His audition: Jon Mullins, 32, of Nashville, Tenn., performed “Don’t Give Up on Me” by Andy Grammer. Jon launched into an emotional performance that prompted an early chair turn from Blake Shelton. Though she didn’t turn, Kelly Clarkson called him “super gifted.” Blake said he has a huge voice. Here’s more about Jon. * Jon…
The American Idol Season 18 premiere is Sunday night. Among the artists we’ll meet that night is Just Sam, whose audition was “leaked” by the show Thursday. Here’s more about Just Sam. * Her name is Samantha Diaz, a 20-year-old from Harlem, N.Y., but she performs as Just Sam. * In her Idol audition, she…
American Idol kicks off Season 18 on Sunday, Feb. 16. And among the singers we might meet during the audition round is Madison Lewis. Here’s more about Madison. * She’s a 16-year-old singer-songwriter from London (southeastern), Kentucky, with a jazz and Americana focus. * She told Kentucky Music Preview that she grew up in a…
His audition: Jamal Corrie, 26, of San Francisco, Calif., performed “Be Alright” by Dean Lewis. Jamal showed off nice range and stage presence in spite of his lack of on-stage performance experience. He was about halfway through the song when Blake turned. That wound up being the only chair turn, meaning Jamal automatically became a…
American Idol returns with its Season 18 premiere on Sunday. Among the singers who auditioned is country artist Grace Leer. Here’s more about Grace. * She’s a northern California native who’s been performing since age 8, according to her Facebook bio. * That bio says she sang the national anthem at Bay area sporting events…
American Idol kicks off Season 18 on Sunday, Feb. 16. One of the contestants we’re likely to meet is Makayla Phillips. Here’s more about Makayla. * Reality show fans might remember her from 2018’s 13th season of America’s Got Talent. Her performance of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior,” at age 15, prompted a golden buzzer reaction from…
His audition: Jacob Miller, 29, of Eden, Wisc., performed “The Times They Are a Changin’” by Bob Dylan: Jacob delivered a solid acoustic version of the song, prompting quick chair turns from Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. Nick Jonas later turned as well. Kelly called him very talented. John Legend called it a powerful performance….
American Idol returns for Season 18 on Sunday, Feb. 16. Among contestants who auditioned is Lauren Spencer-Smith. Here’s more about Lauren. * She’s 16 and hails from Port Alberni in British Columbia and is a junior at Dover Bay High School. * She became a viral sensation last year when her dad posted a video…
Her audition: Zan Fiskum, 22, Seattle, Wash., auditioned with “Light On” by Maggie Rogers. Zan’s ethereal opening prompted an almost immediate chair turn from Nick Jonas. John Legend soon followed. A big note later prompted a chair turn from Kelly Clarkson as well. John said she sounded angelic. Nick said her performance left him “speechless.”…
Her audition: Allegra Miles, 17, from St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands performed “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon for her audition. The young singer settled behind a keyboard, showed off a unique tone and got a quick chair turn from Kelly Clarkson. Near the end of the song, Nick Jonas turned as well….
