song that I wrote
01:17:20Dedicated to Aubrey Wyatt called Forever 13
01:17:23I first heard Chloe's song about a year ago
01:17:26And immediately cried
01:17:28It was beautiful
01:17:28It was
01:17:29What Aubrey had gone through
01:17:34Forever 13 had some big dreams in you
01:17:38Forever 13 had some big dreams in you
01:17:43Aubrey is my forever 13 year old daughter
01:17:50She is bright, beautiful, talented
01:17:54And she endured years of bullying, social media pressures
01:18:00And took her life September 4th, 2023
01:18:12I'm just very unexpected
01:18:23Something kept telling me to write that song so I did
01:18:25You didn't know her
01:18:26You didn't know her?
01:18:27No, I never met her
01:18:28But you couldn't get this story out of your mind?
01:18:29I couldn't
01:18:30It just really
01:18:31I don't know
01:18:32I felt it so much in my heart throughout this song
01:18:34Chloe does not know that I'm here today
01:18:36I have not met Chloe
01:18:38So this will be the first time meeting her and thanking her for the song
01:18:41Oh my God
01:18:49Oh my God
01:18:52Hi
01:18:53Hi
01:18:54Hi
01:18:54Hi
01:18:58This is the world of me, you don't even know
01:19:00Thank you
01:19:01Thank you
01:19:02This is Chloe
01:19:04Hi
01:19:05Hi Chloe
01:19:06Hi
01:19:06How are you?
01:19:08No, you're great
01:19:09No, you're great
01:19:09Do you want to tell us your name?
01:19:11Tell us a little bit about yourself
01:19:13Alright, my name is Chloe Grace
01:19:14I'm 15 years old
01:19:16And I'm from Jacksonville, Florida
01:19:17I went through some of the things Aubrey went through
01:19:20And it was really hard
01:19:21So I was like if I could write something that could just very small help someone
01:19:25Then it's totally worth me writing this song
01:19:27Music is very powerful and it can help let people know that they're not alone
01:19:31So we're excited to hear the song
01:19:42She was only 13, had some big dreams and you took them all away
01:19:49She had her whole life ahead of her and you watched her drift away
01:19:57You never thought that what you said could mess up someone else's head
01:20:04But maybe you think now that she's gone
01:20:11A young girl had to lose her life so that you could feel somewhat satisfied
01:20:17In this sick and twisted world you wouldn't think that a few young girls could do any harm
01:20:27But look where we are
01:20:30Now she's dancing up in heaven
01:20:34With no tears, no worry, no weight
01:20:37On her shoulders today
01:20:45I've never felt that kind of pain
01:20:48But I can't imagine how it feels
01:20:52To be a mom and lose her daughter
01:20:56It must feel so certain
01:21:00Like how can she be gone
01:21:03She blames herself for doing wrong
01:21:06But I hope that she knows it ain't her fault
01:21:11Even though she is gone
01:21:17Her story will forever live on
01:21:23And I'm gonna say her name
01:21:30Cause no one deserves that kind of pain.
01:21:40Forever 13 had some big dreams and you took them all away.
01:21:52Oh, thank you.
01:22:02Goodness.
01:22:04I'm just so moved.
01:22:07Heather, that's a gift right there.
01:22:08That's God looking back at you.
01:22:11It is.
01:22:11Just a very moving moment.
01:22:13Yeah, I feel like the maturity that you possess is quite incredible.
01:22:20The way you...
01:22:24Cause what about, what about Andrew?
01:22:30The way you had your heart broken for someone you didn't even know, you know?
01:22:35And take that and basically say that something positive is going to come out of it and to
01:22:51potentially even think about all the people that hear that and see you and hear this story
01:22:58and maybe decide to change their mind about something.
01:23:05You know, it's pretty, pretty incredible.
01:23:07Yeah.
01:23:08The fact that she wrote about what you were going through, not knowing you, shows a potential
01:23:14in you as a singer and a songwriter and someone that can really do a lot of good in this
01:23:20world.
01:23:22Yeah.
01:23:24I'm a yes.
01:23:27I don't even have to think about it.
01:23:28I'm a yes.
01:23:31The yes for me.
01:23:32Welcome to the class.
01:23:33Welcome to the class.
01:23:36My God, thank you so much.
01:23:39You're special.
01:23:39You know that, right?
01:23:41Thank you so much.
01:23:43You're special.
01:23:44You're one of my biggest inspirations since I was seven years old.
01:23:49Well, now who's the inspiration?
01:23:52It's pretty incredible.
01:23:54Thank you so much.
01:24:06I've always dreamed of holding one of these in my hand and for it to be like this and to
01:24:11get it singing a song I wrote and a song I poured my whole heart into is insane.
01:24:28We pray for the one who's gonna leave the class.
01:24:32It's you.
01:24:33Why have we not seen you yet?
01:24:36I have an announcement.
01:24:38I'm Brittany Bateman.
01:24:40The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
01:24:43Oh, we are.
01:24:45You're crazy talented.
01:24:47Crazy unbelievable.
01:24:48I don't even know if you know what you could be capable of.
01:24:52I don't think we've seen a star star star like you yet.
01:24:59People, there.
01:25:01People, there.
01:25:01You get more vallahi.
01:25:03You have them know.
01:25:04You can read them with a micro tsunami troybo from America.
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