American Idol (2002–…): Season 19, Episode 1 - 401 (Auditions) - full transcript

What a time to be
around in the world.

♪ We lost so much ♪

We're all out there
dealing with challenges,

and I'm just excited that
the fans can sit at home

and enjoy "American
Idol" as a family.

♪ But something about you ♪

This audition
is such a big deal for me.

♪ Has got me feelin' alive ♪

This can change
all of our lives.

♪ There must be magic ♪

I'm a small‐town country boy,



and I just wanted to come
out and see the world a little bit.

Just in case you didn't know it was me,
it's me.

♪ When I get lost here ♪

You're gonna be great. Thank you,
Dad.

The talent is going
to lead the way.

Wait till you hear these kids.

Lots of other
things are canceled.

Silver lining is that dreams
are not canceled. Right.

♪ You feel like home ♪

That's got to be right up there

with the Kelly
Clarkson audition,

the Jennifer Hudson audition.

Yay! ♪ Ohhh ♪

You're an undeniable star.



Thanks.

We were able to really
go all across America.

You are a new voice that
the world has never heard.

It doesn't get better than that
when you're searching for stars.

We just broke all
the rules for you,

'cause you are worth
breaking the rules over.

On the first note, I had chills.

♪ When the lights go out ♪

Get out of here!

Holy... Wow!

I couldn't be any happier to be
in that judge's chair right now.

Hopefully my doesn't show. Hey!

It feels like the
good old "American Idol"

back to work again.

♪ You are my home ♪

Daddy!

Hi, Gracie!

♪ You feel like home ♪

Once again,
we've come together as family

in the spirit of music.

This is the original
dream maker,

because this is "American Idol."

♪ You feel like home ♪♪

♪ 'Cause I‐I‐I'm in
the stars tonight ♪

Do I stand here? Is
this where I stand?

Step up on the T.

Yep. There you go.

♪ Let's rock 'n' roll ♪

♪ King Kong ♪

What's up? My
name's Benson Boone.

I'm 18 years old,
and I'm from Monroe, Washington.

♪ 'Cause I‐I‐I'm in
the stars tonight ♪

I'm just really a
big goofy nut ball.

I'm Benson.

Troublemaker.

♪ Dynamite ♪

I started singing a
little over a year ago

at the end of high school.

My best friend, he's like,

"Yo,
we should get this band going."

And I was like,
"Who's gonna sing?"

And he was like,
"You're gonna sing."

I went...

"What?"

Ever since then,
that's just all I do is just sing.

♪ Set the night alight ♪

How you doing? Good to meet you.

Good to meet you,
too. You ready for this?

Oh, I'm so ready. I'm so ready.

They tell me you're famous,
that you're a famous backflipper.

You want me to do ‐‐
I don't know on this ‐‐

If you don't land on this,

it's gonna make us all feel bad,
so...

Okay, good. That was a risk.

We took it. It paid off. Yeah.

Will this risk pay off?

Getting a golden ticket,

wow,
that would be the biggest honor of my life.

♪ Like dynamite, whoa‐oh‐oh ♪

Oh, my gosh.

What's up? How's it going, man?

Good. How are you?

I'm doing really good.

Tell us who you are.

My name is Benson Boone.

I am 18 years old,
and I'm from Monroe, Washington.

What made you want
to audition for "Idol"?

I started singing a year ago.

A year ago?

Yeah. I didn't know I could
sing before a year ago.

So I don't know
where it came from.

You never sang "Happy Birthday"?

I did,
but I just sung it bad with my friends

'cause, you know,
but I don't know.

It's become a really big
passion of mine really quickly.

And so I auditioned.

So, you a big TikTok'er?

Oh, boy,
I do some singing and then entertainment.

Not like ‐‐ Like,
there's a lot of thirst traps on there.

Uh‐huh. Like,
guys trying to be rawr.

What's this guy
that's on TikTok that's like ‐‐

Noah, yeah.

And he does his little dances.

- Yep, does his little dances, takes his
shirt off. - And it's very nonchalant.

I bet he has the six‐pack abs.

