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American Idol - Season 24 - Episode 01: Auditions (1)
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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.
00:01:00Come on, class of 2026.
00:01:08First day of school.
00:01:12Who is ready to be an American Idol?
00:01:24What 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!
00:01:38It 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 world.
00:01:45First thing in the world.
00:01:45Idol University.
00:01:47Class is in session.
00:01:49Class 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?
00:01:56Gosh, this is crazy.
00:01:56I'm good.
00:01:57How are you all?
00:01:57Oh, my gosh.
00:01:58You look like my child.
00:02:00Here, look at this.
00:02:01Hold on.
00:02:01So, I took this picture of Bo the other day.
00:02:03I literally, like...
00:02:06Wow.
00:02:08Could that be...
00:02:09They could be brothers.
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 sounds like a star name.
00:02:21Yeah.
00:02:21Is that the real name?
00:02:22Yes, sir.
00:02:22But is it Leon or is it Leon?
00:02:25It'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.
00:02:40All 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 wonder are not lost of ways down the road.
00:03:09Oh, I just wonder what's the cost if you'd ever known.
00:03:14Cause I'm a young gun in North Forerunner, rolling down the coast.
00:03:22I'm coming down Route 66, city with her ghost.
00:03:28So run me to Arizona, Texas, Mexico.
00:03:36Set me by a desert fire.
00:03:40Let it be my home.
00:03:42And I ain't one for love.
00:03:46And I ain't one for love.
00:03:48And 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, I fell in love today.
00:04:12All right.
00:04:14All right.
00:04:15We're all standing.
00:04:16Thank you very much.
00:04:18Thanks.
00:04:19Oh, yeah.
00:04:19I'm loving it.
00:04:20Bring on out the bat, son.
00:04:23It's like your baby face and you're 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.
00:05:19Lionel.
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 me.
00:05:37Yeah, man.
00:05:37I love it.
00:05:39I love it.
00:05:40Take care.
00:05:44All right.
00:05:45That's it.
00:05:45Things are looking up.
00:05:47I'm really excited.
00:05:48Definitely hoping I can join on the Wikipedia page for Galveston Tennessee.
00:05:52That 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,
00:06:06I 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.
00:06:19Good job.
00:06:20Good job.
00:06:21Good job.
00:06:22Good job.
00:06:22Good 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 Keilah Richardson.
00:06:38I'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.
00:06:49Give me something.
00:06:49Do the thing.
00:06:50Life Shifting 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.
00:06:58Good morning.
00:07:00Good morning.
00:07:02I grew up in the church.
00:07:03Grew up singing.
00:07:06Good job.
00:07:07Cloud.
00:07:08Y'all found yourself good on the ground.
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.
00:07:22My 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.
00:07:26I 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.
00:08:00I love it.
00:08:01How are you?
00:08:02Great pants.
00:08:02My name is Keela Richardson.
00:08:04Keela Richardson.
00:08:05And where are you from?
00:08:05I'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.
00:08:20Yeah.
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.
00:08:39Well, what are you going to sing today?
00:08:41Glitter in the Air by Pink.
00:08:43Love it.
00:08:43Yeah.
00:08:44That's great.
00:08:44Have you ever fed a lover
00:08:47with just your hands?
00:08:52Oh.
00:08:54Close your eyes and trust it.
00:08:58Just trust it.
00:09:03And have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:09:09Oh.
00:09:11Oh.
00:09:13Oh.
00:09:14Have you ever looked fear in the face and said, I just don't care?
00:09:21Oh.
00:09:23Oh.
00:09:24Oh.
