American Idol 2024 started the season off very strong with some incredible performances. It was one of the best opening nights in recent seasons. The bar is high. Because of the top talent that kicked off the season, this feels like a fitting potential end to Katy Perry’s American Idol career.
The next few nights of auditions will have a difficult time living up to the high standards set during the first night. If they meet them, I will boldly declare this one of the best American Idol seasons in recent years. So a lot is riding on nights two and three of American Idol 22. Even if these audition performances aren’t as good as the first night, I am still excited to see how everything plays out.
We have a lot of show to see but things are already heading in an extraordinary direction. Let’s see if the momentum continues tonight.
The Auditions
Who will wow us like no other?
Haley Mia, 16, goes first. She talks about the pressure of singing Katy Perry’s song in her hometown. It’s her song “Rise.” Katy said it reinspired her. Luke said it’s his favorite audition so far. Lionel agreed. She’s going to Hollywood.
Dawson Slade, 17, from Alabama. He talks about being a full-time dad and musician. He sings, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Lionel initially gives him a no. Then they ask him to sing another song. He sings “Somebody Else Will” by Justin Moore. Then Katy gives him a yes. Luke does as well. When his mom comes in, everyone notices that she looks a lot like Katy.
Nya sings “Wait a Minute” by Willow Smith. Luke now says that she’s his favorite of the auditions so far. Lionel says she has effortless control. He thinks she has the goods to go all the way. Lionel agrees this is now his favorite audition. She gets all yeses.
Colescott Rubin sang his original song about peanut butter and his girl. He got a no but they enjoyed his performance. Roman Collins comes next. The judges are feeling goofy before he starts his audition. They sing “California Love” by Tupac. Roman sings “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder. Katy says he surprised her with his vocal transitions. Luke says he likes his voice but loves his vibe. He gets a yes from everyone. Katy just encourages him to show different sides of himself.
Noah Peters sings ‘I Won’t Let Go” by Rascal Flatts. He is a singing barber, so they let him cut his hair and sing. He cuts Colin Stough from last season. They sing “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton together. The judges basically tell him to relax more when performing. He’s going to Hollywood.
Loretta Lynn‘s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, comes to audition. She sings an original song called “Skinny.” Katy calls her an “A+ songwriter.” They want her to show more confidence. The judges send her to Hollywood. Ziggy comes from the Netherlands to audition. He was on their Idol. He sings “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga. He gets all yeses from the judges.
Justice Murphy sings “Summertime” by Fantasia. Katy tells her that she doesn’t have to do as much. However, most of the comments are positive. Lionel even says he loves her. She’s going to Hollywood. KB sings “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan. Luke says he gave her chills. Katy says she has a really unique tone that’s special but might need some strengthening. Lionel says he loves what she did and she made it her song. She’s going to Hollywood.
Jon Lindsley comes on with his brother and sings “Shout Pt. 1 and 2” by the Isley Brothers. It leads to a segment about support groups coming with the performers. Then we have Abby Blake sing “What About Us” by P!nk with her friend playing the accompanying music. Katy thought it sounded good but she wasn’t sold. She gives her a no. Lionel gives her a yes. Luke also gives her a yes. The judges then make her friend Sam “Kayko” Kelly-Cohen sing. He sings his original song “Time of Your Life.” They all give him yeses.
Abi Carter is the last performer of the night. She sings “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish. The judges give her a standing ovation. Luke says she might be the winner of Idol. Katy says definitely top ten. They tell her family that she’s the best they ever heard. She learns later that she will get a Platinum Ticket to Hollywood.
Segments
Let’s continue Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan‘s hometown visits. Lots of exploring of the judges’ hometowns. We see a colorful look at some of the auditions, either because of their outfits or how they display their personality.
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