Oh, yeah. Yep.

Let's see yours.

I have an ab.

An ab? Yeah.

Just one massive...

Square... bloated ab.

What are you gonna sing today?

Today I'm singing
"Punchline" by Aidan Martin.

Wow. Alright, let's hear it.

Alright,
I'll be playing the piano. Blow us away.

Oh, man, he just ‐‐ Somehow he just ‐‐ Oh,
really? Oh, really?

Okay. Benson Boone.

Just happened.

Should I be, like,
really close to the microphone?

Make it comfortable for you. Yeah,
I would get ‐‐ Yeah.

Okay,
does this sound good to you guys?

Oh, yeah. Right here?

Can you hear yourself?
Have you ever used a mic?

Not really.

Alright. Oh,
my God. I love this.

Well, hey, the best way to
test the volcano is jump in it.

Said no one ever.

Philosopher.

Are you actually learning
the song right now?

No, I'm just making sure ‐‐

I haven't played
for a little bit.

I'm just making sure I
have the chords down.

This is designed to
scare the hell out of you.

It is.

Hurry up.

Alright.

♪ I don't know ♪

♪ If I'm in the crowd,
do I stand alone? ♪

♪ You know all the words
but don't sing along ♪

♪ Every single eye
has been watching me ♪

♪ And they don't see ♪

♪ That I am just another ♪

♪ Trying to find a way ♪

♪ To hold on to your loving ♪

♪ And laugh away the pain ♪

♪ I don't need no cameras
to see your point of view ♪

♪ I need someone to turn to ♪

♪ Hey ♪

♪ I guess my
heart never learns ♪

♪ No use in finding the words ♪

Whoo! Yes.

♪ If you're never
here when it hurts ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm a joke ♪

Whoo! ♪ Waiting
for the punchline ♪

Yeah. Yeah.

Thank you.

Killer. Alright.

One thing I just have
to get clear and straight.

Yeah.

You never sang growing up?

No one in my family sings.

So I just didn't,
like, think it ‐‐

You just never took it serious.

Yeah. Yeah. What?

I'm just calling
it natural talent.

I mean... It's crazy. Yeah.

You know, there's just some
folks that need to practice,

and there's some folks
that just are gifted at it.

You're not cocky. You're humble.

You're still in diapers.

You're a toddler when
it comes to this world.

Just start having
fun with your voice,

'cause it's a true gift, man.

Thank you. Right?

They're gonna swoon
over Benson Boone.

Okay.

Yeah. Alright.

I mean,
I'm gonna tell you something

that you may not believe,

but if you believe it,
it might happen.

I mean, I'm, like, literally ‐‐

I, like, see "American Idol,"
and I see you,

and I see you winning
"American Idol" if you want to.

Oh, my ‐‐

That is the biggest
compliment I've ever gotten.

Thank you. Hallelujah.

It's a yes.

Thank you.

Yes, yes, yes.

Yes!

Ah!

Oh! Oh!

Ow.

You're going to Hollywood.

Benson Boom!

Thank you so much. Benson Boom.

Benson Boom,
drop the mic. Benson Ka‐boom!

Thank you guys so much.

Enjoy this ride.

Here he comes.
There's his ticket.

Oh, my gosh, Ben. Oh, my gosh.

Katy Perry said she
thinks I can win the show.

Ah!

I have just opened
the door to my future,

and I'm ready to go get it.

We're going to Hollywood,
baby! I'll see you there!

Whoo!

America is showing up...

I'm so happy to be here,
I don't know what to do.

...delivering the best
talent we have ever seen.

Something special right there.

Magic.

♪ Feel ♪

♪ Want me ♪ Can't‐miss
moments continue...

Um, I'm Claudia Conway.

Are you okay?

No. No.

Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

...as we catch a
glimpse of future stars...

That's got to be right up there

with the Kelly
Clarkson audition,

the Jennifer Hudson audition.

...when our Valentine's
Day season premiere

continues next.

♪ I was born in the Southland ♪

♪ Some 17 years ago ♪

My name is Alex Miller.