00:09:25you are sitting in the garden clutching my coffee calling me sugar
00:09:36you call me sugar
00:09:49calling me sugar
00:09:58interesting
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 you know gotcha one two i can imagine you on some songs where you would just blow the
00:10:15roof off of this place because of the range now is how much you don't give us what carrie said
00:10:21it's correct yes sir what's the lyrics to the first line in that course will you roll her into
00:10:27that and let me hear you sing that one more time and i'm going to give you one little thing
00:10:31let's
00:10:31see if she does that lick again close your eyes and trust in just trusting that's so pretty it's
00:10:45have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air stop that hey do it again right have you
00:10:57ever
00:10:57thrown a fistful of glitter in the air
00:11:17have you ever felt this way
00:11:23hey hey hey hey
00:11:27drop the mic drop the mic drop the mic who is this this is my son my dad oh boy
00:11:34hi miss carrie
00:11:34hi how are you did you hear your mom did you hear how great she did wow you know we
00:11:43love her
00:11:44hi mr lionel oh how are you so cool man hi mr luke hey buddy you see what your mama
00:11:53made me do
00:11:55oh man when you felt confident the way you just sang that with confidence
00:12:00confidence you have a voice that will make people stop in their tracks
00:12:06oh gosh i got like snot going on what's your name buddy drew that's carrie right there drew
00:12:14i know i watch american idol all the time boom there's a commercial right there i can't believe
00:12:20you're 29 and you haven't been in our life yet thank you that's wonderful thank you
00:12:27lana richie no excuse me it's mr lionel uh it's a yes for me thank you big oh yes for
00:12:35me thank you
00:12:36thank you oh yes congratulations thank you thank you thank you you're going through the hollywood
00:12:45oh my god thank you thank you so much thank you thank you do you sing drew i have a
00:12:51song that i know
00:12:52how to sing oh let's do it whoa whoa back on the oval wait here we go oh god oh
00:12:59god my man seems like
00:13:01he's ready to go uh what's the song drew it's called god only knows god only knows god only knows
00:13:09god only knows what you've been through god only knows what they say about you god only knows the real
00:13:16love you but that's the kind of love that god only knows
00:13:30i can't believe myself i think i'm in a dream
00:13:36yes my pride and joy right here this is what i do it for i'm gonna do it for him
00:13:40i'm so proud
00:13:41thank you thank you i'm proud of you too you're going to hollywood too but yeah yeah that may have
00:13:48been one of my favorite moments i've ever had on this show that was great god only knows what you've
00:13:55been
00:13:55through god only knows what they say about you god only knows the real you but that's the kind of
00:14:03love
00:14:03that god only knows god only knows i've been married a long time ago where did you come from where
00:14:17did you
00:14:18go where did you come from what's happening
00:14:49my name is jason r i'm 24 years old i'm from puquay green north carolina
00:14:54i'm here today with the texas tailgaters which is in the banana ball championship league
00:14:59might be familiar with the savannah bananas we play with them it's entertainment baseball
00:15:05they'll compare us to the harlem globetrotters a lot but it's very competitive too
00:15:11we'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 to keep the fans engaged the whole time and make sure they have fun come on now
00:15:32you're ready for the handy i got it pretty quick though awesome awesome how did i do oh you ought
00:15:39to
00:15:39see me pitch i think we can make that happen oh yeah i'm all good heck i slept on my
00:15:45arm wrong last
00:15:46night and fell asleep for three hours so uh all right well who are you my name is jason r
00:15:52i'm 24
00:15:52years old and i'm from fuquay verena north carolina what are you gonna sing for us i'm gonna sing
00:15:56far away by chris stapleton i love it all right you better be able to sing yes sir i'm right
00:16:04oh oh yeah well honey load up your questions pick up your sticks and your stones
00:16:16and pretend i'm a shelter for heartaches don't have a home
00:16:26and choose the words they cut like a razor
00:16:34and all that i'll say is
00:16:38oh no
00:16:48and take your best shot show me what you got honey i'm not afraid
00:16:57we're back and taking
00:17:02and fire away
00:17:21i want a team
00:17:26all right carrie you already got the gear on
00:17:29i do especially a tailgater
00:17:31that'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
00:17:46well if that if it's that easy to distract you no no no no no no no no no no
00:17:54no no don't don't don't
00:17:55don't do that don't don't all right all right all right so now listen you've got a nice voice yes
00:18:01sir
00:18:02you've got a distinguishable voice and we don't have anything like that yet thank you sir okay i
00:18:08think i've i've got my thoughts together very good i think my thing is if you do end up going
00:18:15forward it's just the taking this part of you seriously you know what i mean like you guys are
00:18:22obviously so much fun i love it and i want to feel you emote i want i want to hear
00:18:27more yes ma'am
00:18:29good i used to try to sing everything as loud as i could it took me years to kind of
00:18:33go you know
00:18:34i don't have to sing loud every time i can kind of calm it down so just think about that
00:18:37all right lonel
00:18:39yes
00:18:44come on that's an easy yes what are we what are we
00:18:52karen look over this way i got my own set of abs to stare at it
00:18:56yay not mine my husband there you go um i want to know who you are as an artist so
00:19:03i'll say yes
00:19:03yeah
00:19:05huge fan
00:19:07yes
00:19:12are you thought we were done okay
00:19:26it's a while yeah but that's the way we get down
00:19:39it was pretty crazy i'm not gonna lie
00:19:43he's still living his best life right now
00:19:47i didn't expect luke brian to bust a move like that but i guess you see something new every day
00:19:52that was good that was good that was fun i'm going to hollywood week
00:20:04the next class is going to teach us all what the future is going to be about and i'm so
00:20:08excited
00:20:08just to be on the front row of this one just a small town girl
00:20:28right now you're going to be a little boy
00:20:42and i'm my little boy
00:20:43And I'm doing this for my students to let them know that you can reach your goals never give up
00:20:49Don't stop believe that's my motto. Don't stop believe
00:20:59Street
00:21:13Don't stop believin'
00:21:19Love, love, love, love, love
00:21:24Your students are gonna hail you as the greatest thing that ever showed up in their lives. Wow.
