- 2 days ago
American Idol - Season 24 - Auditions Episode 01
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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.
00:09:30Oh, oh.
00:09:33Calling me Sugar.
00:09:37You call me Sugar.
00:09:42Oh, oh, oh, oh.
00:09:46Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
00:09:59Dang, thank you if there's a one thing I could tell you is that sometimes just let it breathe a
00:10:07little bit
00:10:07You know, gotcha
00:10:10I
00:10:11Can imagine you on some songs where you would just blow the roof off of this place because of the
00:10:16range
00:10:17Now is how much you don't give us what Carrie said is correct
00:10:22What's the lyrics to the first line in that course?
00:10:25Will you roll her into that and let me hear you sing that one more time and I'm gonna give
00:10:30you one little thing
00:10:31Let's see if she does that lick again
00:10:36Close your eyes and trust it and just trust it
00:10:43That's so pretty. That's great
00:10:45Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:10:52Stop that. Do it again
00:10:55Right
00:10:55Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:11:03Whoa
00:11:04Keep going. It's only half past the point of no return the tip of the iceberg the fire before the
00:11:14burn
00:11:14The thunder before the lightning in the red before the phrase have you ever
00:11:20Fell this way
00:11:23Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
00:11:27Drop the mic
00:11:29Drop the mic
00:11:30Drop the mic
00:11:31Who is this?
00:11:31This my son and my dad
00:11:33Oh my gosh
00:11:33Oh boy
00:11:34Hi Miss Carrie
00:11:35Hi, how are you?
00:11:37Hi, Miss Carrie?
00:11:50hey buddy you see what your mama made me do oh man when you felt confident the way you just
00:11:59sang that with confidence you have a voice that will make people stop in their tracks
00:12:06gosh i got like snot going on what's your name buddy drew that's carrie right there drew i know
00:12:14i watch american idol all the time there's a commercial right there i can't believe you're 29
00:12:21and you haven't been in our life yet thank you that's wonderful thank you yes lionel richie
00:12:28no excuse me it's mr lionel uh it's a yes for me thank you big old yes for me thank
00:12:36you thank you
00:12:37oh yes congratulations thank you thank you thank you you're going through the hollywood week
00:12:45oh my god thank you thank you so much y'all thank you thank you do you sing drew i
00:12:51have a song that i
00:12:52know how to sing oh let's go whoa whoa back on the oval wait here we go oh god oh
00:12:59my man seems like he's
00:13:01ready to go uh what's the song drew it's called god only knows god only knows god only knows what
00:13:10you've
00:13:10been through god only knows what they say about you god only knows the real you but that's the kind
00:13:18of
00:13:18love that god only knows
00:13:29i can't believe myself i think i'm in a dream
00:13:36yes my pride and joy right here this is who i do it for i'm gonna do it for him
00:13:40i'm so proud
00:13:41i'm proud of you too you're going to hollywood too but yeah yeah that may have been one of my
00:13:49favorite moments i've ever had on this show that was great god only knows what you've been through
00:13:56god only knows what they say about you god only knows the real you but that's the kind of love
00:14:04that
00:14:04god only knows god only knows i've been married a long time ago where did you come from where did
00:14:18you go
00:14:18where did you come from cotton i do what's happening
00:14:29what's going on oh yeah oh here it comes what's going on oh it's happening
00:14:34here we go
00:14:40look at this
00:14:43i got a jersey come on i got a jersey i got a third jersey hey hey my name is
00:14:51jason i'm 24 years old i'm
00:14:52from puquay green in north carolina i'm here today with the texas tailgaters which is in the
00:14:57banana ball championship league oh you might be familiar with the savannah bananas we play with
00:15:02them it's entertainment baseball is what it is they'll compare us to the harlem globetrotters a lot
00:15:07but it's very competitive too we're all best friends and we all get along and it's great
00:15:19i got into it actually as a singer outside of the actual game we'll put on concerts the whole
00:15:25point is just keep the fans engaged all the time and make sure they have fun come on now
00:15:33i got it pretty quick though awesome awesome how did i do oh you ought to see me pitch
00:15:41i think we can make that happen oh yeah i'm all good heck i slept on my arm wrong last
00:15:46night
00:15:46and fell asleep for three hours so uh all right well who are you my name is jason r i'm
00:15:5224 years
00:15:52old and i'm from fuquay verena north carolina what are you gonna sing for us i'm gonna sing
00:15:56fire away by chris stapleton i love it all right you better be able to sing yes sir right
00:16:04oh yeah well honey load up your questions and pick up your sticks and your stones
00:16:16and pretend i'm a shelter for heartaches that don't have a home
00:16:26choose the words they cut like a razor
00:16:34and all that i'll see is fire
00:16:43oh no
00:16:47and take your best shot show me what you got it's funny i'm not afraid
00:16:57rear back and take it
00:17:03and fire away
00:17:23i want a team
00:17:26all right carrie you already got the gear on
00:17:29i do especially a tailgater yeah that's right
00:17:35i think you should go first okay all right okay i'm gonna pass the ball sorry she's uh i think
00:17:40the abs
00:17:41it's very distracting
00:17:42yeah yeah damn messing up
00:17:46well if that if it's that easy to distract you i'll just
00:17:49no no no no no no no no no no no no look don't don't don't do that don't don't
00:17:56all right so now listen you've got a nice voice yes sir you've got a distinguishable voice
00:18:03and we don't have anything like that yet thank you sir okay i think i've i've got my thoughts
00:18:11together very good i think my thing is if you do end up going forward it's just the taking this
00:18:19part
00:18:19of you seriously you know what i mean like you guys are obviously so much fun i love it and
00:18:24i want
00:18:24to feel you in moat i want i want to hear more yes ma'am good i used to try
00:18:30to sing everything as
00:18:31loud as i could it took me years to kind of go you know i don't have to sing loud
00:18:35every time i can
00:18:35kind of calm it down so just think about that all right lionel yes
00:18:44come on that's easy yes what are we what are we
00:18:53karen look over this way i got my own set of abs to stare at it
00:18:56hey not mine my husband um i want to know who you are as an artist so i'll sing it
00:19:03yeah
00:19:05huge fan
00:19:06yes
00:19:08yes
00:19:12yeah
00:19:13yeah
00:19:13you thought we were done
00:19:14okay
00:19:15wait a minute
00:19:16here we go
00:19:18hey
00:19:19hey
00:19:20hey
00:19:20hey
00:19:21hey
00:19:21hey
00:19:22hey
00:19:23hey
00:19:40it's pretty crazy i'm not gonna 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
00:20:06what the future's 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.
