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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?
00:09:11Oh.
00:09:13Oh.
00:09:14Oh.
00:09:14Oh.
00:09:14Oh.
00:09:15Oh.
00:09:20Oh.
00:09:22Oh.
00:09:24Oh.
00:09:26Oh.
00:09:28Oh.
00:09:29I'm watching my coffee, calling me sugar.
00:09:36You call me sugar.
00:09:49Calling me sugar.
00:09:55Interesting.
00:09:59Dang.
00:10:01If there's one thing I could tell you,
00:10:05it's that sometimes just let it breathe a little bit.
00:10:08You know?
00:10:09Got you.
00:10:09One, two, three.
00:10:11I can imagine you on some songs where you would just blow the roof off of this place because of
00:10:16the range.
00:10:17Yes, sir.
00:10:18Now is how much you don't give us what Carrie said is correct.
00:10:22Yes, sir.
00:10:22What's the lyrics to the first line in that chorus?
00:10:25Will you roll her into that?
00:10:27And let me hear you sing that one more time and I'm going to give you one little thing.
00:10:31Let's see if she does that lick again.
00:10:36Close your eyes and trust in, just trust in.
00:10:43That's so pretty.
00:10:45That's great.
00:10:45Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:10:53Stop that.
00:10:54Do it again.
00:10:55Right.
00:10:56Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
00:11:03Woo!
00:11:04Keep going.
00:11:06It's only half past the point of no return.
00:11:10The tip of the iceberg, the fire before the burn.
00:11:15The thunder before the lightning and the breath before the phrase.
00:11:19Have you ever felt this way?
00:11:27Drop the mic.
00:11:29Drop the mic.
00:11:30Drop the mic.
00:11:31Who is this?
00:11:31This is my son and my dad.
00:11:33Oh, boy.
00:11:34Hi, Miss Carrie.
00:11:35Hi.
00:11:36How are you?
00:11:37Good.
00:11:38Good.
00:11:38Did you hear your mom?
00:11:39Did you hear how great she did?
00:11:41Wow.
00:11:42You know we love her.
00:11:44Man.
00:11:44Hi, Mr. Lionel.
00:11:45Oh, how are you?
00:11:47Good.
00:11:47So cool, man.
00:11:49Hi, Mr. Luke.
00:11:50Hey, buddy.
00:11:52Hi, Mr. Luke.
00:11:53You see what your mama made me do?
00:11:55Oh, man.
00:11:57When you felt confident, the way you just sang that with confidence, you have a voice that
00:12:02will make people stop in their tracks.
00:12:06Great stop.
00:12:06Woo!
00:12:07Gosh, I got like snot going on.
00:12:09I do, too.
00:12:10What's your name, buddy?
00:12:11Drew.
00:12:12That's Carrie right there, Drew.
00:12:14I know.
00:12:14I watch American Idol all the time.
00:12:17Woo!
00:12:18There's a commercial right there.
00:12:19I can't believe you're 29 and you hadn't been in our life yet.
00:12:23I know.
00:12:24That's wonderful.
00:12:26Yes.
00:12:27Lionel Richie?
00:12:28No, excuse me.
00:12:29It's Mr. Lionel.
00:12:30Mr. Lionel.
00:12:31It's a yes from me.
00:12:34Big old yes from me.
00:12:37Oh, yes.
00:12:38Congratulations.
00:12:40You're going through the Hollywood week.
00:12:42Come on.
00:12:43Come on.
00:12:43Come on.
00:12:43Come on.
00:12:45Oh, my God.
00:12:47Thank you so much, y'all.
00:12:49Do you sing, Drew?
00:12:51I have a song that I know how to sing.
00:12:53What?
00:12:54Let's do it.
00:12:55What song is it?
00:12:56Back on the Oval.
00:12:57Back on the Oval.
00:12:58Come on.
00:12:58Oh, God.
00:12:59Oh, God.
00:13:00My man seems like he's ready to go.
00:13:02What's the song, Drew?
00:13:03It's called God Only Knows.
00:13:05God Only Knows.
00:13:06God Only Knows.
00:13:08God only knows what you've been through.
00:13:11God only knows what they say about you.
00:13:14God only knows the real you.
00:13:17And that's the kind of love that God only knows.
00:13:23That was great.
00:13:25What was that move?
00:13:26What was that move, Drew?
00:13:29Just picking those notes out.
00:13:31I can't believe myself.
00:13:32I think I'm in a dream.
00:13:35He is.
00:13:36My pride and joy right here.
00:13:38This is who I do it for.