00:21:31My cheeks hurt because I'm smiling so much. I'm just thinking about how lucky are the kids to have you.
00:21:37That's exactly right. Oh, let's vote. Carrie?
00:21:40Yay!
00:21:42Luke?
00:21:43Yes?
00:21:44And I'll go down low. Yes?
00:21:47Welcome to American Island. Thank you so much.
00:21:52Oh my God!
00:21:54Come on, Hollywood we am!
00:22:06I'm telling you
00:22:11Don't need that guy
00:22:15It's all black and white
00:22:17It's all black and white
00:22:18You're stealing your thunder
00:22:19Baby
00:22:21Blue
00:22:22Blue
00:22:22Blue
00:22:23Oh, that's a weird
00:22:24Blue
00:22:24No
00:22:25No
00:22:26Whatever I said
00:22:27I just feel like the piano playing like wasn't quite there for me
00:22:31I feel like it was distracting you a little bit
00:22:36It 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
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
00:23:01So I could sing before I could talk
00:23:03I 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 will
00:23:27Sing loud
00:23:28It's gonna be great
00:23:30Oh my goodness
00:23:32Well we know you
00:23:33What just happened?
00:23:35Hey
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?
00:23:44Emerson
00:23:45No
00:23:45No
00:23:46What have I been for the past 10 years?
00:23:49I grew up quick
00:23:4915 years
00:23:50Hey
00:23:51You got some explaining to do
00:23:52My 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
00:23:57Mississippi
00:23:58That's right
00:23:59About a week ago I'm doing the Grand Ole Opry again and he was there and he's like I want
00:24:04you to hear me sing and I was just blown away
00:24:06I texted immediately hey is it too late for an audition and 20 minutes later
00:24:11I'm sure you had some people pick up
00:24:13Got a little clout
00:24:14Yeah
00:24:14I love that
00:24:15Right
00:24:15He's one of a kind and I really believe in him
00:24:17Wow
00:24:18Brianna why don't you come over here with us?
00:24:20Okay
00:24:20Yeah
00:24:21Yeah
00:24:21Here 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
00:24:25How are you?
00:24:25Good to see you
00:24:26Hands are a little cold
00:24:27Nancy cheers
00:24:28Let you see it from this side
00:24:29Are you nervous?
00:24:30A little bit
00:24:30You seem cool as a cucumber
00:24:32Well thank you
00:24:33We ready?
00:24:34Let's do it!
00:24:36He's like
00:24:36Why don't we wait now people
00:24:39Let's go
00:24:39Come on Tate
00:24:40I'm going to be singing hard fought hallelujah
00:24:42By Brandon Lake
00:24:43Let's go
00:24:44All right
00:24:45Well I don't always feel it
00:24:58Yeah 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, hallelujah
00:25:43And I'll bring my storm tossed, torn sail
00:25:47Story to tell, hallelujah
00:25:53Oh hallelujah
00:25:58All right, all right
00:26:01First of all I'm really surprised at your guitar maneuverability at your age
00:26:09Thank you
00:26:09Can I do an exercise with you?
00:26:12Just let me hear you sing heartfelt hallelujah like
00:26:15I 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, don't worry about the guitar and 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 but 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 because we just saw it, we 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
00:27:12I was just like Tate
00:27:14Freaking out, I was so scared
00:27:18Gotta give him a chance, I promise
00:27:20I promise
00:27:23I trust you
00:27:24All right, I'm ready to vote
00:27:29An environment like this could be really beneficial to you
00:27:33So 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
00:27:49I'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
00:28:02I'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
00:28:11No pressure at all
00:28:14I'm pretty nervous
00:28:16I kind of feel sick
00:28:18It's gonna be great, it's gonna be good
00:28:24It's too soon
00:28:25Okay
00:28:27I'm a no
00:28:28Okay
00:28:28Thank 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, yes sir
00:28:35I do, I promise
00:28:38Thank you, brother
00:28:39I appreciate you so much
00:28:41And I love you
00:28:41Thank you
00:28:42Thank you for your input
00:28:44Keep doing what you're doing
00:28:45Exactly what you're doing
00:28:46Keep just giving glory where glory is due
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
00:28:53My 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
00:29:14Not this time
00:29:15Not this time
00:29:16Not this time
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
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
00:29:46Just when they're looking at you
00:29:48And they 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
00:30:02Grammy-nominated Jamal
00:30:04We've raised the bar to the point
00:30:05Where we're going to 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 artist
00:30:14Somebody said
00:30:16Pray for me
00:30:17I'm asking for
00:30:18Lionel, they rehearsed that somewhere
00:30:20We're not
00:30:22If we were to go out dancing
00:30:23Let me show you what would happen
00:30:24Idol University class 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, man
00:30:35We're going to Hollywood
00:30:38We've had ten people today
00:30:40That look like they'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
00:30:48And 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
00:30:58Hello
00:30:58How are you doing?
