Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol introduced us to 10 more Hollywood-bound singers Sunday night during the second audition episode of Season 20.

Here are my picks for the five best.

1. Kenedi Anderson, 17, Crozet, Va.: Pardon the pun, but the judges went gaga when Kenedi finished her cover of Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” accompanying herself on piano. The teenager showed off a lovely tone, tons of vocal firepower. In spite of her young age and apparent lack of experience, she performed with more confidence that several of Sunday’s advancing contestants. And she looks like to just popped off the cover of a teen magazine. Katy Perry said she was born “to be a star.” Luke Bryan said Kenedi “might be the biggest star we’ve ever seen.” And the judges handed Kenedi a platinum ticket — one of just three for Season 20 — before she ever left the room. I’ll be shocked if Kenedi doesn’t make the voting rounds considering the way Idol reacted to her audition. For me, Kenedi stood out vocally the way Nicolina Bozzo did in the season premiere.

2. Lady K, 25, Tuskegee, Ala.: She performs as Lady K, but her name is Kezia Istonia and she stepped in the audition room with one of those heart-wrenching back stories Idol loves. She grew up poor, living with her mother and four other siblings. Her brother committed suicide. Lady K told the judges she auditioned to honor him and giving her family hope. Then she pinned her audition hopes on an emotional, soulful cover of Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake.” No fears. The judges loved it. Luke Bryan called it “magic.” Kathy congratulated Lady K on “reinventing” her song. And Lionel Richie said he was “proud” of her performance. To top it off, Lady K gave each of the judges a greeting card with a personalized message. Learn about music Lady K has already released here.

3. Allegra Miles, 18, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Idol showed only a short clip of her audition Allegra performed an original called “Tainted.” She lands here partly because she sounded great and partly because I remember how impressive she was when the made it to the Top 9 on Season 18 of The Voice. Luke said he loved her performance, adding: “Everything about you is looking like an artist.” Lionel complimented her on her “amazing” songwriting ability. By the way, Allegra just released “Tainted” on Friday. She has other music out too. You can learn more about it here.

4. Mike Parker, 27, Warrenton, Va.: Mike’a another Voice alum, having made it to the knockout round in Season 15. He auditioned for American Idol with “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter. And he sounded better than I remembered, showing off a really nice, emotional tone. Mike said he’s an R&B / soul artist, but listens to a lot of country. Luke Bryan said he thinks Mike’s “a country singer” and “could be amazing.” Katy said Mike has “Top 24 potential.” Regardless of what he sings, a voice like that could carry him far. Lionel provided good advice: Rely on that voice, not vocal frills. Learn about the music Mike has already released here.

5. Christian Guardino, 21, Long Island, N.Y.: Christian’s a veteran of a televised talent show too, having earned a golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent in Season 12, which aired in 2017, when he was just 16. He auditioned with “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway. His soulful rendition started so strong, I was ready to pronounce it the best male audition so far in Season 20. But it wound up being a bit overdone. That said, Christian’s vocal chops are undeniable. “We found him,” Lionel Richie proclaimed. Well, not really. But Luke Bryan was right: Christian has some vocal magic going on. Learn about music Christian has already released here.

Also earning golden tickets during Sunday’s show were Betty Maxwell, Leah Marlene, Luke Taylor, Kelsie Dolin, Aaron Westberry.