Anna Grace, looking quite amused, during her audition for Season 22 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)
Anna Grace has never been a camp counselor.
She’d never heard of a moo-off.
Which might explain the bemused and befuddled expressions viewers saw cross her face as Katy Perry and Luke Bryan climbed onto the judges’ table during her American Idol audition.
They were going to engage in a moo-off that would determine whether she advanced to Hollywood Week.
So Katy and Luke, facing each other on hands and knees, started mooing.
Luke broke into laughter first, meaning Katy won.
And meaning Anna Grace got her golden ticket.
Anna’s full name is Anna Grace Hunt. Eighteen at the time of her audition, she’s a talented singer of Native American descent, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
She says she likes to sing all genres of music and does most of her singing at her church, Deep Branch Baptist in Lumberton, N.C.
Anna’s also a freshman biology major at the University of North Carolina of Pembroke
And with Hollywood Week episodes beginning Sunday night, Idol Chatter just had to ask her about her American Idol experience and what turned out to be one of the more entertaining moments from the audition episodes.
Here’s what Anna had to say.
Idol Chatter: How did you wind up auditioning for Season 22? Had you ever auditioned for Idol before?
Anna: This was my first time auditioning for Idol, which is something I never thought I would do.
My 8th grade teacher (Jamie Burney) would always tag me on the virtual auditions on the American Idol Facebook page and tell me that I should try out.
I never really gave it any thought until last year when he tagged me in another post, and my mom begged me to send in a video.
I contemplated it for months, until I finally gave in and sent in a video of me singing. I remember telling my mom that no one would ever watch it and that it would just be another “lost file”. Little did I know I was wrong!
Idol Chatter: Why did you choose “The Prayer” for your audition song?
Anna: “The Prayer” has been one of my favorite songs to sing for a few years now. It gives us a peace, guidance, and kindness, and I think we could all use a little bit of that. The producers also loved “The Prayer!” It was one of their favorite songs I did for them!
Idol Chatter: Now, can you tell us a bit more about what happened during your audition? Basically, what did viewers miss?
Anna: All of the judges were VERY nice and gave me very good feedback! I also got a hug from Lionel and Luke as well!
Idol Chatter: And what were you thinking as the moo-off transpired? Then Katy’s charging toward you, picking you up and swinging you around. It was great fun to watch. I’m wondering what it was like to be at the center of it all.
Anna: I didn’t know what to think. I was like, “What in the world is going on?” I was genuinely so confused as to why they were climbing on top of the judges’ table and then Katy explained the moo-off to me.
I told her that she better win, and she did just that! I’m so glad Katy fought for me! Her charging after me and swinging me around will forever be one of the craziest moments of my life. It is something I will never forget!
To have such a legend believe in me, and fight for me, means the absolute world to me. I will forever be thankful for Katy giving me “grace” and helping me get the golden ticket!
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