On“American Idol,” it doesn’t matter where you come from — so long as you have what it takes to become a star.
On Sunday night’s episode, this theme was evident in the perseverance of several contestants through difficult times to make it to the next round. Hollywood Week, with resounding approval from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie Luke Bryan.
One of those singers was Lady K, who opened up about the difficulties she and her family have faced, including a period of homelessness.
“There was a time where my family and I ended up living in a shelter,” said the 25-year-old from Tuskegee, Alabama. “I’m the oldest so I instantly wanted to step up and to help out.”
Lady K also discussed the loss of her brother Poppy, who died by suicide.
“That was one of the hardest things that my family ever had to go through,”She said this, while breaking down in tears. “It was hard to decide if paying rent was gonna come first because we need somewhere to live or paying for a funeral because we don’t have our brother anymore.”
She stated that she auditioned for the role of a singer. “Idol”In honor of Poppy, and to help her family “something to be excited about”After all their hardships. Perry’s song was her choice. “Wide Awake,”Because it represented all that she has been through.
As soon as Lady K started singing, the judges sat forward in their chairs.
“I just wanna say ‘How dare you,’ ” Perry joked after the soaring performance, praising how Lady K “reinvented”Her song.
Perry’s songs have been an inspiration to her all her life.
“Every song that I’ve ever attached myself to from you has been for the underdogs, for people like me,”She said.
Richie said she “sang a Katy Perry song and turned it into you.” “Lady K, you’ve made my day,”He added.
Bryan said that Bryan is the embodiment of the show’s spirit. “You’re why we’re here,”He stated.
Lady K earned three yes’s and will move forward into Hollywood Week.
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood perform songs from former Miss America
Betty Maxwell was the Miss America winner in 2016, and she was another outstanding audition.
She even brought her crown to prove it — but according to pageant rules, she couldn’t let Perry try it on, much to the judge’s chagrin.
For her audition song, the 27-year-old from Warner Robins, Georgia, turned to an “Idol” classic: “A Moment Like This”Kelly Clarkson
Perry wanted to express her country side, even though Perry impressed the judges. Maxwell channeled a different past “Idol” winner, belting out Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
“Pageant girls sing like pageant girls,”Bryan said this after the second song. “You don’t sing like a pageant girl. You sing like a real singer.”
‘American Idol’ recap:Lionel Richie and her mom, a formerly homeless teenager, brought to tears
Perry also agreed that there is “a lot to work with,” while Richie encouraged Maxwell to find her own style of singing.
She was awarded three yeses and she was accepted to Hollywood.
Other singers who made it through include Kelsie Dolin, who was inspired to push past her shyness and audition after her grandmother died from COVID-19 complications; Mike Parker, whose mother is battling health complications; and Leah Marlene, a longtime “Idol”Recent college dropout
Kenedi Anderson, a high school student from Crozet, Virginia, scored the second platinum ticket of the season, a new twist that sends select contestants directly through to the second round of Hollywood Week. All three judges leapt to their feet after the 17-year-old gave a chills-inducing rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Applause.”
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
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