00:31:00Good, how 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 ever since I was little
00:31:12With my brother and sister
00:31:14We would pull up karaoke tracks
00:31:16And we would just sing with each other
00:31:18And since then I did choirs in school
00:31:21If you haven't noticed
00:31:22I 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
00:31:38And it's something that I've struggled with since elementary school
00:31:46It 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
00:31:56So it was definitely hard
00:32:00Singing has always felt freeing for me
00:32:02Because when I sing I don't stutter
00:32:04When I sang it was a way for me to express myself
00:32:07In a way where I didn't have to worry about being embarrassed
00:32:09Or what people would think
00:32:10Or somebody would laugh
00:32:11So it was an outlet for me
00:32:14When I was little
00:32:14And it's still an outlet for me now
00:32:16Hey, child
00:32:17Things are okay
00:32:20That's okay
00:32:22Walking 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
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 you, 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 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, you know, 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
00:33:04For sure
00:33:05And you can tell that you are a good big brother
00:33:07Well, 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
00:33:14I'm gonna 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
00:33:45And now 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 wanna say goodbye
00:34:21This one means forever
00:34:24And now you're in the stars
00:34:28And six feet's never felt 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
00:35:22Because 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 beautiful
00:35:41Problem? What problem?
00:35:42You don't have a problem
00:35:43The only thing wrong with you is
00:35:45You 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?
00:35:50Hi
00:35:52Hi
00:35:54Look at that
00:35:55I love you
00:35:57I love you
00:35:58I think we can vote
00:35:59Yes, indeed
00:36:01Yes
00:36:05Yes
00:36:05Yes
00:36:06I think you could go really far
00:36:08In this competition
00:36:09We just haven't had voices like yours
00:36:11Coming through those doors
00:36:13I'm really excited
00:36:14To give you a big old yes
00:36:16And see what you've all done with it
00:36:17Thanks, Gary
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
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
00:36:36How it should
00:36:37Boy's got a pretty voice
00:36:39Oh, yes
00:36:39I'm going to Hollywood week
00:36:41Woo!
00:36:42Love you
00:36:43Love you, too
00:36:43You could do anything you put your mind to
00:36:46And 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 be all right, kid
00:36:55You're going to Hollywood week, my friend
00:36:57And
00:37:00All right
00:37:01You have 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
00:37:24This is going to be so much fun
00:37:26We work down on you
00:37:29Now you are going to wind Luke up a little bit
00:37:31To get Carrie, right?
00:37:32Yeah, yeah, yeah
00:37:33So we're going to put an earpiece 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
00:37:46I can meet you
00:37:51You want a safe word?
00:37:52What's our safe word, Luke?
00:37:53The safe word is hot chicken
00:37:55Don'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
00:38:06Hey, Carrie, how much do you think I can bench press?
00:38:11Carrie, 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
00:38:45And 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?
00:38:54You're in your bathroom break
00:38:55Let's see what you got
00:38:57Let's see what you got
00:39:00Pass
00:39:02Pass
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
00:39:12I'll do it
00:39:12We are the world right now
00:39:13We are the world
00:39:14No, no
00:39:16There comes a time
00:39:17Somebody come and 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's on lovin' me
00:39:37Loves me the way I
00:39:43She's not just along for the ride
00:39:46She keeps on lovin' me
00:39:50And I keep on wonderin' why
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?
00:40:13Carrie, 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 was wrong
00:40:54Business as usual
00:41:00I think that should just be like our exclamatory word
00:41:03That should be our bottle for the school class
00:41:05Hot chicken
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
00:41:33It's celebrating the auditions in Nashville
00:41:35We do it all
00:41:40My
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
00:42:06You'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
00:42:28Because you're my
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, Rob
00:42:47I'm going to go with the pickles
00:42:51Yeah
00:42:53My 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
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 a million people with me
00:43:09Oh my god, Kyle
00:43:11Oh no
00:43:13I feel he broke this table
00:43:17Oh Genevieve
00:43:18Oh my god
00:43:20I love pickles
00:43:21Who doesn't?
