Alongside the 'Swish Swish' singer, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie return for the new season as the judges.
- Mar 4, 2019
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" kicked off on Sunday, March 3 on FOX with its first auditions in Louisville, Kentucky. Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returned for the new season, trying to find a hidden gem among the hopefuls.
The first singer was Walker Burroughs, 20, from Birmingham. He flaunted his skills by performing a rendition of Ben Rector's "Love Like This" on the piano. Katy loved it so much that she gave him a standing ovation. "That is just so natural and cool and effortless and dope," she gushed. "I think you're top 10 material." He would be going to Hollywood!
Later, Johanna Jones, 23, from Las Vegas, sang Sam Smith's "I'm Not the Only One". The judges agreed that she had "the package" and sent her to Hollywood.
Kalifa Wilson then performed "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran with her guitar in front of the judges. He looked nervous though as Katy noted, "I think the nerves got the best of you." Lionel wanted to give her one more chance and she opted to sing "My Girl" for her second try. She managed to turn the table as Katy was brought into tears by the performance. The three judges were impressed even further after they learned about her upbringing. Kalifa would be going to Hollywood.
"American Idol" also headed to New York City in the premiere. Tyler Mitchell, 26, sang a perfect rendition of "Whenever You Come Around" by Vince Gill. It was so beautiful that Luke couldn't help but sing along with him. "Literally a star is born," Katy said. Unsurprisingly, the judges sent him to Hollywood.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Vokillz tried to impress the judges with his "mystic death trap metal" sound to no avail. Later, the performance was followed by Margie Mays, who brought a lot of energy to her performance of Lawrence's "Shot". Katy praised her, saying, "You're literally a star." At the end, Margie was set to join others in Hollywood.
19-year-old Myra Tran tried her luck by singing Jennifer Hudson's "One Night Only". That was such a difficult song, but she pulled it off effortlessly. "You're up there with the Kelly Clarkson of the world," Luke said to her. The judges gave her a golden ticket.
Performing "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera was Uche. She added dance to her perfomance, though the judges apparently thought she would be better performing while standing still. And she definitely did. Katy said yes for her. Lionel initially said no, but changed his mind after hearing Uche's inspirations. Uche was going to Hollywood.
Country singer Laci Kaye Booth, 23, sang "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard. Katy dubbed Laci "a diamond in the rough," while Luke praised Lacy for slaying the performance. Laci was given a golden ticket.
Also set to join others in the Hollywood were Nick Rogers, who stunned the judges with his rap skills, and Tiffanne Le May, whose rendition of Daniel Caesar's hit "Best Part" earned her a golden ticket. Rounding out the episode was Nick Townsend. The 26-year-old opted for James Bay's "Let It Go", which was a tribute for brothers who committed suicide.
Tearing up, the judges praised him for "keeping a positive attitude" despite the heartbreaking situation. He was also sent to the City of Angels.