00:20:16Living 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 you from, Daniel?
00:20:31Moss Point, Mississippi.
00:20:32What happens back in Moss Point, Mississippi?
00:20:35For me, a school teacher.
00:20:36Where 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.
00:20:42They are my joy.
00:20:43And I'm doing this for my students,
00:20:45to let them know that you can reach your goals.
00:20:48Never give up.
00:20:49Don't stop believing.
00:20:50That's my motto.
00:20:51Don't stop believing.
00:20:54Don't stop believing
00:21:18love, love, love, love, love, love.
00:21:25Your students are gonna 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.
00:21:37Exactly.
00:21:38All 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.
00:22:11Don't need that guy.
00:22:15No black and white.
00:22:17Stealing your thunder.
00:22:20Baby, blue, blue, blue.
00:22:23That's a weird, blue, no, whatever, I suck.
00:22:27I just feel like the piano playing
00:22:30wasn't quite there for me.
00:22:31I feel like it was distracting you a little bit.
00:22:36It was distracting, it was taking away from your vocals.
00:22:39That's not my audition song, Carrie.
00:22:42Wow.
00:22:44Look at this, praise the Lord, this is awesome.
00:22:47My name is Tate Emmons, I'm 15 years old
00:22:49and I'm from a real small town called Lake, Mississippi.
00:22:55We knew from a young age
00:22:57that 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
00:23:15who happens to be the uncle of Brandon Nicks.
00:23:18The final person competing in the finale,
00:23:21Rihanna Nicks.
00:23:24I can't wait for you to get that golden ticket.
00:23:26You're going to kill it.
00:23:27Lord willing.
00:23:28Sing loud.
00:23:28It's going to 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 want to 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 that fast?
00:23:44Emerson.
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.
00:23:51You 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.
00:23:58That's right.
00:23:59About a week ago,
00:24:00I'm doing the Grand Ole Opry again.
00:24:01And he was there.
00:24:03And he's like,
00:24:03I want you to hear me sing.
00:24:05And I was just blown away.
00:24:07I texted immediately,
00:24:08hey, 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.
00:24:14I love that.
00:24:15Right?
00:24:15He's one of a kind,
00:24:16and I really believe in him.
00:24:18Wow.
00:24:18Brianna, why don't you come over here with us?
00:24:20Okay.
00:24:21Yeah.
00:24:21Yeah, here we go.
00:24:22Come on.
00:24:23I miss you guys.
00:24:24Come on.
00:24:24I miss you, baby.
00:24:25How are you?
00:24:25Good to see you.
00:24:26Hands are a little cold.
00:24:27I can see chairs.
00:24:28Let you see 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!
00:24:35He's like,
00:24:36why don't we wait on people like us?
00:24:39Let's go!
00:24:40Come on, Tate!
00:24:41I'm going to be singing
00:24:42Hard Fault Hallelujah
00:24:42by Brandon Lake.
00:24:44Let's go.
00:24:44All right.
00:24:54Well, I don't always feel it
00:24:59Yeah, but that's when I need it the most
00:25:03So I'ma keep on singing
00:25:07Till my soul catches up with my song
00:25:14There's days that my hands go up freely
00:25:18Times that it comes
00:25:24There's days that a praise comes out easy
00:25:28Days that it takes all the strength I've got
00:25:32But I'll bring my heart-fought, heart-failed
00:25:37Been through it
00:25:39Hallelujah
00:25:43And I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn sail
00:25:47Story to tell
00:25:49Oh, hallelujah
00:25:54Oh, 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?
