Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Now that American Idol has aired its Hollywood Week episodes, one cast member is revealing that she came down with COVID, yet still advanced.

That would be Kayleigh Clark, a 17-year-old country singer from Sumrall, Mississippi.

During the auditions, Kayleigh impressed the judges with covers of “The Dance” by Garth Brooks and “I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship.

They did, however, suggest the teen start singing like she’s determined to be heard over a barn full 25,000 chickens on her family’s farm.

So her audition ended with Kayleigh proclaiming: “I’m going to Hollywood. But I guess I’m going to sing for some chickens first.”

Turns out she sang virtually from her hotel room during Hollywood Week, a story she shared on Instagram.

“I was diagnosed with COVID and got really sick, so my auditions were held from my room virtually,” she writes.

“Staying in my room fighting fever, chills, cough and body aches … I was still able to make it through the performance AND the duet round (alone lol).

“So get ready for Showstopper round!!!!,” she continues. “It will be the first time I actually get to hit the big stage, but I am so excited!!!”

Kayleigh also recently shared that she’ll be releasing a debut single soon. And it’s a song she wrote with fellow Season 21 contestant Preston Duffee.

She’s also set to perform the national anthem at an MMA bout on April 14 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Biloxi, Mississippi.