Isaac Brown, Jayna Elise shine on American Idol

American Idol

Isaac Brown, Jayna Elise shine on American Idol

March 26, 2023 By Mark Franklin 0

Fire Willmore, 22, of Lawton, Okla.,, auditions for the second time for Season 21 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)

American Idol introduced viewers to 12 more Hollywood bound singers Sunday night.

Now it’s on to the Hollywood round, which will begin next Sunday on ABC and continue with a Monday night episode as well.

The Idol judges keep marveling over the talent they’ve found for Season 21, and rightfully so considering the auditions we’ve seen since the Season 21 premiere Feb. 19.

Idol also completed the two-part audition of Fire Willmore during Sunday’s episod. The 22-year-old from Lawton, Okla., who was making a living as an exotic dancer, is trying for forge a new life for herself and her young daughter.

She got a no from the Idol judges during last week’s show, which was pretty heart-wrenching considering her adorable daughter had already latched onto a golden ticket and was forced to return it.

But Katy Perry decided to give Fire a second chance. So she showed up at the Nashville auditions, sans daughter, performed Adele’s “Love in the Dark” and received three yes votes to move on the Hollywood.

Here are my picks for Sunday’s top auditions. As always, following the links will take you to a profile of the singer. And you’ll learn about music already released by Isaac Brown, Jayne Elise, Kaeyra,

1. Isaac Brown, 21, Los Angeles, “Golden Hour” by JVKE and “Essence” by Whizkid: This guy exudes stage presence and confidence as a performer. Luke Bryan said his voice has a crazy amount of potential. Katy Perry loved the light he brings into a room. I was upset because Idol kept interrupting his first song, during which I thought he delivered the better vocal. He comes across as much more prepared to handle the Idol pressure than many of the other contestants.

2. Jayna Elise, 22, Washington, D.C., “Who Wants to Live Forever” by Queen: Jayna was featured in a package with two other female singers. But she sure shined with her big vocals and the emotion she poured into her performance. Lionel praised her stage presence and she breezed on to Hollywood. And Idol didn’t clue us in, but she has singing show experience having competed on America’s Got Talent at age 14.

3. Elise Kristine, 18, Issaquah, Wash., “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin: Katy Perry dubbed her Mighty Mouse. And she showed off great vocals and the ability to belt in her audition. But honestly, what really impressed me about Elise was the quality of her covers and the sense of humor she’s displayed on her popular TikTok. In fact, when I started researching Season 21 contestants, I was feeling rather ho-hum about another season of American Idol and The Voice. Until I heard Elise sing and discovered the originals of Haven Madison, who we met during the season premiere.

4. Cam Amen, 27, Omaha, Neb., “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: Cam is the auditioner who spent much of his childhood in foster care, then helped raise his brother and sister after turning 18. The judges were so impressed with his performance, they awarded him a platinum ticket. That will allow him to skip the first round of Hollywood Week. I might be underestimating Cam by ranking him this low, but I’ve heard some unbelievable covers of that song, on this show included. Luke Bryan said he might be the best soul singer the show had seen.

5. Kaeyra, 21, Algonquin, Ill., “Cold” by Chris Stapleton: Playing piano, Kaeyra immediately impressed with a unique soulful tone. There’s lot of power behind those vocals too. Luke Bryan called her audition “really great.” Lionel Richie loved her “moody” voice. She advanced with three yes votes. And be sure to check out the original music this young woman has already released.

Also earning golden tickets during Sunday’s show were Sarah Mac, Nate Peck, Mikenley Brown, Sierra Harris, Phil Kane, Kaya Stewart and Oliver Steele.

Sarah Mac, 24, Carrollton, Ga., auditions for Season 21 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)

Sierra Harris, 20, of Lexington, Mass.,, auditions for American Idol Season 21. (ABC Photo)

Phil Kane, 18, from Pawhuska, Okla.,auditions for Season 21 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)

Oliver Steele, Oliver Steele, 25, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., auditions for Season 21 of American Idol. (ABC Photo)

Kenley Brown, 17, of New Castle, Indiana, auditions for American Idol Season 21. (ABC Photo)

Kaya Stewart, 22, West Hollywood, Calif., auditions for Season 21 of American Idol. She’s accompanied by her dad, Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. (ABC Photo)