00:13:39I'm gonna do it for him.
00:13:40I'm so proud.
00:13:41Thank you, Drew.
00:13:42I'm proud of you, too.
00:13:43You're going to Hollywood, too, bud.
00:13:44Yeah.
00:13:45And I sung, too.
00:13:47That may have been one of my favorite moments
00:13:50I've ever had on this show.
00:13:51That was great.
00:13:53God only knows what you've been through.
00:13:56God only knows what they say about you.
00:13:59God only knows the real you.
00:14:02But that's the kind of love that God only knows.
00:14:06God only knows what you've been through.
00:14:12But I've been with Cat-Nagio.
00:14:15I've been married a long time ago.
00:14:16Where did you come from?
00:14:17Where did you go?
00:14:18Where did you come from, Cat-Nagio?
00:14:22I've been married a long time ago.
00:14:23Where did you come from?
00:14:25What's happening?
00:14:49my name is jason art 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 keep the fans engaged the whole 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 green in north carolina what are you going to sing for us i'm going to
00:15:56sing fire away by chris stapleton love it all right you better be able to sing yes sir right
00:16:03oh 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 that cut like a razor
00:16:34and all that i'll say is fire
00:16:43away oh no
00:16:45come on come on come on and take your best shot show me what you got honey i'm not afraid
00:16:57rear back and take it
00:17:03and fire away
00:17:22i want a team all right carrie you already got the gear on especially a tailgater
00:17:31yeah 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
00:17:46if it's that easy to distract you no no no no no no no no no no no don't don't
00:17:55don't do that don't
00:17:56don't all right all right all right all right so now listen
00:18:00you've got a nice voice yes sir you've got a distinguishable voice and we don't have anything
00:18:05like that yet thank you sir okay i think i've i've i got my thoughts together very good i think
00:18:12my
00:18:12thing is if you do end up going forward it's just the taking this part of you seriously you know
00:18:21what
00:18:21i mean like you guys are obviously so much fun i love it and i want to feel you emote
00:18:25i want i want
00:18:27to hear more yes ma'am good i used to try to sing everything as loud as i could it
00:18:32took me years to
00:18:32kind of go you know i don't have to sing loud every time i can kind of calm it down
00:18:36so just think
00:18:37about that all right lonel yes come on that's easy yes what are we what are we what are we
00:18:48the pressure oh look at it oh no no no karen karen look over this way i got my own
00:18:55set of abs to
00:18:55stare at it not mine my husband um i want to know who you are as an artist so i'll
00:19:03say yes
00:19:03yeah
00:19:07yes
00:19:11you thought we were done okay
00:19:37it was pretty crazy
00:19:41i'm not going to lie you should be living his best life right now
00:19:48i didn't expect luke bryan 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
00:20:13allowing you toiel and i wanna have time to give your favorite life of this one to be aware
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 believing. That's my motto. Don't stop believing.
00:20:54Don't stop believing. Hold on to that feeling. Oh, streetlight people.
00:21:06Oh, don't stop believing.
00:21:19Love, love, love, love, love. Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing that ever showed up
00:21:30in their lives.
00:21:30My cheeks hurt because I'm smiling so much.
00:21:34I'm just thinking about how lucky are the kids to have you.
00:21:37That's exactly right. Oh, let's vote. Carrie. Yes. Luke. Yes.
00:21:44And I'll go down low. Yes. Don't stop believing.
00:21:48Welcome to American Idol. Thank you so much.
00:21:52Hold on to that feeling.
00:21:55We're on Hollywood Week. Yeah.
00:22:06I'm telling you, don't need that guy. No black and white. Stealing your thunder.
00:22:21Baby. Blue. Blue. Blue. That's a weird. Blue. No. No. Whatever. I'll stop.
00:22:27I just feel like the piano playing, like, wasn't quite there for me. I feel like it was distracting you
00:22:33a little bit.
00:22:36It was distracting. It was taking away from your vocals.
00:22:39That's not my audition song, Carrie.
00:22:44Wow. Look at this. Praise the Lord. This is awesome.
00:22:47My name is Tate Emmons. I'm 15 years old, and I'm from a real small town called Lake, Mississippi.
00:22:55We knew from a young age that Tate was extremely talented in what he could do.
00:23:00So I could sing before I could talk.
00:23:06I was three years old at my church, singing Jesus Loves Me. I'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. You're going to kill it.
00:23:27Lord will. Sing loud. It'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.
00:23:40All right. You'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. I'm 15 years old. I'm from a small town called Lake, Mississippi.
