American Idol 2016 finalist Olivia Rox has been living up to her name since her first audition for season 15. Olivia has proven herself to be a true rock star in the making throughout the competition so far, and we think she’s a very strong bet to possibly go all the way to the end. This young singer may look sweet as pie with her infectious grin, but put a mic in her hands and she’ll blow you away with her powerful voice and undeniable stage presence.
Olivia Rox seemed destined to be part of the music world since birth. Her mother was an alternative rock singer, and her dad is a record producer. Olivia has been playing and singing since she was a tiny tot, and music isn’t her only artistic talent. She’s also an actress with a musical theater starring role under her belt and her own movie webseries on YouTube. (Read more on Olivia’s backstory on her Top 24 profile page.)
Audition: In this year’s American Idol 2016 auditions, Olivia Rox was one of our favorites right from the beginning. All it took was a few moments of her performance of “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars to make us fall in love. The American Idol judges were so delighted with the performance, they didn’t even let Olivia show off her guitar skills in a second song. They just told the “very talented” young singer that she was someone they needed to have in the competition and put her through to Hollywood Week!
Hollywood Week Lines of 8 Solos: Although we didn’t get to hear much of Olivia’s song in her first, brief Hollywood Week solo, we could tell she once again rocked the house. The American Idol judges were pleased another great performance from Oliva, and she earned an easy pass through to the Group Round. We couldn’t dig up Olivia’s group video for you, but needless to day, she did well enough in that phase of the competition as well and moved on to the Showcase Round.
Hollywood Week Group Round: We were not able to find Olivia’s Group Round video for you, and aren’t even sure she actually got any airtime at all during this phase of the competition. Regardless, she obviously did well enough to get through. Although we do later hear judge Keith Urban refer to “group rounds being an interesting time for her.” Hmmm, love to know more about that!
Hollywood Week Solo Round: Olivia’s second solo in Hollywood Week also proved too elusive for us to find. However, her choice to do an original song apparently went over well with the judges as she moved on to the Showcase Round.
Hollywood Week Showcase Round & Final Judgement: For her final appearance in front of the judges before the selection of the Top 24, Olivia Rox truly owned the stage in a rocking performance of “Love Somebody” by Maroon 5. Olivia said she gave it her all and really went for it in the performance, and we agreed. Jennifer Lopez said Olivia was “fantastic” and she was one of the contestants she just had to keep.
Top 24 Semi-Finals Solo Round: Although Olivia had been terrific all through Hollywood Week and the showcase round, she truly came out as an extremely serious contender with her Top 24 solo. Her performance of “Confident” by Demi Lovato was one of the best of the whole round — and arguably the best of them all according to her fans. She looked and sounded like a pro on stage, and for a moment we forgot we weren’t just listening to an Olivia Rox concert! Keith Urban actually gave Olivia a standing ovation and told her she had an “amazing gift.” Harry Connick Jr. thought it was “really strong” and Jennifer Lopez said all she could tell Olivia was just to get even more in touch with her “inner rock chick.”
Top 24 Semi-Finals Duet Round: For her Top 24 duet, Olivia was paired with former American Idol winner David Cook on his hit song “Light On” and it was about as perfect of a combination as we could have wanted. The two rockers had the audience and the American Idol judges rapt with attention. Keith Urban said all he knows is that her tour t-shirts are just going to say “Olivia Rox, yes she does!” Jennifer Lopez said Olivia’s voice is “phenomenal” and if she finds the right songs, she is going to be around for a long time. Harry Connick Jr. said Olivia did a fantastic job and “Idol is lucky to have you.”
Will Olivia Rox make it through the next cut to be part of the American Idol 2016 Top 10? We’ll bring you all the latest American Idol spoilers on the next round of the competition as they happen!