Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Lauren Spencer-Smith, 16, of Vancouver Island, listens to the feedback following her Season 18 audition on American Idol (ABC Photo)

She’s made an appearance on the Steve Harvey Show at a result of that viral video.

And now she’s a contestant on American Idol, labeled “talented well beyond your years” by Idol judge Lionel Richie.

That happened after Lauren dazzled the judges with a cover of Pink’s “What About Us.”

Here’s what Lauren, from Vancouver Island, Canada, told Idol Chatter about her audition experience and the cover single she released the same day her audition aired.

Idol Chatter: How did you wind up auditioning for American Idol Season 18 (Season 3 on ABC) and what prompted you to do it this year, especially at such a young age? Had you ever tried a singing show in the past?

Lauren: I decided to audition for American Idol because I had someone reach out telling me they now accept Canadians on their show and right away I was super interested!!! I have never auditioned for a talent show before!!! Although I am young I feel as though I have been singing for years!

Idol Chatter: Why did you choose “What About Us” by Pink for your audition song? I believe that’s the same song you performed on the Steve Harvey show after your Lady Gaga video went viral, isn’t it?

Lauren: Yes, it’s the same song that I performed on the Steve Harvey show! I picked “What About Us” because that song has a lot of meaning for me and it is one of my favorites to perform! I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for my audition, so I did a song I felt prepared and comfortable with.

Idol Chatter: What was that audition experience like? You got absolutely amazing feedback from all three judges. Is there anything special you did to prepare for it?

Lauren: I didn’t necessarily do anything special to prepare for my audition. I just told myself to be who I am and sing the best I can and that would be the best I can do! The audition experience was amazing I loved it! It is super fun. Everyone who works on the show make it super amusing and everyone was so joyful throughout the whole experience! Making friends and getting to know other contestants at the audition is a super fun and interesting experience as well. To get the comments from the judges I received was mind blowing and I am extremely grateful and thankful!

Idol Chatter: Now, as it turns out, you released a new single the very same day your Idol audition aired. Can you tell me about that and why you decided a cover of “Crazy” would be your next release? (The link takes you to the single on Apple Music, or you can check out the Spotify snippet below.)

Lauren: Yes! My new single is called “Crazy.” It is actually a cover; it is a Gnarls Barkley song. I have been a fan of him and that specific song for many years. We decided to do it because I wanted to do an acoustic cover and it had to be something I connected with and I felt that with “Crazy.”

Editor’s Note: American Idol will air a final audition episode on Sunday. Then, on Monday, it’s off to Hollywood for all the golden ticket recipients.