00:26:12Just let me hear you sing
00:26:13Heart-felt, hallelujah
00:26:15Like
00:26:15I mean, I want to 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
00:26:23Don't worry about the guitar
00:26:24And sing, sing, sing
00:26:25Worship
00:26:25So I'll bring my heart-fought, heart-failed
00:26:29It is well, hallelujah
00:26:33I think guitar, you're perfect
00:26:37But vocally, it does really, really feel even a little younger than 15 to me
00:26:43Which is a predicament
00:26:48I understand exactly what you fell in love with
00:26:51Because we just saw it
00:26:53We heard it
00:26:53It's when do we throw you out there
00:26:57Our biggest thing is, is all of our mama and daddy hearts
00:27:02Are 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
00:27:12I was just like Tate
00:27:13Freaking out
00:27:14I was so scared
00:27:18Gotta give him a chance, I promise
00:27:20I promise
00:27:23I trust you
00:27:25Alright, I'm ready to vote
00:27:29An environment like this
00:27:30Could be really beneficial to you
00:27:32So this is school
00:27:35I'm gonna say yes
00:27:36Thank you so much
00:27:40I'm gonna go the opposite
00:27:45Gotta give him a chance, I promise
00:27:47I promise
00:27:48I'm gonna say yes
00:27:50Thank you so much
00:27:51I'm gonna go the opposite
00:27:53I don't want to 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
00:28:01A couple of years of experience
00:28:02And I'd love to hear what you sound like
00:28:04Thank you
00:28:04That's just me talking as dad now, okay
00:28:06Thank you
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
00:28:28Thank you 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, yes sir
00:28:35I do, I promise
00:28:39Thank you brother
00:28:39I appreciate you so much
00:28:41And I love you
00:28:42Thank you
00:28:42Thank you for your red foot
00:28:44Keep doing what you're doing
00:28:45Exactly what you're doing
00:28:47Keep just giving glory where glory is
00:28:49It's a true honor to meet you
00:28:51Thank you very much
00:28:52Thank you
00:28:53All right Tate
00:28:54My son's named Tate
00:28:55Really?
00:28:56He's 15
00:28:57Oh my goodness
00:28:59Hey
00:29:00It's amazing how you're playing that guitar
00:29:02Thank you
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
00:29:08To think the judges thinks that about me
00:29:10I'm like
00:29:11Gives me a lot of hope
00:29:14Got this time
00:29:15Got this time
00:29:16Not this time
00:29:17Aw that's okay
00:29:19I will support him forever
00:29:20And he's a golden ticket here always
00:29:22Still gonna push you to do this
00:29:23Every single year
00:29:25Well I'm always gonna listen to your opinion
00:29:27So I'll always pray about it
00:29:28The yearly annual text message
00:29:30You gonna audition for
00:29:32Just be ready
00:29:32Get ready for it
00:29:33I'll be ready
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
00:29:41I know I forgot how hard this was
00:29:43It's as hard
00:29:44It never is easy
00:29:46Just when they're looking at you
00:29:48And they
00:29:49They want it so bad
00:29:52What has happened over the years
00:29:54Is we've gotten tougher
00:29:55Only because we're expecting more now
00:29:58As judges
00:30:00After Jamal
00:30:01Grammy nominated Jamal
00:30:04We've raised the bar to the point
00:30:05Where we're gonna be
00:30:06Looking for that next level
00:30:09That instantly goes from
00:30:11American Idol stage
00:30:12To that Grammy award winning
00:30:13Artist
00:30:15Somebody said
00:30:16Prayin' for me
00:30:17I'm askin' for
00:30:18Lionel
00:30:18They rehearsed that somewhere
00:30:20We did not
00:30:22If we were to go out dancing
00:30:23Let me show you what would happen
00:30:24Idol University
00:30:26Class of 2026
00:30:27I can tell you right now
00:30:29Is off the chain
00:30:31That was great
00:30:32We're proud of you son
00:30:34Thank you so much
00:30:35We're going to Hollywood
00:30:38We've had 10 people today
00:30:40That look like
00:30:41They've been trained to sing
00:30:42And you look like you were born to sing
00:30:44I see smiles
00:30:46And a ticket
00:30:47It's going to be a great season
00:30:50And I'm so excited
00:30:51Just to be on the front row of this one
00:30:56Here we go
00:30:56Hey guys
00:30:58Hey
00:30:59How are you doing?
00:31:00Good
00:31:00How are you doing?
00:31:01I'm good
00:31:02My name is Jesse Finling
00:31:03And I'm 19 years old
00:31:05What do you do?
