Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Cyniah Elise, 17, of Atlanta, Ga., at her American Idol Season 18 audition. (ABC Photo)

And Sunday night, we’ll see her breeze through another, duets night in Hollywood.

American Idol has leaked Cyniah’s duet with Makayla Phillips, another early Season 18 front-runner.

Let’s just say their performance of “The Prayer” is quite impressive. In fact, it earns a standing ovation from the American Idol judges.

Earlier, we saw Cyniah, 17, from Atlanta, Ga., shine in an audition round performance of “You Are the Reason” and in the Hollywood Week genre round with Adele’s “All I Ask.”

Here’s what Cyniah told Idol Chatter about her American Idol experience so far.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for American Idol Season 18 (Season 3 on ABC) and what prompted you to do it this year? Had you ever tried a singing show in the past?

Cyniah: My aunt sent me a flyer announcing that American Idol was holding auditions in Macon, Ga. I filled out the application and sent in a video of me singing, and got a call back with an appointment time for my audition. This came at a perfect time after I had a few videos to go viral, and thought that this would be a great opportunity to reach the world. Yes, (I tried) The Voice when I was 15.

Voice Views: Can you explain your song choices so far — “You Are the Reason” in the audition round and “All I Ask” in the genre round? Do you have a performance history with those songs?

Cyniah: “You are the Reason:” I am a huge fan of Calum Scott, and his music touches my heart. I love the way he tells the story though his lyrics. I would love to do this song as a duet with him. “All I ask:” I love all of Adele’s music, and I admire her as an artist. There is no performance history with these songs, but I sometimes go to sleep singing these artists’ songs.

Voice Views: What’s the American Idol experience been like so far? You’ve gotten amazing feedback from the judges.

Cyniah: The American Idol experience has been the best experience of my life. Although it’s a competition, we all support each other. It’s more like a family, friendships for life. Coming from a big, supportive family, I feel like home.

The feedback from the judges has caused me to grow as an artist. Katy Perry is an awesome singer, and gives great feedback on how I can develop as an artist. Luke Bryan’s passion and phenomenal ear for music encourages me every time I get on the stage. Lionel Richie is a living legend and I respect everything that comes out of his mouth.

Voice Views: Now, I’ve seen a couple of references to an EP you’ve been working on. Can you update me on the status of that and how would you describe your original music?

Cyniah: I am super excited about my original music. It’s a combination of pop and R&B. I’m still writing and jotting down ideas during the competition. I will say that the competition has given me experiences that have pushed me to come up with new ideas for my EP. I can’t wait for the world to hear my music. I believe that the American Idol competition will be a great segue into the release of my EP. I anticipate American Idol being a huge part of my career.

Voice Views: What are the biggest things you’d done musically — performance wise — prior to American Idol?

Cyniah: I have performed on the same stages as performers such as Cheryl Pepsi Riley, KeKe Wyatt and Keri Hilson. I have also competed in several local talent hunts. I attend a performance arts school and have had the opportunity to be cast in leading roles in stage plays such as “Hairspray” and “A Chorus Line.”