00:43:23Sweet 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
00:43:34Girl, you tell
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 whipping it out today for me
00:43:43Put me in a pickle more than once
00:43:48What are you going to sing for us?
00:43:49So today I'm going to be doing Magic Man by Heart
00:43:52Oh, you're kidding
00:43:54Okay, let's hear it
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 cried on the phone
00:44:33Just 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
00:44:47Try
00:44:50Try
00:44:50Try
00:44:51Try
00:44:52Try
00:44:52To understand
00:44:55He's a magic man
00:45:02Great
00:45:03There you go
00:45:04Oh my God, that one was standing for me
00:45:05What the heck
00:45:06Thank you
00:45:07I mean, that's a tall order right there
00:45:09That's a tip
00:45:10It takes some pickles
00:45:14To cover that
00:45:15To cover that
00:45:16I gave them this morning
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
00:45:27Yeah
00:45:28Carrie's funny
00:45:28Carrie 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
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
00:45:43It's just don't think
00:45:44Just let your voice do what it's supposed to do
00:45:46Cool
00:45:46All right
00:45:47Carrie, what's your vote?
00:45:48My vote is yes
00:45:50Wow
00:45:51Luke
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
00:45:56Yes
00:45:57Oh my God
00:45:59If they all have their shirts on
00:46:02Wow
00:46:02Woo
00:46:03Woo
00:46:04Pickle girl
00:46:06Pickle girl
00:46:07Pickle girl
00:46:08Pickle girl
00:46:08Pickle girl
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
00:46:24Woo
00:46:25Ah
00:46:26That was very good
00:46:28I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I could be
00:46:38Hot chicken
00:46:39Hot chicken
00:46:40Hot chicken
00:46:40Hot chicken
00:46:44You know this one?
00:46:46I do
00:46:47It's who I'm going to be the best description box
00:46:48Sharey
00:46:49Sharey baby
00:46:54Sharey baby
00:46:56Shall we say
00:46:58Sharey baby
00:47:02Sharey baby
00:47:09Will you come out tonight?
00:47:18That's not an easy one to pull off.
00:47:20It's not.
00:47:21I like the Frankie.
00:47:22I'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
00:47:31that's just not what this is.
00:47:33So it's a no for this, but a yes for you.
00:47:36There you go.
00:47:37And just keep being awesome.
00:47:43Oh, goodness.
00:47:44Oh, did I get that?
00:47:45Yeah.
00:47:46Oh, yeah, you did.
00:47:49This year we have a very unique talent.
00:47:53Hi, guys.
00:47:54I'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 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.
00:48:17It'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.
00:48:48Sometimes people that are a little left of center, you have to maybe work on them on the fly.
00:48:54They 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 bust the windows out your car.
00:49:18I feel like you deserve a shot to bring the bigger no.
00:49:22It's so I 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, and I will not be disappointed at all.
00:49:31I'm a no.
00:49:33Really?
00:49:33I 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.
00:50:05So, 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.
00:50:23Um, I've never really performed.
00:50:32Ain't all right.
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 all right?
00:50:49I was just looking at this article on the next generation of Excelers.
00:50:55Oh, yeah?
00:50:56I like trains.
00:50:58You sleep good?
00:51:00Yeah.
00:51:01For the last two 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 all right.
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,
00:51:34and that was one way where we could both practice speaking from the heart.
00:51:38But it's still all right.
00:51:39Woo-hoo!
00:51:41It would help her learn her words back, and it would 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.
00:51:56Standing out on a list with no way to get down.
00:52:01Music is one thing that you can't forget.
00:52:03I think your town is far above most people.
00:52:12Next week, I'm going to Nashville to try out for American Idol and 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 the celebrity judges are just more of my friends
00:52:29and residents.
00:52:30I think you're going to do fine if you play like that.
00:52:34I 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.
00:52:47What you got?
00:52:48What you singing?
00:52:49Your Place at My Place by Joshua Sloan.
00:52:51Okay, perfect.
00:53:09I'm running out of ways to fix us.
00:53:13I thought I loved you.
00:53:14It was only just a mix-up.
00:53:17That's what you said when you were crying because you missed us.
00:53:21You don't even know how bad I wish I could fix us.
00:53:28Here's now it's too late.
00:53:31So much for another soulmate.
00:53:36You should have known you only get one, babe.
00:53:40Nobody's ever taken your place in my place.
00:53:45I'm running out of ways to fix us.
00:53:48I thought I loved you.