00:31:06I'm a college student right now
00:31:09But I've been singing
00:31:10Ever since I was
00:31:12Little
00:31:12With my brother and sister
00:31:14We would pull up
00:31:14Karaoke tracks
00:31:16And we would
00:31:17We would just sing with each other
00:31:18And since then
00:31:19I did choirs
00:31:20In school
00:31:21If you haven't noticed
00:31:22I have a stutter
00:31:25And that's really where
00:31:27Kind of my love for singing came
00:31:30I've had a stutter
00:31:32Ever since I was
00:31:34Little
00:31:38And it's something that I've
00:31:39That I've
00:31:41Struggled with since
00:31:42Elementary school
00:31:46It was something embarrassing for me
00:31:48And it 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
00:31:53That made me feel alone
00:31:54And something that I felt like I
00:31:55Had to hide
00:31:57So it was definitely hard
00:32:00Singing has always felt freeing for me
00:32:02Because when I sing
00:32:03I don't stutter
00:32:04When I sang
00:32:05It was a way for me to
00:32:06Express myself in a way
00:32:07Where I didn't have to worry about
00:32:08Being embarrassed
00:32:09Or what people would think
00:32:10Or somebody would laugh
00:32:12So it was an outlet for me
00:32:14When I was little
00:32:14And it's still an outlet for me now
00:32:22Walking out with a golden ticket
00:32:26Would mean that everything that I've
00:32:29I've struggled with in the past
00:32:32It's all led me here
00:32:33And I can do whatever I want
00:32:36If I work hard
00:32:38I've come a long way with it
00:32:39And like 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
00:32:47Or you just all love music
00:32:48Me and my brother sing with each other
00:32:50And he also has a stutter
00:32:51So it's really special
00:32:53When 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, you know
00:32:59Be a role model for him
00:33:01Because I knew how hard it was
00:33:02For me in school
00:33:03I love your attitude
00:33:04I love your attitude
00:33:04And you can tell that you
00:33:06Are a good big brother
00:33:07But what you gonna sing for us
00:33:09I'm gonna be singing
00:33:10In the Stars by Benson Boone
00:33:11It's a song me and my brother
00:33:13Always singing together
00:33:14Gonna be thinking of him
00:33:15When I sing it
00:33:16Very good
00:33:21Sunday mornings were your favorite
00:33:26I 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
00:33:47Now Sunday mornings I just sleep in
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 to 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 and 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
00:34:43For a million different reasons
00:34:50You took the best of my heart
00:34:56And left the rest in pieces
00:35:08Luke, 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, a 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? You don't have a problem
00:35:43The only thing wrong with you is you've got to figure out
00:35:46How you're going to navigate this career
00:35:48Wow
00:35:49What's up, fam?
00:35:50What's up?
00:35:51Hi
00:35:52Hi
00:35:52Hi
00:35:55Look 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
00:36:17That's very scary
00:36:19We will see you in Hollywood week
00:36:21Did 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, I 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 is just proof that everything's working out how it should
00:36:37Boy, he's got a pretty voice
00:36:39It does
00:36:39I'm going to Hollywood week
00:36:41Woo
00:36:42Love you
00:36:43Love you
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 of you
00:36:48Love you
00:36:49Love you
00:36:49But you'll feel right, kid
00:36:55You're going to Hollywood week, my friend
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 were in the Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Paisley ballroom
00:37:10Oh, yeah
00:37:12We're in your ballroom, Paisley
00:37:16Yeah, you 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 were 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?
00:37:53This safe word is hot chicken
00:37:56Don't chicken out
00:37:56Don't hot chicken out
00:38:00Sorry, 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, how much can I bench press?
00:38:15I don't know
00:38:15What kind of question is that?
00:38:19165, Carrie
00:38:20165
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
00:38:52Oh, okay
00:38:52Did you go take shots?
00:38:54Let's see what you got
00:38:57Let's see what you got
00:39:00Pass
00:39:02Pass
00:39:04You just let the poor boy sing
00:39:06He 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
00:39:26I'll do it
00:39:27I'm gonna 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
00:40:00Um, 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?
00:40:13Carrie, 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
00:40:19He's awesome
00:40:21The sexiest 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 this whole audition
00:40:30What 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 hating on Michigan?
00:40:41Yeah, I was just telling him what to say
00:40:42We really like Michigan, by 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 looked wrong
00:40:54Business as usual
00:40:58Oh my God
00:40:59I think that should just be like our exclamatory word
00:41:03That should be our motto for the school class
00:41:05Hot chicken
00:41:05Hot chicken
00:41:06Hot chicken
00:41:07Very, very 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, a little hot chicken
00:41:33Is celebrating the auditions in Nashville
00:41:36Sweet job
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
00:42:03You know I can't stand it
00:42:06You'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
00:42:25Because you're
00:42:26Because you're
00:42:30My
00:42:36You have a bring the house down voice