I'm 17 years old,
and I'm from Lancaster, Kentucky.

♪ I ran away for
the first time ♪

♪ When I was only 4 years old,
I'm a free‐born man ♪

♪ Got this old worn‐out guitar ♪

Lancaster's a very small town ‐‐

very peaceful,
not nothing really exciting going on,

and I like it that way.

My granddad,
he owns a big old cattle farm.

It's tough work,
but it'll make a man out of you.

That's exactly right. That's how I feel,
too.

Music means everything to me.

Whenever I was young,
my parents divorced,

and it was a way for
me to cope with that

and release a
lot of that energy.

♪ I will open up your
eyes so you can see ♪

You know,
in the 10 years you've been singing,

you've done very,
very well, I think.

Well, I try, you know.

I counted it up last night.

You've sang 935 times.

♪ And don't forget
to call on me ♪

I'll see y'all later. Y'all take care,
now.

♪ I would walk a thousand miles for you,
my darlin' ♪♪

♪ Boney fingers ♪

♪ Rain comin' down and
the roof won't hold her ♪

♪ Well, I lost my job ♪ Hey!

♪ And I feel a little older ♪

♪ Car won't run,
and our love's grown colder ♪

♪ Maybe things will get a
little better in the morning ♪

♪ Maybe things will
get a little better ♪

Hello! Oh, here we go.

♪ Maybe things will
get a little better ♪

Hold on.

♪ Work your
fingers to the bone ♪

♪ What do you get? ♪

♪ Boney fingers ♪

Alright,
we are ready for you, buddy.

Alright.

Tell us who you are and
where you're from and your age.

Well, my name is Alex Miller,

and I'm from Garrard County,
Kentucky.

I'm 17 years old.

And I'm so happy to be here,
I don't know what to do.

From what county?

Garrard County.

"Gare‐ed"? Garrard.

You got to ‐‐
You got to put a ‐‐

When they named it,
they had tobacco in their mouth.

That's exactly right.

That's exactly right. Oh!

I understand all the
Southern accents now.

That's right.

I mean,
I hope you sing like you talk,

because that could be amazing.

Please be able to sing.

Please, please.

What are you gonna do for us?

Well, I'm gonna do a little song

I wrote for an
ex‐girlfriend of mine.

Hope y'all enjoy it.

It's called "I'm Over You,
So Get Over Me."

Goes a little
something like this.

So get over "moy."

♪ Well,
time and time again I try ♪

♪ And just when I
get you off my mind ♪

♪ Off my mind ♪

♪ You come crawling
on your knees ♪

♪ Bawling, crying,
and begging, "Please" ♪

♪ But I'm over you ♪

♪ So get over me ♪

♪ Lately I've been
getting smart ♪

♪ No,
you're never gonna break my heart ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm over you ♪

♪ So get over me ♪

♪ Oh, yeah, I'm over you ♪

♪ So get over me ♪

Love it, love it, love it, love it,
love it, love it... Yee‐haw!

...love it, love it, love it.

Thank you, Jesus.

I am thrilled.

Your personality is just infectious,
man.

Yeah. Well, thank you.

What happens if you were to
ever play the Grand Ole Opry?

Oh, I don't know,
man. I'd die and go to heaven.

I think I can make
a call at some point.

I mean,
hold on. Don't you want to, like,

sing a little song with
him or something?

I totally want to sing a
song. Of course you do.

What do you want to do?

Oh, yes. It's so good.

You know "Big City"?

Love that song.

I love this.

Hey, is Lancaster,
Kentucky, a big city?

Oh, Lord, no.

We'd have to count
the cows and chickens

to get a census report.

Can't make that up.

♪ Ba‐ba‐dah ♪

Is that right? Yeah.

♪♪

Hit it.

♪ Oh, well,
I'm tired of this dirty old city ♪

♪ I'm tired of too much work ♪

♪ And never enough play ♪

♪ Turn me loose, set me free ♪

Where at, Luke?

♪ Somewhere in the
middle of Montana ♪

♪ Give me all I've
got coming to me ♪

Go on, baby.