00:53:50It was only just a mix-up.
00:53:52That's what you said when you were crying because you missed us.
00:53:57You don't even know how bad I wish I could fix trust.
00:54:01I thought I loved you.
00:54:02That's what you said when you were crying because I could miss me.
00:54:03Wow.
00:54:06Wow.
00:54:08Wow.
00:54:09Wow.
00:54:09Woo!
00:54:10Wow.
00:54:11Wow.
00:54:12Gosh.
00:54:13I just want to hear more.
00:54:15Yeah.
00:54:16You haven't played out much.
00:54:18And why is that?
00:54:19I'm working too much.
00:54:21Well, stop doing that.
00:54:23Do you understand why we're so excited?
00:54:25Do you understand why?
00:54:27No.
00:54:28Man, no matter what you sing, it's going to be beautifully unique.
00:54:33Yeah.
00:54:34Everybody kind of sounds like somebody else or is emulating someone else.
00:54:38So when you kind of meet somebody, that you're a unicorn.
00:54:43It's one of one.
00:54:44That's really cool.
00:54:46Thank you so much.
00:54:46What's your favorite song to sing at the place you work?
00:54:50Probably Knock It On Heaven's Door.
00:54:52Let's hear it.
00:54:53Wow.
00:54:57I'm going to take this badge off of me.
00:55:21I can't use it anymore.
00:55:29It's getting dark, too dark to see.
00:55:36I feel I'm knocking on heaven's door.
00:55:45Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door.
00:55:54Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door.
00:56:01Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door.
00:56:09Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door.
00:56:13Oh, my God.
00:56:18Oh, that's so good.
00:56:20That's so good.
00:56:20That's so good, man.
00:56:22Oh, that's so good.
00:56:23So good.
00:56:23Thank you so much.
00:56:24So good.
00:56:25You have a unique style all your own.
00:56:28I have not heard another voice like this ever.
00:56:32Congratulations.
00:56:33Thank you so much.
00:56:33This is major, major stuff here.
00:56:35Thank you so much.
00:56:35Did you watch the show last year?
00:56:37Yeah.
00:56:38Do you remember Thunderstorm?
00:56:39Yeah.
00:56:40Well, he's over there.
00:56:41That's him over there listening to you.
00:56:42We've been having people dropping by.
00:56:44It's fun.
00:56:45What do you think, Thunderstorm?
00:56:46Man, it's amazing, dude.
00:56:48Like, your voice is crazy.
00:56:49Isn't that great?
00:56:50I'm obsessed, brother.
00:56:52Thank you so much.
00:56:53Thunderstorm, you want to vote?
00:56:56That's all yeses from me.
00:56:58You don't get a yes.
00:56:59I don't know what's going on.
00:57:02Oh, man, thank you for being in our life.
00:57:05I mean, it's like when you hear Van Morrison.
00:57:07Yeah, real iconic.
00:57:09Crazy.
00:57:09I think it's another countdown, right?
00:57:11Yeah.
00:57:12One, two, three.
00:57:13You're going to Hollywood Week.
00:57:18Thank you so much.
00:57:22I can't rest.
00:57:25Oh, I'm so proud of you.
00:57:27I've always been shy and insecure.
00:57:29So hearing compliments from people as big as the judges
00:57:33really means something.
00:57:34And that will forever be with me.
00:57:36We are so lucky, guys.
00:57:38Oh, there's choices, too.
00:57:39There's choices on me.
00:57:40Oh.
00:57:41We're so lucky.
00:57:43That's crazy.
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?
00:58:14I'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 rich, dude.
00:58:31Legend card.
00:58:31What is that?
00:58:33I 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.
00:58:44Oh, my gosh.
00:58:44Are you excited?
00:58:45Yes.
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'd never wanted to be a lawyer or a doctor, or I just wanted to do music.
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
00:59:32kind of, like, understand, you know, what you've written about or what you're singing
00:59:36about, and that's my favorite part about it.
00:59:40How are you?
00:59:42I'm great.
00:59:42How are y'all?
00:59:43Good.
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.
00:59:53Hey, that's really fun.
00:59:54There 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.
01:00:23Cool.
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.
01:00:43Wow.
01:00:50Every time I walk out of the house, 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.
01:01:11Thought I was a fighter.
01:01:15But I'm still in the fire.
01:01:17And 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.
01:01:43But 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.
01:02:09I'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, my 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?
01:03:17Like, right now, we're in...
01:03:20Well, then, there's your answer.
01:03:22I mean, it's up to Lana.
01:03:23We still have one more dog in the fight.
01:03:26Say yes, say yes.
01:03:27I 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.
01:03:55Can I hug you?