00:42:40I'm already standing up
00:42:42It's a yes for me
00:42:43Hot chicken
00:42:44Hot chicken
00:42:46Cheers, Ron
00:42:48Cheers
00:42:49I'm gonna go with the pickles
00:42:54My name is Genevieve Hayward
00:42:55My group of people
00:42:56That I brought with me
00:42:57Are wearing
00:42:58My iconic
00:42:59If I do say so myself
00:43:00Pickle shirt
00:43:02I'm a big fan of pickles
00:43:04I just love them
00:43:05Today I have about
00:43:06A million people with me
00:43:09Oh my god, Kyle
00:43:13I love pickles
00:43:21Who doesn't
00:43:23Sweet or dill
00:43:24Dill
00:43:25Sliced or whole
00:43:26Whole
00:43:27Rigid or flat
00:43:28Rigid
00:43:29Do you make your own pickles
00:43:31I do
00:43:31I love pickling things
00:43:32I like pickling things
00:43:34Girl, me too
00:43:34Let's go
00:43:35Give 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
00:43:51Magic Man by Heart
00:43:52Oh
00:43:53You're kidding
00:43:54Woo
00:43:55Okay
00:43:55Let's hear it
00:43:56Okay
00:44:02Cold late night so long ago
00:44:04When I was not so strong
00:44:07You 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
00:44:33To soon 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
00:44:55He's a magic man
00:45:02Great
00:45:03There you go
00:45:04Oh my god
00:45:04Everyone was standing for me
00:45:05What the heck
00:45:06Thank you
00:45:07I mean that's a tall order
00:45:08Right there
00:45:09It takes some pickles
00:45:15To cover that
00:45:17Yeah
00:45:17But you made it your own
00:45:19You weren't trying to like emulate
00:45:21You even changed the melody a little bit
00:45:23You have this cool rasp at the top end of your voice
00:45:25I want to hear more
00:45:28Carrie's funny
00:45:28Carrie wrote pickle girl on her
00:45:31I 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
00:45:36Yes
00:45:37Even more with some of the singers we have
00:45:39But you did well
00:45:40Thank you
00:45:41You've got the tools to do pretty much anything you want to do
00:45:43Is just don't think
00:45:44Just let your voice do what it's supposed to do
00:45:46Cool
00:45:46All right
00:45:47Yeah
00:45:47Carrie what's your vote
00:45:48My vote is yes
00:45:50Wow
00:45:50Luke
00:45:51Yes
00:45:52Thank you
00:45:53I'm going to stand up on this one
00:45:54It's a yes for me
00:45:55And you're going to Hollywood week
00:45:56Yay
00:45:57Oh my god
00:45:59They all have their shirts on
00:46:04Pickle girl
00:46:05Pickle girl
00:46:07Pickle girl
00:46:08Yeah
00:46:08Let's go baby
00:46:10Woo
00:46:11She's the real dill
00:46:14How does it feel to be pickle girl
00:46:16You know it's not
00:46:18Who 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
00:46:24Oh
00:46:26That was very good
00:46:28I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I could be
00:46:44You know this one
00:46:46I do
00:46:47Sherry
00:46:49Sherry baby
00:46:54Sherry baby
00:46:57Sherry baby
00:46:58Sherry baby
00:47:02Sherry baby
00:47:06Sherry baby
00:47:07Sherry baby
00:47:08Sherry can you come out tonight
00:47:17Sherry
00:47:18Thank you
00:47:18That's not an easy one to pull off
00:47:20It's not
00:47:20I like the Frankie
00:47:22I'm looking for your identity
00:47:24Okay
00:47:24You have a lane
00:47:26And you're really good at it
00:47:27But in the context of American Idol
00:47:30Like that's just not what this is
00:47:33So it's a no for this
00:47:35But a yes for you
00:47:36There you go
00:47:37And just keep being awesome
00:47:42Sherry baby
00:47:43Goodness
00:47:44Oh
00:47:44Did I get that?
00:47:45Yeah
00:47:46Oh yeah you did
00:47:47Yeah
00:47:47Woo
00:47:48This year we have
00:47:50Very unique talent
00:47:52Hi guys I'm Jules
00:47:54I'm 25 years old
00:47:56And I'm from Charlotte, North Carolina
00:47:57Today I will be singing
00:47:59Bust the windows
00:48:00Out my car
00:48:01Oh goodness
00:48:02That's it
00:48:02Thank you
00:48:03Thank you very much everybody
00:48:04Thank you
00:48:05Good night
00:48:05I saw that movie
00:48:07I saw that movie
00:48:07I always hit him in my broken heart
00:48:09I'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
00:48:30And more, much more than this
00:48:35I did it my way
00:48:41Man you have a great voice but you're in a deal where
00:48:45You want to do the hell of a stuff
00:48:47Right yeah
00:48:47Sometimes people that are a little left of center
00:48:50You have to maybe work on them on the fly
00:48:53You 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
00:49:07Because you have something
00:49:09Come back and show us who you are
00:49:11And I guarantee you
00:49:13You will leave with a golden ticket
00:49:14But it's a no right now
00:49:16I bust the windows out your car
00:49:18I feel like you deserve a shot
00:49:20To bring the bigger no
00:49:22So I think it's in there
00:49:23But I 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
00:49:29And I will 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
00:49:42Like not moving
00:49:43Oh
00:49:44Heartbreak
00:49:45I'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
00:49:57I would say
00:49:58I can't wait to hear
00:49:59Does that mean we should
00:50:00Get ready for some uniqueness?
00:50:03If you want, yeah
00:50:04So
00:50:05Who are you?
00:50:07I'm Brooks Rosser
00:50:08I'm 22 years old
00:50:09I'm from Bel Air, Maryland
00:50:10What do you do up there in Maryland?
00:50:12I work at a dementia care facility
00:50:15As a medication technician
00:50:16Nice
00:50:17Very cool
00:50:18How many shows are you playing a year?
00:50:21I've gone to a couple gigs
00:50:22But I've only just played guitar
00:50:25I'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?
00:50:48Not bad
00:50:48Doing alright?
00:50:50I was just looking at this article
00:50:52On the next generation of Accelas
00:50:55Oh, yeah?
00:50:56I like trains
00:50:58You sleep good?
