Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Sophia Wackerman listens to the judges’ feedback following her audition on American Idol Season 18. (ABC Photo)

But the feedback she received from the judges following her blind audition … well, that was pretty memorable.

Luke Bryan loved her signature tone and her “sparkle.” Katy said she has “instant identity.” Lionel Richie says she has Top 10 potential for Season 18.

Those comments followed Sophia’s performance of “Water” by Bishop Briggs. And her revelation that she hails from a musical family. Her father is a drummer; her mother, Naomi Star, was a professional singer before passing when Sophia was 16.

Needless to say, Sophia was the unanimous recipient of a golden ticket to Hollywood. Here’s what the 20-year-old from Long Beach, Calif., told Idol Chatter about her American Idol audition.

Idol Chatter: How did you wind up auditioning for American Idol Season 18 (ABC Season 3) and what prompted you to do it this year?

Sophia: Over the summer, I was invited to audition &. I thought it’d be worth a shot, cause what did I have to lose? I was very inspired by the contestants last year and the success that they garnered during and after the show, and I figured Idol would be a good place to start my solo career.

Idol Chatter: Why did you choose “Water” for your audition song? What’s your performance history with that song (for instance, is it one you’ve performed often)?

Sophia: I chose to sing “Water” for my audition song partly because Bishop Briggs is one of my biggest influences. I admire her artistry, vocals, and performance skills, and this song in particular is my favorite from her catalogue. I had never performed it before, but I thought that now was a good a time as any. It’s vulnerable, raw, and heartbreaking, and that reflects the kind of music I like to make.

Idol Chatter: What was that audition experience like? On TV, you came off as completely composed and professional. Were you nervous at all?

Sophia: I was nervous out of my wits during my audition! That’s partly the reason I came across as so energized — I was actively trying to convert my nervous energy into excited energy the whole time just to keep my head about me. Mostly though, I was trying to appreciate every moment and really soak up the joy of the whole experience, because I wasn’t sure if that would be my only shot or not! The whole thing was really thrilling and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.

Idol Chatter: When researching contestants, I noticed you have lots of experience with choirs and a cappella groups. How about as a solo artist? Have you done much to this point?

Sophia: I’ve usually performed alongside some sort of ensemble, whether it be theater, show choir, acapella, etc. I mean, I’ve sung alone on a stage before many a time, but never singing my own original songs. I’ve always worked on my solo craft (writing songs, taking voice lessons, singing covers, etc.) but I’ve never really ventured into the world of presenting myself as a solo artist. I’ve always known that I wanted to do that eventually, and it’s been really great getting to introduce myself as my own artist on a platform such as American Idol.

Idol Chatter: And Katy Perry seemed insistent that you adopt the stage name Sophia Star. Any thoughts on that at the moment?

Sophia: I absolutely love Katy Perry’s advice for me to change my stage name to “Sophia Star,” and I’ve been thinking it through thoroughly for hours every day. It’s an honor that she cares enough about me to try to help me in that regard. I do, however, want to be as authentic as possible as an artist, and I’m still not sure that the name “Sophia Star” feels quite right to me. I have to give it some more thought. I too have my reservations about the name “Wackerman” (though I am proud of the musical heritage that comes with it), so I may ultimately end up changing it to something, whether it be “Star” or something else …

For more on Sophia, a student at UCLA, her background in music and her debut single, head here.

Editor’s Note: American Idol will air a final audition episode on Sunday. Then, on Monday night, it’s off to Hollywood Week for Sophia and the other golden ticket recipients.