01:03:56Oh, my God.
01:03:57That 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.
01:04:14Yeah.
01:04:15Okay.
01:04:17Perjay, fill this room up.
01:04:20I'm just being honest.
01:04:22Yeah.
01:04:24I'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.
01:04:34Yeah.
01:04:35Yeah.
01:04:36If 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.
01:04:54Good.
01:04:54Oh, you're so great.
01:04:55Good.
01:04:56Oh, that was so great.
01:04:57Sorry, I'm just going.
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.
01:05:18Good.
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 you all.
01:05:42All right, we'll see you back here.
01:05:43All right.
01:05:45Thank you all.
01:05:45You all have a great day.
01:05:46All right.
01:05:46Thank you, baby.
01:05:48I'm doing my best, but my best it just doesn't.
01:05:53I got to know.
01:05:55No.
01:05:56I'm so proud of you.
01:05:58It's okay.
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
01:06:06-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 at home again.
01:06:26It might be today, and it might be tomorrow, when I wash my hands of the shame that I've borrowed.
01:06:58Give me a second, and I'll make it out of this woman.
01:07:29I'm sorry to unload like this.
01:07:34I 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.
01:07:55I love your voice.
01:07:56Felt like we were in your world when things kind of took off.
01:08:01And hitting those, maybe 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.
01:08:22I 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 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!
01:08:40Wait, can I, like, can I shake your hands?
01:08:43You guys are so cool.
01:08:44Oh, you are so cool.
01:08:46Good job.
01:08:47Thank you guys so much.
01:08:48Yeah.
01:08:49Congratulations.
01:08:54Oh, my gosh.
01:08:56Oh, 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.
01:09:11And to be able to sing with you, it was absolutely so inspiring.
01:09:15You're so sweet.
01:09:16Just to be able to meet you.
01:09:17You're so sweet.
01:09:19I love you.
01:09:20I love you, babe.
01:09:22We're besties now.
01:09:23We're friends, okay?
01:09:24This is what it feels like.
01:09:26We both got this.
01:09:27Yeah.
01:09:30Group selfie.
01:09:32Oh, leave me at.
01:09:35Oh, Lionel, is that you?
01:09:38This next kid went viral because he's posting, singing from the shower.
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, Brian, is.
01:09:55And 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 going to not watch him sing.
01:10:07So just make him feel comfortable.
01:10:08Yeah, we've got to ease him into this.
01:10:12I hear him walking.
01:10:13I hear him.
01:10:14It's getting close.
01:10:17Life with Bryant is...
01:10:19Oh, I'm going to cry.
01:10:20Sorry.
01:10:20I'm going to pull it together.
01:10:28He's 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 can't see you.
01:10:54Okay.
01:10:55All right, who are you?
01:10:56My name is 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.
01:11:21So...
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?
01:11:44When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh.
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, there's just an empty space, and 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, there's just an empty space, but you coming back to me is against
01:12:27the odds, but it's what I've got to face.
01:12:33Hey!
01:12:36So I'll still be standing here, and you coming back to me is against all odds, but it's what I've
01:12:46got to face.
01:12:53All right.
01:12:57Take a look at me now.
01:13:05Wow, wow, wow, wow.
01:13:06End.
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.
01:13:24That's great.
01:13:26You're still kind of covered because you got your shades on, but I get it.
01:13:29There's the full reveal.
01:13:30Oh, wow.
01:13:33Carrie, what 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.
01:13:41It's incredible.
01:13:42It really is.
01:13:43Even over there behind a pillar, you 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.
01:13:56Um, you'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.
01:14:14Great job and really, really soulful voice.
01:14:18Oh, I 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?
01:14:26Well, I think for the University of Idol, I would deem it very excited to put you in as part
01:14:33of this class.
01:14:34It's a yes for me.
01:14:36I'm a heck yes.
01:14:38Woo-woo!
01:14:38I'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.
01:14:54Center in.
01:14:54There you go.
01:14:55Well, he's going through the Hollywood week, and 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.
01:15:02Yes.
01:15:06Oh!
01:15:11So I told you, you 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 going to do this.
01:15:23And I just want you to know that, like, my journey started with you, and it's going to end with
01:15:27you.
01:15:28And I promise you that.
01:15:31So can you say something?
01:15:33Yes, yes, yes, yes.
01:15:36Oh, congratulations.
01:15:39Only on American Idol.
01:15:41Oh, my God.
01:15:44This 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.
01:15:55Way to go.
01:15:57I mean, how did you sing knowing you had to do that?
01:16:02I'm telling you something right now.
01:16:03With the voice you have, the sky can be the limit of where you're going.