00:51:00Yeah
00:51:00For the last three years
00:51:02I've been working in the dementia care field
00:51:05And it's been extremely fulfilling
00:51:07I've made a lot of friendships
00:51:08With 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
00:51:16Growing up
00:51:17I was a shy kid
00:51:21I didn't really know how to make my own friends
00:51:23My grandmother was always my biggest fan
00:51:27You know, she was one person
00:51:28That I never had trouble talking to
00:51:30When she first started showing dementia-like symptoms
00:51:32I picked up the guitar
00:51:34And that was one way
00:51:35Where we could both practice
00:51:36Speaking from the heart
00:51:38But it's still alright
00:51:39Woo-hoo
00:51:41It would help her learn her words back
00:51:44And it would help me get mine out
00:51:50After taking care of my grandmother
00:51:51I realized this was a passion of mine
00:51:53To be there for people
00:51:54Even 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.
00:57:44I got you.
00:57:46Skipper's.
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.
00:58:37Kendall.
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?
00:59:52I 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?
01:00:19Six cows, lots of chickens.
01:00:21We've got three goats.
01:00:23Cool.
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.
01:00:43Love.
01:00:51Every time I walk out of the house,
01:00:53I was put on another face, just to 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.
01:01:12Thought I was a fighter, but I'm still in the fire.
01:01:18And if I'm being honest, and if I'm being honest, I'm not being honest, I'll give you roses just hoping
01:01:29you 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, and if I'm being honest, I'm not being honest, I'm sitting here waiting and praying for
01:01:58someone to show me what love is.
01:02:02I'm just being honest, I'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.
01:02:41Correct.
01:02:42You 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, they 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 gosh.
01:03:54Can I really hug you?
01:03:56Oh, my gosh.
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.
01:04:17Project, 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.
01:04:35If 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.
01:04:54Oh, you're so great.
01:04:56Good.
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 from me this time, but that was very, very inspiring.
01:05:38It was.
01:05:39Very, 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.
01:05:46Cheers, babe.
01:05:47I'm 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 and Skeet, and I got to sing with her, so it was really mind
01:06:07-blowing.
01:06:07Give me a second, 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.
01:06:26Might be today, and it might be tomorrow, when I wash my hands of the shame that I borrowed.
01:06:37I'm sorry to unload like this.
01:06:43I just can't keep it in.
01:06:48Amen.
01:06:59Give me a second, and I'll make it out of this woman.
01:07:09I know I've been reckless, but one day I know I'll be whole again.
01:07:18It might be today, and it might be tomorrow, when I wash my hands of the shame that I borrowed.
01:07:31I'm sorry to unload like this.
01:07:35I 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.
01:07:57It felt like we were in your world, when things kind of took off, and hitting those, baby.
01:08:03That note 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
01:08:27in your range.
01:08:30I think we can vote.
01:08:32I can vote.
01:08:32I can vote.
01:08:33Go.
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.
01:08:39Ah!
01:08:41Wait.
01:08:41Can I, like, can I shake your hands?
01:08:42Can I help you?
01:08:43Please.
01:08:43Please.
01:08:43You guys are so cool.
01:08:44Oh, you are so cool.
01:08:46Yeah.
01:08:47Good job.
01:08:47Thank you guys so much.
01:08:48Yeah.
01:08:49We'll see you on Hollywood-a-week.
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.
01:09:00Can 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.
01:09:48My 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.
01:10:25I gotta 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.
01:10:46All right, we can break these down.
01:10:50Hop from behind the pillar.
01:10:52Don't look at me.
01:10:53We're not looking.
01:10:53We can't see you.
01:10:54Okay.
01:10:55All right, who are you?
01:10:57My 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.
01:11:16On 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 going to sing for us?
01:11:25I'm singing Against All Odds by Phil Collins.
01:11:28Fantastic.
01:11:36How can I just let you walk away?
01:11:40Just let you leave without a trace.
01:11:43When I stand here taking every breath with you.
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.
01:12:07Hmm.
01:12:08And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face.
01:12:15So take a look at me now.
01:12:19So take a look at me now.
01:12:20This is just an empty space.
01:12:23That you coming back to me is against the odds.
01:12:29But it's what I've got to face.
01:12:31Take a good look at me now.
01:12:34Hey!
01:12:35What?
01:12:35Cause I'll still be standing here.
01:12:39You coming back to me is against all odds.
01:12:45But it's what I've gotta face.
01:12:53All right.
01:12:57Take a long and lean eye.
01:13:05Wow, wow, wow, wow.
01:13:07End.
01:13:08Wow.
01:13:09Wow.
01:13:11Way to do it.
01:13:12Thank you guys so much.
01:13:14The reveal.
01:13:15Good job.
01:13:16The reveal.
01:13:16Here I am.
01:13:17You know, I'm overwhelmed.
01:13:19I can't lie to you, you know.
01:13:21I'm just going to be like Luke and I'm going to make jokes.
01:13:25That's great.
01:13:26You're still kind of covered because you got your shades on,
01:13:28but I get it.
01:13:29There's the full reveal.
01:13:33Carrie, what do you think?
01:13:34Your voice is outrageous.