♪ And keep your retirement ♪

♪ And your so‐called ♪

♪ Social Security ♪

I'm taking this
boy home with me.

♪ Big city,
turn me loose ♪ He probably needs a ride.

♪ And set me free ♪

Whoo!

Right there.

There it is right there. Oh,
my God.

Oh,
my God. Something special right there. Hey.

Alex, we're gonna go on a little trip,
buddy.

Yeah. You're tall, boy.

Man.

Hi, Mama. What's your name?

Hi. How are you?
My name's Brandi.

Follow us, Brandi. Come on.

Oh, my God.

It's a surprise.
It's a surprise.

♪ Turn me loose, set me free ♪

Alex,
welcome to show biz, buddy.

♪ Somewhere in... ♪

Well, hello, gentlemen.

How are you all doing?

I brung Mama with me,
and I brung a few other people, too.

Hello.

Hey, buddy. What's up?

We wanted to share
some news with the whole family.

Awesome. Luke?

Look right there, Pop.

Whoo!

He's going to Hollywood. Oh,
my God.

He's going to Hollywood!

Alex!

He's going to Hollywood. Oh,
my God.

Congratulations, son.

It really does mean a lot.

So Alex heads
back to the family farm

to celebrate with his granddad.

Something new this
season for contestants ‐‐

an immersive experience

designed to strengthen the
bond between loved ones

both near and far.

♪ Early in the morning ♪

♪ I still get a little bit nervous ♪ Ooh,
okay.

Oh!

How you doing, son?

I love you so much. I miss you.

♪ Fighting my
anxiety constantly ♪

♪ I try to control it ♪

Daddy!

Daddy, kisses.

Love you.

♪ 'Cause I can't express
how thankful I am ♪

I really got the best family.

The world might
look a little different this year,

but one thing that
will never change

is the power of someone
saying they believe in you.

Surprise. It's your biggest fan.

♪ I don't wanna lose ♪

Well, thanks, Ma.

I am so proud of you.

And I believe whatever
passion you have,

you should follow that dream.

And look where this
dream has taken you.

Mom, what show is this?

This is "American Idol."

Can't beat it.

I'm gonna go get
a golden ticket.

You're going to Hollywood.

I'm going to Hollywood!

♪ Would never be this
strong without you here ♪

♪ You've seen how I've grown ♪

♪ You took all my doubts,
'cause you ♪

Going to Hollywood!

♪ Were home ♪

Hey, Jay Jay.

♪ I don't wanna lose... ♪

Wow.

We're there with you, Jay Jay.

It's alright,
baby. It's alright.

Don't look back.

I always had that dream
that you will make it.

Let your wings
fly. Just let them fly.

Yes! Yes!

To have this opportunity,

even after being told no so many times,
I'm grateful.

♪ Yesterday I had nothing ♪

I'm Jason Warrior.
I'm 25 years old.

And I'm from Chicago, Illinois.

♪ I would pretend that
anything could happen ♪

So I have had some experiences

on the television
singing shows before.

I was on "The Four."

I got a no from Meghan Trainor.

And... I responded
out of my emotions

because I thought I knew it all.

I thought I was all that

and a bag of chips,
dip, and hot sauce,

but I wasn't even
close to being there yet.

And I had to have that
humbling experience.

♪ That was yesterday ♪

So that moment of immaturity,

it almost completely
destroyed my career.

Doors started to close.

Door after door,
opportunities started to walk away.

♪ Still know where I'm from,
oh ♪

My mom taught me
that you got to keep going

no matter who says no.

It's a beautiful thing,
baby. It's a beautiful thing.

Let it out.

So,
come on. Now what you gonna do?

Follow your dream.
Warrior in the house.

Warriors in the house. Yeah.

Yeah, I made a mistake.

But I learned from it.

And I intend to
show that I learned it.

I was hurt. I was destroyed.

National television,

and I thought I couldn't
come back from that.

Well, let me tell you something.

If you try to go back
and scream at the past,

you'll trip over the future.

So this is your shot
again looking forward.

Yes, sir.

