Isaiah Moore is congratulated by his mother after earning a golden ticket on American Idol (ABC Photo)
American Idol introduced fans to about a dozen more Hollywood-bound singers Sunday night.
One of those, Filo, earned one of Season 23’s coveted platinum tickets, which allow a singer to skip the opening round of Hollywood Week.
Meanwhile, new judge Carrie Underwood, who has admitted she finds it difficult to say “no” to singers, summoned up the courage to say “no” multiple times.
In fact, two of the advancing artists — Josh King and Mikaela Bautista — did so in spite of an initial “no” vote from Carrie.
Here’s a recap, with Idol Chatter’s picks for the night’s best performances. Follow the links for more on the singers, including information about music they’ve already released.
Best of the Night
Filo, 23, Dublin, Calif., “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding: Filo was born and raised in Egypt. He shows off a nice full, deep voice with a bit of rasp. And he certainly shows his ability to pull off a run, doing it repeatedly in a frill-filled performance that will hopefully be toned down a bit in the future. But on this occasion, it brings the judges to their feet. Luke says he “was born to sing” and could be Top 10. Lionel calls it “amazing” and says “we’ve been waiting for you.” Carrie calls the audition “fantastic.”
Isaiah Moore, 22, Oneonta, Ala., “Where the Wild Things Are” by Luke Combs: The couple had a cruise to the Caribean for their honeymoon, but canceled it so Isaiah could audition. They’d been married just seven days at the time. There’s a Facebook photo of them enjoying a brief honeymoon at Dollywood instead. Isaiah sings a song he’s dedicating to his brother with lots of emotion and a really nice unique tone. Lionel said he felt the “passion and pain” in Isaiah’s performance and called it “smoking.” Carrie liked the way he “connected” with the judges.
Lashon, 25, Miami, Fla., “Woman” (an original): Her mother had three children and adopted nine of Lashon’s cousins. She’s dedicating her original song to her mom. And she she delivers the song with power and soul and a nice dash of attitude. All three judges get to their feet at the end of that audition. Luke called her “tremendous” and said she’s inspiring. Lionel says she could have a lane all to herself on the show. Carrie predicts a Top 12 finish, saying she wrote “artist” done on her paper in big letters. She breezes to Hollywood.
Grayson Torrence, 21, Providence Forge, Va., “Fall In Line” by Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato: She’s been watching Idol since she can remember. Dang, American Idol discovered lots of great young talent. This young lady has a big voice too. And delivers her audition song with tons of passion. Best of all, she goes really big without sounding like she’s screaming. Luke calls it his favorite audition of the day. Carrie and Lionel enjoyed her performance as well. Lionel predicted she could do very well on the show.
Also made the show
Brajawn Upshaw, 21, Temple, Ga., “Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid: He’s been working at the post office as a mail handler with his mom and brother and said his mom signed him up for an Idol audition. For a guy who seems to have little confidence in his singing ability, Brajawn shows off a lovely tone, earning applause from all three judges when he concludes the song. Carrie said he has a “beautiful” voice and is captivating. Lionel calls him a vibe master with his vocals. Brajawn gets to Hollywood on a 2-1 vote with Carrie casting the tiebreaker in Brajawn’s favor.
Landry Champlin, “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood: She started performing at a place called Grapevine Opry and would often be called upon to sing a Carrie Underwood song. And she’s a big Carrie fan. Landry has a big voice with a nice touch of rasp. Carrie thought she did a nice job of making the song her own. Lionel loved her voice and her total package. Luke said she has a big voice and a big range.
Victor Solomon, 26, Peoria, Ill., “Hello” by Lionel Richie: He delivers a splendid version of the song. Not surprised. This guy made the finals of The Voice a couple years back. I am surprised we didn’t a more complete introduction to Victor. Lionel says that’s the first time he’s heard someone take “Hello” to church quite like that. Victor gets praise from all the coaches. Lionel predicts he’ll be Top 20. Carrie says he’s been given “an incredible gift” in his voice.
Mikaela Bautista, 23, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston: Mikaela’s dad sang folk music in the Philippines. She delivers a solid version of the song. Carrie said she has lots of potential and a lovely voice, but had problems with her nerves. Lionel says she has amazing control of her vocals. Luke says she’s too talented not to vote for. Mikaela and her dad then sang a lovely snippet of “The Prayer” together. The emotional performance prompted Carrie to change her vote to a yes.
Bryson Quick, 17, Seymour, Tenn., “Time” by Pink Floyd: Hmm, he puts a country spin on a Pink Floyd classic. Interesting choice. Not sure it completely works, but Bryson has a nice plaintive tone in his voice. Carrie thinks he has a voice that could stand out. And she compliments his song choice and his look. Lionel and Luke enjoyed the performance too. And Bryson gets three yeses to advance to Hollywood. Then Idol sends him to the Grand Ole Opry stage to perform with Season 19 champ Chayce Beckham.
Carson Webb, 16, Granite Falls, N.C., “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims: This guy has a big personality. He delivers clogging shoes to the judges, who of course try them out. He backs it up with a pretty solid performance of Teddy’s off-done hit song. Luke called Carson “amazing and calls his special. Carrie advised him to be sure to pick songs suited to his age and voice. Lionel cautioned him not to make himself a gimmick, because he isn’t. Still, Luke called him “a character.”
MKY, aka Mikey Jimenez, “Ooh, Baby, Baby” by Smokey Robinson: He comes from a family of singers and shows off great range on the classic hit. The judges bring his parents in to share the moment as they vote. He gets three yeses to advance. Carrie says he has all the musical tools to do very well on the show.
Josh King, 24, Charlotte, N.C., “Over the Rainbow”: Josh does his own arrangement of a song he admits if overdone. The opening line announces that he has a great, surprisingly deep voice. Lionel says he has a great pop voice, but is in lounge mood. Carrie suggests he cut down on the frills. The judges ask him to do a version of “My Girl.” Luke announces “you’ve got groove.” He advances to Hollywood on a 2-1 vote. Carrie cast the “no.”
Lashon reacts to earning a golden ticket on American Idol (ABC Photo)
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