01:13:38Thank you so much.
01:13:39It means a lot to me to hear that from someone like you.
01:13:42It's incredible.
01:13:42It really is.
01:13:43Even over there behind a pillar,
01:13:46you can feel just so much emotion and life in your voice.
01:13:51So, well done.
01:13:53What you think, Lionel, about Bryant?
01:13:54I think we got ourselves a hit record here.
01:13:57You've got star power vocals, man.
01:14:03And that little rasp you have is just on fire.
01:14:08Thank you so much.
01:14:09You were all the way there.
01:14:11And I'm loving it, man.
01:14:13Thank you so much.
01:14:14Yeah, man.
01:14:15Great job.
01:14:15And really, really soulful voice.
01:14:18I feel like I'm hallucinating right now, honestly.
01:14:20It's a fever dream.
01:14:21Like, is this a projection?
01:14:23Is this AI?
01:14:24Well, let's vote.
01:14:25Lionel, what you think about your Alabama boy?
01:14:27Well, I think for the University of Idle,
01:14:29I would deem it very excited to put you in as part of this class.
01:14:34It's a yes for me.
01:14:36I'm a heck yes.
01:14:38Woo-woo!
01:14:39I'm a yes.
01:14:40I love it.
01:14:41Congratulations.
01:14:42You got a lot of family in there behind you.
01:14:44They're coming in.
01:14:45What's up?
01:14:46How are y'all?
01:14:47Good.
01:14:48Are you the girlfriend?
01:14:49I am.
01:14:50You started all this?
01:14:51I did.
01:14:52Come on, guys.
01:14:53Center in.
01:14:54There you go.
01:14:55Well, he's going through the Hollywood week,
01:14:57and he's a great singer.
01:14:59I appreciate y'all bringing him to us.
01:15:01I have one thing to say.
01:15:02Yes.
01:15:03Yes.
01:15:06Hey!
01:15:09What?
01:15:11So, I told you,
01:15:13you know, when we started this whole journey,
01:15:15you know,
01:15:15that you were the one for me.
01:15:19To be honest,
01:15:20whether I got a golden ticket or not,
01:15:21I was going to do this.
01:15:23And I just want you to know
01:15:24that, like, my journey started with you,
01:15:26and it's going to end with you.
01:15:28And I promise you that.
01:15:31So, can you say something?
01:15:33Yes, yes, yes!
01:15:36Ah, congratulations!
01:15:38Woo!
01:15:40Only on American Idol.
01:15:41Oh, my God, this is beautiful.
01:15:45Oh, my God, guys!
01:15:47Congratulations!
01:15:48Congratulations.
01:15:49Oh, my God.
01:15:52Way to go, man!
01:15:53Oh, my God!
01:15:54Way to go!
01:15:55You got to see me.
01:15:56Way to go!
01:15:58I mean, how did you sing
01:15:59knowing you had to do that?
01:16:00If you can see me.
01:16:02I'm telling you something right now.
01:16:03With the voice you have,
01:16:05skies can be the limit of where you're going.
01:16:07Congratulations, man.
01:16:10We're dead!
01:16:10We're getting married!
01:16:13I've been behind the scenes,
01:16:15and I feel like I'm made for the stage
01:16:17and the spotlights.
01:16:18So, I'm ready to assume my role
01:16:20in the front of this boat
01:16:22and take us all the way home.
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.
01:16:55Ah!
01:16:55My name is Heather Wyatt.
01:16:57I'm here to introduce Chloe.
01:17:00Chloe is a young girl
01:17:02who about a year ago
01:17:03wrote and performed a song
01:17:05in honor of my daughter Aubrey
01:17:07that we lost to suicide in 2023.
01:17:11Ah!
01:17:11Sorry.
01:17:12Yeah.
01:17:12So sorry if you're lost.
01:17:14That is just, oh, unimaginable.
01:17:18Here's an original song
01:17:20that I wrote dedicated to Aubrey Wyatt
01:17:22called Forever 13.
01:17:23I first heard Chloe's song
01:17:25about a year ago
01:17:26and immediately cried.
01:17:28It was beautiful.
01:17:29It was what Aubrey had gone through.
01:17:34Forever 13
01:17:35had some big dreams
01:17:38and you...
01:17:43Aubrey, um,
01:17:45is my forever 13-year-old daughter.
01:17:49Um, she is bright,
01:17:52beautiful, talented,
01:17:55um, and she endured years
01:17:57of bullying, social media pressures,
01:18:00and took her life
01:18:01September 4th, 2023.
01:18:09Hi.
01:18:14Um, just...
01:18:16very unexpected.
01:18:23Something kept telling me
01:18:24to write that song,
01:18:25so I did.
01:18:25You didn't know her?
01:18:26I hadn't.
01:18:27No, I never met her.
01:18:28But you couldn't get
01:18:29this story out of your mind?
01:18:29I couldn't...
01:18:30It did just relate...
01:18:31I just...
01:18:31I don't know.
01:18:32I felt it so much
01:18:32in my heart
01:18:33to write this song.
01:18:34Chloe does not know
01:18:35that I'm here today.
01:18:36I have not met Chloe,
01:18:38so this will be
01:18:39the first time meeting her
01:18:40and thanking her
01:18:41for this song.