00:23:57All right.
00:23:58Mississippi.
00:23:58That's right.
00:23:59About a week ago, I'm doing the Grand Ole Opry again, and he was there, and he's like,
00:24:04I want you to hear me sing, and I was just blown away. I texted immediately, hey, is it
00:24:08too late for an audition? And 20 minutes later-
00:24:11I'm sure you had some people pick up.
00:24:13Yeah.
00:24:13Got a little clout.
00:24:14I love that.
00:24:15Right? He'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.
00:24:21Yeah.
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'm going to 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?
00:24:34Let's do it.
00:24:36He's like, why don't we wait on people like us?
00:24:39Wait, there's a slowdown now.
00:24:39Let's go.
00:24:40Come on, Tate.
00:24:41I'm going to be singing Hard Fault Hallelujah by Brandon Lake.
00:24:44Let's go.
00:24:44All right.
00:24:54Well, I don't always feel it.
00:24:59Yeah, but that's when I need it the most.
00:25:04So I'ma keep on singing Till my soul catches up with my song
00:25:14There's days that my hands go up freely Times that it comes
00:25:24There's days that a praise comes out easy Days that it takes all the strength I've got
00:25:32But I'll bring my heart-fought, heart-failed Been through it, hallelujah
00:25:43And I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sailed Story to tell, hallelujah
00:25:53Oh, hallelujah
00:26:02First of all, I'm really surprised at your guitar maneuverability at your age.
00:26:09Can I do an exercise with you?
00:26:12Just let me hear you sing Heart Fault Hallelujah like, I mean, I want to hear you give it all
00:26:18on the chorus, you know You don't have to play it either
00:26:21You don't have to play it either Just close your eyes, don't worry about the guitar
00:26:24and sing, sing, sing Worship
00:26:25So I'll bring my heart-fought, heart-failed It is well, hallelujah
00:26:33I think guitar, you're perfect But vocally, it does really, really feel even a little younger
00:26:42than 15 to me Which is a predicament
00:26:48I understand exactly what you fell in love with because we just saw it
00:26:52We heard it It's when do we throw you out there
00:26:57Our biggest thing is, is all of our mama and daddy hearts are looking at you saying
00:27:04Do we wreck this kid by feeding him to the entertainment industry?
00:27:10I remember a year ago when I came in, I was just like Tate, freaking out
00:27:14I was so scared
00:27:15Gotta give him a chance, I promise
00:27:20I promise
00:27:23I trust you, Lord
00:27:25All right, I'm ready to vote
00:27:29An environment like this could be really beneficial to you
00:27:32So 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
00:28:02I'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
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 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
00:28:43Keep 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
00:28:54My 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
00:29:14Not this time
00:29:15Not this time
00:29:16Not this time
00:29:17Not 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 every single year
00:29:24Well, I'm always gonna listen to your opinion
00:29:27So I'll always pray about it
00:29:28But the 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, that's right
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
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 as judges
00:30:00After Jamal
00:30:01Grammy nominated Jamal
00:30:04We've raised the bar to the point where
00:30:06We're gonna be looking for that next level
00:30:09That instantly goes from American 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
00:30:20Wait, guys
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
00:30:35We are going to Hollywood
00:30:38We've had 10 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 gonna 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
00:30:58How 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
00:31:26Kind of my love for singing came
00:31:30I've had a stutter
00:31:32Ever since I was little
00:31:38And it's something that I've struggled with
00:31:41Since elementary school
00:31:43It was something embarrassing for me
00:31:48It was something that I really had a hard time with
00:31:50I wouldn't raise my hand in school
00:31:51And it was just something that made me feel alone
00:31:54And something that I felt like I had to hide
00:31:56So 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 sing it was a way for me to express myself
00:32:07In a way where I didn't have to worry about
00:32:08Being embarrassed or what people would think
00:32:10Or somebody would laugh
00:32:11So it was an outlet for me when 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 struggled with
00:32:30In the past
00:32:32It's all led me here
00:32:33And I can do whatever I want
00:32:35If I work hard
00:32:38I've come a long way with it
00:32:39And I'm like
00:32:40It doesn't hold me back
00:32:42There you go
00:32:42Well you're doing great
00:32:43So you
00:32:44Your 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
00:33:08Well 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 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
00:34:42For a million different reasons
00:34:49You took the best of my heart
00:34:57And 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?
00:35:41What problem?
00:35:42You don't have a problem
00:35:43The only thing wrong with you
00:35:45Is you got to figure out
00:35:46How you're going to navigate this career
00:35:48Wow
00:35:48What's up, fam?
