Episode 1:
Colin Stough sang "Simple Man" by Lynard Skynard-- I could tell right away that Luke really liked Colin, he called him raw and real. Colin says his mom signed him up to audition. Katy tells Colin that he has star dust. What strikes me about Colin is his realness, the way he chooses to phrase the song. He is a storyteller.
Zachariah Smith sang "Hurts So Good" by John Mellencamp-- Zachariah and Colin are from the same town, Amory, MS, and they know each other. He is really good, I love Zachariah's passion and personality. He really goes for it with the performance and he has a southern rock type voice. I'd almost compare him to like a Kid Rock. Lionel tells Zachariah that he is not a gimmick. Katy thinks he is authentic.
Michael Williams sang "Talking to the Moon" by Bruno Mars-- I remember Michael from The Voice and I always felt like he should have got further in the show than he did. Katy is smitten with Michael. This is a great song for him, kind of predictable-- he needs to be careful with that, but this is a strong audition. Lionel says he is not just a pretty face, he is the whole package. Katy compares him to Shawn Mendes and Harry Styles and says he is top ten material.
Tyson Venegas sang "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel-- This performance really left me impressed and I cannot believe Tyson is only 17! His voice is so unique. Tyson's mom says his first concert was Lionel and it inspired him to sing. Lionel says, Tyson inspired us. Katy says she felt so connected to the performance. The judges are all in agreement-- Tyson was so special that he is getting only one of four Platinum tickets.
Kya Monee sang "I'm Here" from The Color Purple-- Kya auditioned before on Season 19, and was friends with Willie Spence (who recently passed away), her duet partner in Hollywood. She is still coping with Willie's death. This is not a perfect performance, but wow, the passion. Sometimes things are divine and this is one of them. Katy said the performance was so connected to the pain.
Episode 2:
Jon Wayne Hatfield sang "Tell Me Ray" an Original Song-- Jon is clearly gifted as a songwriter and it is so beautiful that he is sharing his gift with all of us. Katy said what he shared today is so beautiful and so authentic. Luke said people at home get to watch you bare your soul on the show and they realize that they are going through something similar and that they are not alone.
Matt Wilson sang "For Tonight" by Giveon-- Matt is one of my personal favorites, I love the tone of his voice, it is so soulful. There's something that is really genuine. In fact, Luke says that is one of the most genuine, honest, and real performances I've ever witnessed. Katy loves his tone. Lionel speaks about his purity and believability.
Kaylin Hedges sang "I'm Already There" by Lonestar-- Kaylin is mature beyond her years, hard to believe she is only 15 years old. Her dad is in the military and deployed a lot, so this song is particularly meaningful for her. The show surprises Kaylin and her mom by bringing her dad there for her audition. Kaylin is so good that the judges give her a Platinum Ticket.
Nutsa sang "Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera and "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston-- Nutsa is from the Republic of Georgia and has been on a lot of singing shows over there. She does have a theatrical Broadway-like type of voice, and it is a little bit dramatic and over the top, but I do think she has some talent. I think if she listens and takes good notes she could really progress in this competition. Katy thinks she is a little "too hot". Luke seems to really like her--- he calls her the "J Lo from Georgia".
Trey Lewis sang "Stone" by Whiskey Myers-- Trey is going to be such a fly under the radar person in this competition. You just don't expect it from him. He has a storyteller voice, and it's just so impactful. He is a mattress salesman who had a gunman go into his high school when he was younger and kill eight students and two teachers. He lost friends. Trey has a powerful voice! Luke says Trey reminds him of Chris Stapleton. Katy is very emotional and starts crying saying that things have to change.
Episode 3:
We Ani sang "Anyone" by Demi Lovato-- I remember We from The Voice and she was amazing even back then. Now she is at a whole other level, her tone is just incredible, especially when you compare it to her speaking voice. Lionel and Luke both think her voice is amazing, and Katy says, this is ridiculous, way to throw a curveball.
Marybeth Byrd sang "If it Hadn't Been for Love" by The Steeldrivers-- Mary Beth is another voice alum, and she will do great in the country forum. I absolutely love the rasp and the tone of her voice as well. The contestants this season have really strong and unique tones to their voices. Lionel says Marybeth just has it. Marybeth says she is inspired by Katy and Katy says she is a top ten for sure.
Olivia Soli sang "Hello" by Lionel Richie-- I love how Olivia took such a timeless and recognizable song and made it into her own. She's really talented. Lionel said I want to be the first to rush the artist. He loved how she took his song and made it into her own, and encourages everyone to do that. Katy said her voice is absolutely tremendous.
Preston Duffee sang "Something to Write About" an Original Song-- Preston has quite the story, and his original song is special. I think he has this quality about him that is relatable and I'd love to see him get further in this competition but there are some great male country artists he is up against. Luke mentions that but also says he could be a successful songwriter. I could totally see him taking that route. Lionel said he nailed it and Katy said she is looking at a young Luke.
Elijah McCormick sang "God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts-- This was one of my favorite performances so far in the past few years of Idol. Elijah has such a sincerity and ease to his voice. He makes you feel what he is singing, and I think he believes it because of what he's been through. Luke says that last person I saw approach singing like you was Willie Spence. Lionel said that's what he was thinking which is why he was so overcome with emotion. It's interesting how he survived a car accident and Willie lost his life in one, and that the song was "God Bless the Broken Road". Elijah actually won a Platinum ticket from a contest during the American Music Awards.
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