01:18:41Oh, my God.
01:18:49Oh, my God.
01:18:52Hi.
01:18:54Hi.
01:18:58This means the world
01:18:59to me.
01:19:00You don't even know.
01:19:03This is Chloe.
01:19:04Oh, my God.
01:19:05Hi.
01:19:05Hi, Chloe.
01:19:06Hi.
01:19:07Hi.
01:19:07How are you?
01:19:08No, you're great.
01:19:09Do you want to tell us your name?
01:19:11Tell us a little bit
01:19:12about yourself.
01:19:13All right.
01:19:13My name is Chloe Grace.
01:19:15I'm 15 years old,
01:19:16and I'm from Jacksonville, Florida.
01:19:17I went through some of the things
01:19:19Aubrey had went through,
01:19:20and it was really hard,
01:19:21so I was like,
01:19:22if I could write something
01:19:22that could just very small
01:19:24help someone,
01:19:25then it's totally worth
01:19:26me writing this song.
01:19:27Music is very powerful,
01:19:29and it can help
01:19:30let people know
01:19:31that they're not alone,
01:19:32so we're excited
01:19:33to hear the song.
01:19:35Oh.
01:19:42She was only 13,
01:19:45had some big dreams,
01:19:47and you took them all away.
01:19:49She had her whole life
01:19:52ahead of her,
01:19:54and you watched her drift away.
01:19:58You never thought
01:19:59that what you said
01:20:01could mess up
01:20:02someone else's head,
01:20:04but maybe you think
01:20:07now that she's gone.
01:20:11A young girl had to lose her life
01:20:14so that you could feel
01:20:15somewhat satisfied,
01:20:17in this sick and twisted world.
01:20:21You wouldn't think
01:20:22that a few young girls
01:20:24could do any harm,
01:20:27but look where we are.
01:20:30Now she's dancing up in heaven
01:20:34with no tears,
01:20:35no worry,
01:20:36no weight
01:20:37on her shoulders today.
01:20:45I've never felt
01:20:46that kind of pain,
01:20:49but I can't imagine
01:20:51how it feels
01:20:53to be a mom
01:20:55and lose her daughter
01:20:56and must feel so sorry.
01:21:00Like, how can she be gone?
01:21:03She blames herself
01:21:04for doing wrong,
01:21:06but I hope that she knows
01:21:09it ain't her fault.
01:21:12Even though she is gone,
01:21:16her story will forever live on.
01:21:24And I'm gonna say her name
01:21:30because no one deserves
01:21:33that kind of pain.
01:21:40Forever 13 had some big dreams
01:21:45and you took them all away.
01:21:52Oh, thank you.
01:22:01Oh, goodness.
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
01:22:16that you possess
01:22:17is quite incredible.
01:22:20The way you...
01:22:30The way you had your heart broken
01:22:32for someone you didn't even know,
01:22:35you know,
01:22:36and take that
01:22:39and basically say
01:22:43that something
01:22:47positive
01:22:47is going to come out of it
01:22:50and to potentially
01:22:52even think about
01:22:53all the people
01:22:54that hear that
01:22:56and see you
01:22:56and hear this story
01:22:57and maybe decide
01:23:02to change their mind
01:23:04about something.
01:23:05You know,
01:23:05it's pretty incredible.
01:23:07Yeah, the fact
01:23:08that she wrote about
01:23:09what you were going through,
01:23:11not knowing you
01:23:12shows a potential
01:23:14in you
01:23:15as a singer
01:23:16and a songwriter
01:23:17and someone
01:23:18that can really do
01:23:19a lot of good
01:23:20in this world.
01:23:22Yeah.
01:23:24I'm a yes.
01:23:27I don't even have
01:23:28to think about it.
01:23:28I'm a yes.
01:23:31A yes for me.
01:23:32Welcome to the class.
01:23:33Welcome to the class.
01:23:36Oh my God,
01:23:37thank you so much.
01:23:39You're special.
01:23:39You know that,
01:23:40man.
01:23:41Thank you so much.
01:23:44You're part of my
01:23:44biggest inspirations
01:23:46since I was
01:23:48seven years old.
01:23:49Well, now who's
01:23:50the inspiration?
01:23:52It's pretty incredible.
01:23:54Thank you so much.
01:24:06I've always dreamed
01:24:07of holding one of these
01:24:08in my hand
01:24:09and for it to be like this
01:24:10and to get it singing
01:24:12a song I wrote
01:24:13and a song I poured
01:24:14my whole heart into
01:24:15is insane.
01:24:28We pray for the one
01:24:31who's going to leave
01:24:32the class.
01:24:33It's you.
01:24:34Why have we not
01:24:35seen you yet?
01:24:36I have an announcement.
01:24:38I'm Brittany Bateman.
01:24:40The Real Housewives
01:24:42of Salt Lake City.
01:24:45You're crazy talented,
01:24:47crazy unbelievable.
01:24:48I don't even know
01:24:49if you know
01:24:50what you could
01:24:51be capable of.
01:24:52I don't think
01:24:53we've seen a star,
01:24:55star, star
01:24:55like you yet.
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