00:35:50What's up?
00:35:51Hi
00:35:52Hi
00:35:52Hi
00:35:53Hi
00:35:54Look at that
00:35:55Love you
00:35:57I love you
00:35:58I think we can vote
00:35:59Yes, indeed
00:36:01Yes
00:36:04Yes
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 to give you a big ol' yes
00:36:16And see what you guys 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
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
00:36:32And the fact that I got this
00:36:34Is just proof that everything's working out
00:36:36How it should
00:36:37Boy, he's got a pretty voice
00:36:39He does
00:36:39I'm going to Hollywood week
00:36:43You could 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
00:36:57And
00:37:00All right
00:37:01He had 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
00:37:08And Kimberly Williams Paisley ballroom
00:37:10Oh, yeah
00:37:11We're in your ballroom, Paisley
00:37:16Oh, I can't wait to ruin this whole show
00:37:24This is going to be somewhere
00:37:26We've worked 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
00:37:46Dylan
00:37:46You want a safe word?
00:37:52What's our safe word, Luke?
00:37:53The safe word is hot chicken
00:37:55Don't chicken out
00:37:56Don't hot chicken out
00:37:59Sorry, kids
00:38:01Here we go
00:38:02Number nine
00:38:04Luke, I want you to turn to Carrie right now and say
00:38:06Hey, Carrie, how much do you think I can bench press?
00:38:09Carrie
00:38:10Sure, how much can I bench press?
00:38:14I 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 am 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
00:39:01Pass
00:39:04Will you just let the poor boy sing?
00:39:06Let the man
00:39:07Why don't you sing a Lionel Richie song?
00:39:09Come on
00:39:09Sing a Lionel Richie song
00:39:10No, no, no
00:39:11Don't sing a Lionel Richie song
00:39:12I'll do it
00:39:12We are the world right now
00:39:13We are the world
00:39:14No
00:39:16There comes a time
00:39:18Somebody come get a move
00:39:19When we need a certain call
00:39:21All right, you're good
00:39:22Good?
00:39:23All right
00:39:26I'm going to try to bench 175 tomorrow
00:39:31I'm benching 175 tomorrow
00:39:33She keeps on loving me
00:39:37Loves me the way I
00:39:43She's not just along for the ride
00:39:46She keeps on loving
00:39:50And I keep on wondering
00:39:54Why
00:40:00Um, 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?
00:40:18Look, my 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
00:40:29What are you doing?
00:40:32Is that where you were
00:40:33When you went to the bathroom?
00:40:35What is happening?
00:40:37Not for 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?
00:40:49I didn't think anything was wrong
00:40:54Business as usual
00:40:58Oh my god
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
00:41:06One second
00:41:06Very, 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
00:41:26Thank 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
00:41:35Sweet dog
00:41:39My
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
00:42:13Cause you put me down
00:42:16No, no, no
00:42:19I put a spell on you
00:42:26Because you are 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
00:42:47Cheers
00:42:49I'm gonna go with the pickles
00:42:51Yeah
00:42:53My 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
00:43:11Oh no
00:43:13I feel like 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
00:43:24Dill
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, you too
00:43:34Let's go
00:43:35I make pickles
00:43:36Give me some recipes
00:43:37I'm here for it
00:43:38Dad, I don't think
00:43:39I've seen you in a pickle shirt yet
00:43:41Thanks for whipping it out today for me
00:43:43Put me in a pickle more than once
00:43:44Yeah
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
00:43:53Woo
00:43:55Okay, let's hear it
00:43:56Okay
00:44:02Cold late night so long ago
00:44:04When I was not so strong
00:44:07You know
00:44:07Pretty man came to me
00:44:09Never seen eyes so blue
00:44:11You know
00:44:12I 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
00:44:33Too soon to lose my baby
00:44:36And my girl should be at home
00:44:38But try to understand
00:44:41Try to understand
00:44:43Try to understand
00:44:55He's a magic man
00:45:01Great
00:45:03Oh my god, you're understanding 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
00:45:10Some 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
00:45:30I 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
00:45:40You've got the tools to do
00:45:42Pretty 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
00:45:47Yeah
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
00:45:57What?
00:45:58Oh my god
00:45:59If they all have their shirts on
00:46:01Wow
00:46:02Woo
00:46:03Woo
00:46:04Pickle girl
00:46:06Pickle girl
00:46:07Pickle girl
00:46:08Yeah
00:46:08Let's go baby
00:46:10Woo
00:46:11She's the real
00:46:12Dill
00:46:14How does it feel to be pickle girl?
