The answer is “yes,” of course. And having researched the top contestants on Season 17, Idol has rounded up an impressive array of true singing talent this time around.
But for the first half of Wednesday’s special audition episode, it sure seemed as though having a hard-luck backstory or an eccentric personality trumped talent, at least in the eyes of Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
I say that because they turned thumbs down to Karli Ryan, a 17-year-old from Milton, Fla.
All Karli did was slip behind a piano in the Idol audition room and launch into an impressive original called “Give Me Back My Heart.”
Her voice was by no means overpowering. But her tone was the sweetest we’d heard all night to that point. That was a flat-out splendid country vocal.
Luke was an immediate believer, prepared to propel Karli to Hollywood and give her the golden ticket she vowed to hand over to her mom, who had auditioned for Idol 15 years ago.
But Lionel and Katy balked. Yep, Karli has potential, they agreed. But they also seemed to think she needed more seasoning before advancing to Hollywood.
My suggestion: Katy and Lionel need to head to iTunes, Apple Music or Spotify and type in Karli’s name.
Then they need to listen to the just-released six-song EP called “Wildflower.” By none other than Karli Ryan. Which includes a fully produced version of “Give Me Back My Heart.”
Not ready for Hollywood, huh?
I think Karli had the last word about that.
Here’s a lyric video for the song Karli performed on the show.
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4 Comments
I was so disapppointed that they didn’t let Karli go through to Hollywood. There were so many other singers they gave golden tickets to that did not measure up to Karli. I was so upset I almost stopped watching I couldn’t stop thinking about Karli. I loved her song and I’m glad I found it on here.
So disappointing the Idol judges did not put this girl through with three yeses!
As soon as she opened her mouth and started singing an original song and playing the piano, there was no doubt. Other than Luke, Katy and Lionel quickly decided she needed more experience. After watching three singers go through before her, (neither of which had her talent), I’m baffled. Why the diss? I had to google her to see what was out there and I’m so impressed. Shame on you Idol but Karli girl, you go out there and show them!
And Katy I think you’re awesome, but comparing her to Kacey Musgraves was not fair but you know, she’s pretty damn close at 17 but she’s different and that was a good thing.
I love this song! It could easily be a hit on the radio right now!!
This girl has TALANT and she will succees in spite of their reaction. They probably did her a favour – keep her genuine, original and true to her music- not what they want to “change” her to