Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Brenna Brigman auditions for the judges on American Idol. (ABC Photo)

If there was any doubt American Idol has rounded up some amazing vocal talent for Season 24, it sure should have vanished Monday night.

The show introduced us to a wide array of talented singers, from virtual novices with star potential to big voices who clearly have more performing experience.

I’ve already profiled many of the artists. Follow the links below for more on the singers, including information on music they’ve already released.

Here’s a recap, with Idol Chatter’s picks for the night’s best. In addition to the singers listed below, Idol introduced us very briefly to Vika, Landon McGraw and Matty Reynolds, who are also headed to the next round of the competition.

See also
Week 1 recap with Idol Chatter’s picks for the best
Most popular auditions from Week 1
Week 2 recap with Idol Chatter’s picks for the best
Most popular auditions from Week 2
Week 3 recap with Idol Chatter’s picks for the best
Most popular auditions from Week 3

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Brenna Brigman, 18 Arlington, Texas, “Fallin'” by Alicia Keys: She has a big voice, great range. And she’s sounds absolutely fabulous when she sings “My Church” a cappella as a second song. Luke Bryan says she has all the tools vocally and a bit of star dust on her. Lionel Richie loves her vibe. And Carrie Underwood says she has amazing potential.

RUNNERS-UP

Bella Emry, 22, Bend, Oregon, “I’m a Little Crazy” by Morgan Wallen: Whoa, I love this young woman’s voice. Talk about a great singer-songwriter vibe. Carrie Underwood called her performance “great” and said she seemed very comfortable. Luke Bryan calls her raw and unpolished, but said she held the judges attention. Lionel Richie calls her “scholarship material.”

Abayomi Lewis, 15, San Francisco, Calif., “Black Leaves” by Kirby: Dang, this young woman has a great voice for someone who’s just 15. She performs with lots of confidence too. The judges love her talent and applaud her potential. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie agree that “she’s special.” That was a very mature audition for 15.

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

Chris Tungseth, 27, Fergus Falls, Minn. “Lonely Road” (original): He’s singing a song he wrote for his dad. It’s a very, very good song, and Chris delivers it with tons of emotion as his family looks on. I can see Idol fans rallying behind this guy. Carrie Underwood says she loves his voice, that it’s masculine and soft at the same time. Luke Bryan says he has Chris Stapleton vibes. He sails on to the next round. Luke says he thinks he’ll do really well on the show.

Julia Sienna, 20, Freehold, N.J., “I Would” by Connie Talbot: My, my, Julia has a unique voice. She shows off plenty of power and nice range too. Luke Bryan, who is in handcuffs, says he loved the audition. Carrie Underwood called her strong and gorgeous with a great voice. She breezed to the next round.

Rae Boyd, 24, Frederick, Md., “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin: She says she’s an Idol super fan. She displays a super big voice on this classic. She also shows off great range. The judges are clearly please. Luke says he can’t believe she didn’t audition earlier and said she did a lot of amazing things. Lionel Richie called her audition “brilliant” and said he loved the way she made the song her own.

Mor Ilderton, 22, West Virginia, “Strong” (an original): This is a fine original Mor has already released. It’s about not knowing his mom, who died when he was just 2. And he delivers it with emotion. The judges loved the performance. Lionel Richie praised his delivery and the song. Luke Bryan says he has all the tools he needs to be successful.

Jake Thistle, 21, N.J., “Can’t Find My Way Home” by Blind Faith: He has a nice rasp in his delivery. Luke Bryan compares him to Bryan Adams. He likes Jack’s confidence. Lionel Richie says he has “the tools.” Carrie Underwood calls him “very poised.” He advanced unanimously.

Landon Hughes, 19, Hazard, Ken., : He says going to college gave him a better appreciation of his hometown and he’s immersed himself into its music. So he auditions with bluegrass. Luke Bryan says he likes his vibrato. Carrie Underwood says he deserves a chance to prove himself. He gets yes votes from all three judges.

Bartly, 23, Austin, Texas, “Texas Son” by Leon Bridges: This guy has a great tone. And he looks very comfortable as a performer. Carrie Underwood loved his voice. Lionel Richie loved his personality and his soulful sound. He advanced with three yes votes.

Chloe Lauren, 25, Warrenville, S.C., “Maybe” by
Sienna Spiro: She says she’s never performed for anyone. But she shows off a really nice tone and overcomes her emotion. Lionel Richie says she has some unique talent. Carrie Underwood says she has a special voice. Luke Bryan encourages her to just “go for it.”

Jayson Garner, 17, Emory, Texas, “On My Knees” by The Red Clay Strays: He shows off nice performance skills on the uptempo tune, even playing the guitar behind his head at one point. Lionel Richie calls his stage presence “electrifying.” Carrie Underwood says he’s on the right path. He advances with three yes votes.

Mary Jo Young, 24, Cleveland, Ohio, “Don’t Call Me” by Maryjo: She was on Season 19 and has come back to give the show another try. She has a nice rasp and performs with passion. Carrie’s like her confidence and her voice. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also give her yes votes.

Bella Emry performs for the judges on American Idol. (ABC Photo)