Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol introduced viewers to seven more Hollywood bound singers during a special post-Oscar episode Sunday night.

Advancing to Hollywood during the show were Amara Valerio, Danny Epp, Hannah Nicolaisen, Reette Thorns, Tripp Taylor, Colten Glover and Cay Aliese.

Cay, 24, of Dandridge, Tenn., closed the show with an original, “City of Nashville,” dedicated to her late father, who helped spur her interest in music.

Her father was Nolan Neal, who turned four chairs on Season 12 of The Voice and later appeared on America’s Got Talent. He died last summer from a drug overdose.

Cay said his death made her more determined to follow her musical dreams, and she earned three yeses from the judges. She also recently dropped her latest original single, “Steady Girl.” Learn more about Kay and her music here.

Here are my picks for the night’s top three performances. Remember, following the links will take you to a bio of the singer.

1. Colt Glover, 21, Magnolia, Texas, “Rock, Salt and Nails by Flatt and Scruggs: He’s now taking music seriously at the recommendation of a college friend. He should. Because he showed off a wonderful ache in his voice and a great country tone on a show that loves country singers. Katy called him the best country singer we’ve seen so far and predicted he’ll be Top 10.

2. Hannah Nicolaisen, 23, Houston, Texas, “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan: She played collegiate volleyball and recently started singing seriously. But she immediately shows off a wonderful, rich voice. Katy’s reaction: “You just spiked the ball in our face.” Luke said she was “definitely born to sing.” And Hannah advanced with three yes votes.

3. Tripp Taylor, 18, Florence, S.C., “I Believe to My SouL” by Ray Charles: Saying he prefers old soul type of music, Tripp slipped behind the piano and turned in an impressive performance of a Ray Charles classic. Luke Bryan called him “incredible.” Katy Perry said he combines an incredible voice with the “it factor.” He breezed through with three yes votes.

Amara Valerio, 21, of Yonkers, N.Y., shows off her golden ticket after auditioning for Season 21 of American Idol (ABC Photo)

Cay Aliese, 24, of Dandridge, Tenn., auditions for Season 21 of American Idol (ABC Photo)

Colt Glover, 21 of Magnolia, Texas, auditions for Season 21 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)

Danny Epp, 23, of Suffern, N.Y., auditions for Season 21 of American Idol (ABC Photo)

Hannah Nicolaisen, 23, of Houston, Texas, auditions for Season 21 of American Idol (ABC Photo)

Reette Thorns, 20, of Madison, Wisc. auditions for Season 21 of American Idol (ABC Photo)

Tripp Taylor, 18, of Florence, S.C., auditions for Season 21 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)