00:46:17You 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
00:46:24Woo
00:46:26That was very good
00:46:28I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I could be
00:46:32I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:38I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:44I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:44I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:44I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:44I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:44I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:46I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:49I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:46:55I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl I'm going to be the best version of pickle girl
00:47:01I
00:47:03Sherry, baby, Sherry, baby, Sherry, can you come out tonight, tonight?
00:47:18That's not an easy one to pull off.
00:47:20It's not.
00:47:21I like the Frankie.
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,
00:47:30like, that'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.
00:47:41Sherry, baby.
00:47:43Goodness.
00:47:44Oof.
00:47:44Did I get there?
00:47:45Yeah.
00:47:46Oh, yeah, you did.
00:47:48Woo.
00:47:49This year we have a very unique talent.
00:47:53Hi, guys.
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.
00:48:07No, it didn't mean my broken heart.
00:48:10I'll probably always have these ugly scars.
00:48:13Wow.
00:48:13That's like spooky.
00:48:14But right now, I don't care about that part.
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 Elvis stuff.
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.
00:49:22I think it's in there, but 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 would not be disappointed at all.
00:49:31I'm a no.
00:49:33Really?
00:49:34I am.
00:49:34You'll never have to hear that voice again in your life.
00:49:36You'll give me one more chance.
00:49:37I promise.
00:49:38I'm dug in.
00:49:39I'm dug in.
00:49:40What does dug in mean?
00:49:41Dug in like a tick.
00:49:43Like not moving.
00:49:44Aw, heartbreak.
00:49:46I'm sorry.
00:49:47I think you made a wrong decision.
00:49:51Tell me about your music history.
00:49:53How do people respond to your voice when you sing?
00:49:56I think it's unique, I would say.
00:49:58I can't wait to hear.
00:49:59Does that mean we should get ready for some uniqueness?
00:50:03If you want, yeah.
00:50:04So, who are you?
00:50:07I'm Brooks Rosser.
00:50:08I'm 22 years old.
00:50:09I'm from Bel Air, Maryland.
00:50:11What do you do up there in Maryland?
00:50:12I work at a dementia care facility as a medication technician.
00:50:17Nice.
00:50:17Very cool.
00:50:18How many shows are you playing a year?
00:50:21I've gone to a couple gigs, but I've only just played guitar.
00:50:25I'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?
00:50:50I was just looking at this article on the next generation of accelerors.
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
00:51:06fulfilling.
00:51:07I've made a lot of friendships with so-called patients that are 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, and that
00:51:34was 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.
00:51:46Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo.
00:51:50After taking care of my grandmother, I realized this was a passion of mine, to be there for
00:51:54people, even if they don't remember me.
00:51:56Standing out on a lift, with no way to get down.
00:52:01Music, it's one thing that you can't forget.
00:52:03I think your town is far above most people.
00:52:13Next 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 gonna be a lot different, but I'll just pretend the celebrity judges are just more of my friends and
00:52:29residents.
00:52:30I think you're gonna do fine if you play like that.
00:52:34I play like that?
00:52:35And you sing like that.
00:52:37Alright.
00:52:38I'm gonna root you on.
00:52:46What you got? What you singing?
00:52:49Your Place at My Place by Joshua Sloan.
00:52:52Okay, perfect.
00:53:09I'm running out of ways to fix us.
00:53:13I thought I loved you, it was only just a mix-up.
00:53:17That's what you said when you were crying cause you missed us.
00:53:21You don't even know how bad I wish I could fix us.
00:53:26Cause now it's too late.
00:53:31So much for another soulmate.
00:53:35Should've known you only give one, babe.
00:54:02Wow.
00:54:05Wow.
00:54:07Wow.
00:54:08Wow.
00:54:09Wow.
00:54:11Wow.
00:54:12Gosh.
00:54:13I just wanna 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?
00:54:25Cause you, do you understand why?
00:54:27No.
00:54:27Man, no matter what you sing, it's gonna be beautifully unique.
00:54:33Yeah.
00:54:33Everybody kinda sounds like somebody else or is emulating someone else.
00:54:38Wow.
00:54:38So when you kinda meet somebody, that you're a unicorn.
00:54:43Like there's, it's one of one.
00:54:44That's really cool.
00:54:45Thank 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.
00:55:13I'ma 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.
00:55:53Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door
00:56:01Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door
00:56:09Knock, knock, knocking on heaven's door
00:56:19It's so good.