So what are you gonna do for us?

You try to go back
and scream at the past,

you'll trip over the future.

So what are you gonna do for us?

I'll do Marvin Gaye's
"What's Going On."

Wow. Tall order. Very good.

Let's hear it, Jason.

Thank you.

♪ Mother, mother ♪

♪ There's so many
of you crying ♪

♪ Oh, brother,
brother, brother ♪

♪ There's far too
many of you dying ♪

♪ You know we
got to find a way ♪

♪ To bring some loving here today,
yeah ♪

♪ Father, father ♪

♪ We don't need to escalate ♪

Come on, now.

♪ Ohhh ♪

♪ War is not the answer ♪

♪ For only love
can conquer hate ♪

♪ You know we
got to find a way ♪

Whoo. Come on, son.

♪ To bring some
loving here today ♪

♪ Picket signs ♪

Mm.

♪ And picket lines ♪

♪ Don't punish me ♪

♪ With brutality ♪

♪ No ♪

♪ Talk to me ♪

♪ So you can see ♪

♪ What's going on ♪

♪ Yeah, what's going on ♪

♪ Can I tell you
what's going on? ♪

♪ Ohhhhh oh‐oh‐oh‐oh‐oh ♪

♪ Mmmm mmmm ♪

Whoo, man.

Jason, Jason, Jason, Jason.

Very few people can
take a Marvin Gaye song

and turn it into their song.

Yeah.

That was phenomenal.

I'm gonna ask you to forget
all about what's behind you.

It's gone. You got that?

Alright.

I'm gonna say that was
one of the strongest vocals

I have ever heard on this show.

I'm very proud of you...
Thank you so much.

....because it
took a lot of guts

to crawl back into that saddle.

That was serious, man.

And your name is
beautifully awesome.

Jason Warrior. I mean,
are you kidding me?

Jason Momoa wishes.

I want to go buy that ticket.

"What you doing tonight?"

"Me and my girl,
we're going to dinner.

We're going to
see Jason Warrior."

Yeah, that's dope.

There's got to be
somebody in your family

that's been your foundation.

Uh‐huh. My grandmother had
a dream that I was on the show.

And she literally said,
"You know what?

I see you standing as
one of the last people."

Well,
it sounds like you were on the wrong show,

first and foremost.

It sounds like you're
on the right show,

and Grandma always knows best.

Yeah. Yeah.

Jason,
I thought that was magnificent.

Your grandma's dream
might be coming true.

You thought it was
your time before.

This is prime time now,
okay? We're gonna vote.

Luke,
tell me what you're thinking.

Yes, buddy, yes.

Katy,
tell me what you're thinking.

Yes, sir.

Thank you so much.

And from Lionel Richie, amen.

You have a yes from me.

You are going to...

Hollywood. Hollywood!

Thank you so much.

Take a bow, man.

So much. Thank you,
thank you, thank you.

Very happy for you.
Thank you guys so much.

Jason, your golden ticket is
waiting for you. Great job, buddy.

Let's go and get the
golden ticket. Take that...

That's right... golden ticket,
man.

There you go.

He's gonna go for the
tippy top. To the top.

He's so good. Yeah,
he's a singer now.

He's so good now.

♪ What's going on ♪ He'll hurt you,
boy.

I'm going to Hollywood!

♪ My sisters and my brothers ♪

Yeah!

We did it.

♪ All my favorite colors ♪

I always had that dream. Look at it now,
baby.

Look at it!

Whoo!

Feels like a weight has
just lifted off of my shoulders

and I can now breathe
and move forward in my life,

and that's what I'm
looking forward to.

With Jason's dreams
getting a second wind...

♪ You can never
know what it's like ♪

...these next contestants
are hoping to find a fan...

♪ There's a cold,
lonely light that shines from you ♪

...in the judges.

Hopefully I'll be able to
blow you guys away, huh?

Wow.

Let's rock it.

♪ Coming, baby ♪

♪ Coming for you ♪

♪ Pull my trigger,
let me blow your mind ♪

I think it's a little too
out there right now.

