Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Her audition: Kiera Howell, 16, Geneva, Ala., performed “Don’t Tread on Me” by We the Kingdom: For her age, she displayed a very mature delivery and, in spite of what she said, looked perfectly comfortable auditioning and not a bit nervous once she started singing. She held one of those notes forever. Carrie Underwood loved the versatility in her voice. Luke Bryan loves her energy. Lionel Richie loves that positive energy too. She turned in a very impressive audition, especially for someone so young.

Here’s more about Kiera:

* She’s a talented 16-year-old from Geneva, Ala. who released her first single in August.

* That song is a cover of the Christian single called “Don’t Tread on Me” and there’s an accompanying music video you can check out below. It, of course, also turned out to be her audition song.

* Apparently, Kiera attends a school where you can decorate your designated parking spot and she’s painted lyrics from her debut single on hers.

* In her Instagram bio, Kiera writes: “I started singing when I was four and have been hooked since the first time I held the microphone in my hand.”

* In a 2022 contestant interview for the Southern Lights Search for a Star talent competition, Kiera elaborates, saying she was at wedding where there was an open mic or karaoke opportunity.

* “I picked up microphone, got on stage and started singing ‘This Girl is on Fire.’ Ever since then I’ve been singing.”

* She’s also been entering pageants and competitions and doing quite well.

* In 2024, she was named New Gospel Female Artist of the Year and Most Promising Gospel Female Entertainer in the 13-16 age group by the North America Country Music Association International.

* In October, she won the Kiwanis Covington County Fair youth talent show thanks to her singing ability.

* She ended her reign as Teen Miss Geneva last April. The next month, she won the title of Miss Clayhatchee 2025.

* Kiera announced her Idol audition in early January, writing: “What a dream come true!!!! This is the biggest opportunity I’ve ever been given and I am so beyond excited and so grateful!!!!! I am so so so thankful that God laid this opportunity in my path!!!”

Kiera on social media:
Instagram
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Facebook
YouTube