00:56:20It's so good, man.
00:56:22So 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.
00:56:47Like, your voice is crazy.
00:56:50Isn't that great?
00:56:51I'm obsessed, brother.
00:56:52Thank you so much.
00:56:53Thunderstorm, you want to vote?
00:56:56That's all yeses for me.
00:56:58You don't get a yes.
00:56:59I don't know what's going on.
00:57:02Oh, man.
00:57:03Thank 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 grasp.
00:57:25Oh, I'm so proud of you.
00:57:27I've always been shy and insecure.
00:57:28So hearing compliments from people as big as the judges really 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.
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 see Lionel?
00:58:14I'm going to scream.
00:58:17Hey.
00:58:17Hey, book signing.
00:58:18Oh, 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 riz, dude.
00:58:31Legend card.
00:58:32What is that?
00:58:32I love it.
00:58:36What's your name?
00:58:37Kendall.
00:58:38Kendall, who is here today with you?
00:58:40This is my mom and my dad.
00:58:42Hi.
00:58:42And my husband.
00:58:44Oh, 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.
00:58:54And 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.
00:59:10Oh, 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 of, like, understand, you
00:59:34know, what you've written about or what you're singing about, 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?
00:59:52I work at Chick-fil-A.
00:59:53That'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 the whole crew.
01:00:12We have a big farm, and my mom had to stay back and handle that.
01:00:15Okay, head inside and wait.
01:00:16Your audition is next.
01:00:18What's on your farm?
01:00:19Like, six cows, lots of chickens.
01:00:21We've got three goats.
01:00:22Cool.
01:00:23What are you going to be singing for us?
01:00:25I'm going to be singing Honest by Kendall Inskeep.
01:00:27How 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.
01:00:41Oh.
01:00:43Variation.
01:00:43Wow.
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'll tell you that I'm old, but I'm still healing.
01:01:09I'll tell you that I'm happy, but I'm grieving.
01:01:12Thought I was a fighter.
01:01:15But I'm still in the fire.
01:01:18And if I'm being honest, oh, 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'll tell you that I'm old, but I'm still healing.
01:01:37I'll 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, oh, I'm not being honest.
01:01:55I'm sitting here waiting and praying for someone to show me what I love is.
01:02:02I'm just being honest.
01:02:06I'm just being honest.
01:02:14All right.
01:02:17Minus the concentration of trying to play the piano,
01:02:20you have some vocal chops.
01:02:23There were a lot of kind of timid things that you were doing
01:02:26that will only improve the more you play out.
01:02:29But, I mean, I feel like you have a lot of potential.
01:02:33Everything about you is 16,
01:02:35but you have a tone and sound in your voice.
01:02:39It's really undeniable.
01:02:42You are by no means ready for this,
01:02:44but 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.
01:02:57Hey, if I put you through now,
01:03:00I feel like all the other big voices
01:03:03that have been playing out for years,
01:03:05they are going to wash you away.
01:03:08I would rather give you...
01:03:09If she 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.
01:03:27Say yes.
01:03:27I think you've got some real grown-up qualities in there
01:03:31I like very much.
01:03:32I might need to hear a little more.
01:03:36Well, the song that you sang,
01:03:41the songwriter, Kendall,
01:03:43is actually here.
01:03:46Now.
01:03:46Right now.
01:03:47Right now.
01:03:48Kind of coming up behind you.
01:03:50Right now, kind of walking over your shoulder.
01:03:52Oh, my God.
01:03:54Oh, my God.
01:03:55Can I even hug you?
01:03:56Oh, my God.
01:03:58That was so beautiful.
01:03:59Isn't that great?
01:04:00Can you guys sing that together?
01:04:02Yeah.
01:04:02Give her a stool.
01:04:03You sing it.
01:04:04We got you a stool.
01:04:05Well, first of all, are you auditioning?
01:04:07I'm auditioning today.
01:04:08Wow.
01:04:09And hopefully changing one vote.
01:04:12Yeah.
01:04:13Let's hear y'all do it.
01:04:14Yeah.
01:04:15Okay.
01:04:17Perjay, fill this room up.
01:04:20I'll just feel like
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.
01:04:35Yeah.
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.
01:04:56Good.
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, I, I, 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, I must tell you, I, I have Luke's heart.
01:05:28I'm telling you, come back to see us.
01:05:34It'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.
01:05:43All right, we'll see you back here.
01:05:43All right, thank y'all.
01:05:45Y'all have a great day.
01:05:46All right.