01:16:07Congratulations, man.
01:16:10We're getting married!
01:16:13I've been behind the scenes, and I feel like I'm made for the stage and the spotlights.
01:16:18So I'm ready to assume my role in the front of this boat and take us all the way home.
01:16:25That was good.
01:16:26Yeah.
01:16:30Awesome day, y'all.
01:16:32It was a good day.
01:16:33I must tell you, the class is getting very impressive, and each one unique unto themselves.
01:16:41That's what makes it so beautiful.
01:16:44All right.
01:16:46Hello.
01:16:47Hi.
01:16:48How 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 am here to introduce Chloe.
01:17:00Chloe is a young girl who, about a year ago, wrote and performed a song in honor of my daughter,
01:17:06Aubrey, that we lost to suicide in 2023.
01:17:10Ah.
01:17:11Sorry.
01:17:12Yeah.
01:17:12So sorry for your loss.
01:17:15That is just, oh, unimaginable.
01:17:18Here's an original song that I wrote dedicated to Aubrey Wyatt called Forever 13.
01:17:23I first heard Chloe's song about a year ago and immediately cried.
01:17:28It was beautiful.
01:17:29It was what Aubrey had gone through.
01:17:34Forever 13 had some big dreams in you.
01:17:43Aubrey, um, is my forever 13-year-old daughter.
01:17:49Um, she is bright, beautiful, talented, um, and she endured years of bullying, social media pressures, and took her life
01:18:01September 4th, 2023.
01:18:13Um, just very unexpected.
01:18:23Something kept telling me to write that song, so I did.
01:18:25You didn't know her?
01:18:26I hadn't.
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 did just relate.
01:18:31I just, I don't know.
01:18:32I felt it so much in my heart to write this song.
01:18:34Chloe does not know that I'm here today.
01:18:36I have not met Chloe, so this will be the first time meeting her and thanking her for the song.
01:18:41Oh, my God.
01:18:49Oh, my God.
01:18:52Oh, my God.
01:18:54Oh, my God.
01:18:58This means the world of me.
01:19:00You don't even know.
01:19:03Oh, my God.
01:19:03This is Chloe.
01:19:04Oh, my God.
01:19:05Hi.
01:19:05Hi, Chloe.
01:19:06Hi.
01:19:07Sorry.
01:19:07No, you're great.
01:19:09Do you want to tell us your name?
01:19:11Tell us a little bit about yourself.
01:19:13All right.
01:19:14My name is Chloe Grace.
01:19:15I'm 15 years old, and I'm from Jacksonville, Florida.
01:19:18I went through some of the things Aubrey had went through, and it was really hard.
01:19:21So I was like, if I could write something that could just very small help someone, then
01:19:25it's totally worth me writing this song.
01:19:27The music is very powerful, and it can help let people know that they're not alone.
01:19:32So we're excited to hear the song.
01:19:42She was only 13, had some big dreams, and you took them all away.
01:19:50She had her whole life ahead of her, and you watched her drift away.
01:19:58You never thought that what you said could mess up someone else's head, but maybe you think
01:20:07now 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.
01:20:29Now she's dancing up in heaven with no tears, no worry, no weight on her shoulders today.
01:20:45I've never felt that kind of pain, but I can't imagine how it feels.
01:20:53To be a mom and lose her daughter, it must feel so certain.
01:21:00Like how can she be gone?
01:21:03She blames herself for doing wrong, but I hope that she knows it ain't her fault.
01:21:11Even though she is gone, her story will forever live on.
01:21:23And I'm gonna say her name, cause 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.
01:22:01Oh, 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 that you possess is quite incredible.
01:22:20The way you...
01:22:24Cause what if I, what if I let you...
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.
01:22:50And to potentially even think about all the people that hear that and see you and hear this story.
01:22:57And maybe decide to change their mind about something.
01:23:05You know, it's pretty, pretty incredible.
01:23:08Yeah, the fact that she wrote about what you were going through, not knowing you,
01:23:12shows a potential in you as a singer and a songwriter and someone that can really do a lot of
01:23:20good in this world.
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.
01:23:31A yes for me.
01:23:32Welcome to the class.
01:23:33Welcome to the class.
01:23:36Oh my 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.
01:23:46Since I was seven years old.
01:23:49Well, now who's the inspiration?
01:23:52It's pretty incredible.
01:23:53Thank you so much.
01:24:06I've always dreamed of holding one of these in my hand and for it to be like this.
01:24:10And to get 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 going to leave the class.
01:24:33It's you.
01:24:34Why 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.
01:24:58We're.
01:25:00We're.
01:25:01We're.
01:25:02We're.
01:25:03You
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