01:05:46Thank you, babe.
01:05:48I've been doing my best, but my best, it just don't want you.
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
01:06:06-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 all again.
01:06:26It might be today, and it might be tomorrow, when I wash my hands of the shame that I've borrowed.
01:06:38I'm sorry to unload like this.
01:06:43I just can't keep it in.
01:06:48Amen.
01:06:50Amen.
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've borrowed.
01:07:31I'm sorry to unload like this.
01:07:35I just can't keep it in.
01:07:41Amen.
01:07:43Amen.
01:07:44Amen.
01:07:46Amen.
01:07:48Thank you so much.
01:07:54I like the song.
01:07:55I love your voice.
01:07:56It felt like we were in your world when things kind of took off, and hitting those, baby, that note
01:08:04from here, it was like, yeah, thank you.
01:08:07I commend you on the fact of just taking your time exploring who you are.
01:08:12I think that's just so brilliant.
01:08:16You've got artists written all over you, and I'm loving every minute of it.
01:08:20Thank you so much.
01:08:21I'm loving it.
01:08:22I was really impressed when you stepped on the gas, and you had that extra level of stuff in your
01:08:28range.
01:08:30I think we can vote.
01:08:32I can vote.
01:08:33I can vote.
01:08:33Go for it.
01:08:34We can all vote.
01:08:35Let's tell her the good news.
01:08:37You're going to Hollywood a week.
01:08:40Wait, can I like, can I shake your hands?
01:08:42Please.
01:08:43You guys are so cool.
01:08:44Oh, you are so cool.
01:08:46Thank you guys.
01:08:47Good job.
01:08:47Thank you guys so much.
01:08:48Yeah.
01:08:49Congratulations.
01:08:51This is what it feels like, and this is what it feels like, and this is what it feels like.
01:08:58Oh my gosh.
01:08:59Wait, can I tell you something?
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, and it's just
01:09:11been so amazing.
01:09:12And 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 we're friends, okay?
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.
01:09:44Oh, wait.
01:09:47Hi, my name is Alona, and I am so excited to be here today.
01:09:51I am actually not singing, though.
01:09:53My boyfriend Bryant is, and no one has any idea what he looks like.
01:09:58The camera is never on him.
01:10:00It's always just on me doing my hair and makeup, so 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.
01:10:14It's getting close.
01:10:17Life with Bryant is...
01:10:19Oh, I'm gonna cry.
01:10:20Sorry.
01:10:25We 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.
01:10:47All right, we can bring these down.
01:10:50Hop from behind the pillar.
01:10:52Don't look at me.
01:10:53We're not.
01:10:53We're not looking.
01:10:54We can't see you.
01:10:54Okay.
01:10:55All right, who are you?
01:10:56My name's Bryant Thomas.
01:10:58I'm from Mobile, Alabama.
01:11:00Alabama.
01:11:01Yes, sir.
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.
01:11:08How 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.
01:11:16Glowing 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 gonna 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.
01:11:50Ooh.
01:11:52You're the only one who really knew me at all.
01:11:57Wow.
01:11:58That's really great, great.
01:11:59So take a look at me now.
01:12:03There's just an empty space.
01:12:07And there's nothing left here to remind me.
01:12:12Just the memory of your face.
01:12:15So take a look at me now.
01:12:20There's just an empty space.
01:12:23But you coming back to me is against the odds.
01:12:28But it's what I've gotta face.
01:12:31Take a good look at me now.
01:12:34Hey!
01:12:35Cause I'll still be standing here.
01:12:40And you coming back to me is against all odds.
01:12:44But it's what I've gotta face.
01:12:53All right.
01:12:57Take a look at me now.
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, here I am.
01:13:16How does it feel?
01:13:18You know, I'm overwhelmed.
01:13:19I can't lie to you, you know.
01:13:21I'm just gonna be like Luke and I'm gonna make jokes.
01:13:24That's great.
01:13:25That's great.
01:13:26You're still kinda covered cause you got your shades on.
01:13:28But I get it.
01:13:29Yep, yep.
01:13:29There's the full reveal.
01:13:30The full reveal.
01:13:32Whoa.
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.
01:13:43Yeah.
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?
01:14:26Well, 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.
01:14:39I'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, 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.
01:15:02Yes.
01:15:06Hey!
01:15:09What?
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.
01:15:31It's okay.
01:15:32Can you say something?
01:15:33Yes.
01:15:34Yes.
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.
01:15:46Congratulations.
01:15:48Oh, my God.
01:15:51Oh, my God.
01:15:52Way to go.
01:15:54Way to go.
01:15:55Way to go.
01:15:56Way 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 could be the limit of where you're going.
01:16:07Congratulations, man.
01:16:10We're getting married!
01:16:10We're getting married!
01:16:13I'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.
01:16:30awesome day y'all i must tell you the class is getting very impressive and each one unique
01:16:39unto themselves that's what makes it so beautiful all right hello hi how are you
01:16:49how are you i don't believe you are a contestant i am not a contestant my name is heather wyatt
01:16:57i'm
01:16:57here to introduce chloe chloe is a young girl who about a year ago wrote and performed a song in
01:17:05honor of my daughter aubry that we lost to suicide in 2023 ah sorry so sorry for your loss that
01:17:14is
01:17:15just unimaginable here's an original song that i wrote dedicated to aubrey wyatt called forever
01:17:2213. i first heard chloe's song about a year ago and immediately cried it was beautiful it was
01:17:29what aubrey had gone through forever 13 had some big dreams
01:17:43aubrey um is my forever 13 year old daughter
01:17:48um she is bright beautiful talented um and she endured years of bullying social media pressures
01:18:00and took her life september 4th 2023
01:18:11um
01:18:12just
01:18:15very unexpected
01:18:23something kept telling me to write that song so i did you didn't know her i hadn't no i've never
01:18:27met
01:18:27her but you couldn't get this through out of your mind i couldn't it did just relate i just i
01:18:31don't
01:18:31know i felt it so much in my heart to write this song chloe does not know that i'm here
01:18:36today i have
01:18:37not met chloe so this will be the first time meeting her and thanking her for the song oh my
01:18:42god
01:18:58this is the world of me you don't even know thank you thank you this is chloe
01:19:04oh hi hi chloe hi sorry no you're great do you want to tell us your name tell us a
01:19:11little bit
01:19:12about yourself all right my name is chloe grace i'm 15 years old and i'm from jacksonville florida
01:19:18i went through some of the things aubrey went through and it was it was really hard so i was
01:19:21like if i could write something that could just very small help someone then it's totally worth me
01:19:26writing this song music is very powerful and it can help let people know that they're not alone
01:19:31so we're excited to hear the song
01:19:41she was only 13 had some big dreams and you took them all away she had her whole life ahead
01:19:53of her
01:19:54and you watched her drift away you never thought that what you said could mess up someone else's head but
01:20:05maybe you think now that she's gone a young girl had to lose her life so that you could feel
01:20:15somewhat
01:20:16satisfied in this sick and twisted world you wouldn't think that a few young girls could do any harm but
01:20:27look where we are now she's dancing up in heaven with no tears no worry no weight on her shoulders
01:20:39today
01:20:45i've never felt that kind of pain but i can't imagine how it feels to be a mom and lose
01:20:55her daughter it must feel so
01:20:58certain like how can she be gone she blames herself for doing wrong but i hope that she knows it
01:21:09ain't her
01:21:10her fault even though she is gone her story will forever and i'm gonna say her name
01:21:30i'm gonna say her name
01:21:32cause 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
01:21:57thank you
01:22:02oh goodness
01:22:04uh i'm just so moved
01:22:07heather that's a gift right there that's that's god looking back at you it is just a very moving moment
01:22:14yeah i feel like the maturity that you possess is uh quite incredible the way you
01:22:29the way you had your heart broken for someone you didn't even know you know and
01:22:37and take that and basically say that something uh positive is 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 and
01:22:59maybe decide
01:23:02to change their mind about something you know it's pretty pretty incredible
01:23:07yeah the fact that she wrote about what you were going through not knowing you shows a potential in
01:23:14you as a singer and a songwriter and someone that can really do a lot of good in this world
01:23:24i'm a yes thank you i don't even have to think about it i'm a yes
01:23:31a yes for me welcome to the class welcome to the class
01:23:36oh my god thank you so much you're special you know that right thank you so what you're special
01:23:43you're one of my biggest inspirations since i was seven years old well now who's the inspiration
01:23:51and it's pretty incredible thank you so much
01:24:06i've always dreamed of holding one of these in my hand and for it to be like this and to
01:24:11get it
01:24:11singing a song i wrote and um song i poured my whole heart into is insane
01:24:32it's you why have we not seen you yet i have an announcement i'm brittany bateman
01:24:40the real housewives of salt lake city
01:24:43we are you're crazy talented crazy unbelievable i don't even know if you know what you could be
01:24:51capable of i don't think we've seen a star star star like you yet
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