I'm a no.

♪ Don't you know I'm still
standing... ♪ ♪ Ooh‐ooh ♪

I think you're
a little bit theatrical.

♪ Oh‐oh‐oh ♪

It's just not right
for "American Idol."

♪ Hello ♪

♪ Is it me you're looking for? ♪

No, no, no.

Please save us!

Is there any talent
left? Praying for it.

♪ I'm still standing ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah,
yeah ♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

Was it ‐‐ I was in the right key,
wasn't we?

Unh‐unh.

♪ I'm still standing ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

I love this.

I am here.

That isn't my take.

My name is Ryan Romano.

I'm 16 years old,
and I am from Romeo, Michigan.

Right now,
I am feeling like a million bucks.

That's the simplest
way to put it.

I did a talent show
in third grade ‐‐

that was kind of my eye‐opener
to me being a performer.

I walked out onto that stage,

and I didn't know
what to expect,

and I loved it.

It was kind of the dawn of the fashion,
too, if you will.

♪ Blue‐eyed,
dress for every situation ♪

People that know who I am
know my subtleness, my modesty.

But then,
they also know that I have

that extravagant side to me.

♪♪

Oh, yeah. Whoa, wait a minute.

Where'd you get that?
That's pretty dope.

Yeah, I got a tailor back home.

Well,
who inspired the fashion? I mean ‐‐

The fashion? Elton John.

I love his flamboyant
extravagance.

Oh. Alright, now,
Ryan, give it to us.

Alright.

♪♪

Tickle 'em.

♪♪

♪ I think it's gonna be a long,
long time ♪

♪ 'Til touchdown brings
me 'round again to find ♪

♪ I'm not the man they
think I am at home ♪

♪ Oh, no, no, no ♪

♪ Yeah, I'm a rocket man ♪

♪ Rocket man ♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪ I think it's gonna be ♪

♪ A long, long ♪

♪ Time ♪

♪♪

Alright,
Ryan. Alright. Thank you.

You got there. Luke,
tell us about it.

♪ So I think it's gonna be a long,
long time ♪

Ryan Romano from Romeo.

So, Ryan, obviously,
you have the showman aspect,

but the vocals have a little ways to go,
my friend.

They do? Okay. I mean,
heck, you're 16 years old.

You're standing up,
playing a piano. Right.

And even if your
voice never gets to

where it may need to get,

you'll be entertaining
somewhere on piano.

I appreciate that. Thank you.

So just take this experience,

learn from it, grow,

and really polish
up your vocals.

Alright. I like your
costume a lot.

If you
ever are looking to sell that coat...

Yeah, I might.

I have a father... Oh. Oh,
okay. Alright.

...that I could see in it. Oh,
oh.

Hold up. Have you seen
her dad's daily attire?

Oh. Oh, you're right. I think I've
seen pictures and stuff before.

Oh, boy. I never thought about
that ‐‐ you're right. It's worth a Google.

♪ Fashion ♪

♪ Turn to the left ♪

♪ Fashion ♪

♪ Right ♪

♪ Fashion ♪

Wow.

Let's vote, you guys. Uh, Luke?

Keep chipping away, man.

For "American Idol" right now,
I'm a no.

Katy? Okay.

$350. For...? Oh. Alright.

Do you have Venmo? I do.

Are you for real about
this? I'll do it. Seriously.

Really. We're do‐‐ Okay.

Whoa. A deal has
been struck on the set...

We're do‐‐ Oh,
my gosh... of "American Idol."

Here we go,
cash on the barrelhead. I love it.

My phone is outside, but,
yeah, I can give you ‐‐

That's okay. I've got
you. I've got you right here.

Wow. 350 smackaroonies.

Luke's saying
$400. I don't know.

Wait, wait, wait,
what? I'm just ‐‐ Luke's saying $400.

I don't know. I mean,
I'm not pushing for anything.

400 smackaroonies.

Wow! What a deal. Oh, my God.

Alright. I just paid
you. Y‐‐ Wow. Alright.

It's a no for "American Idol,"
but it's a yes for that jacket.

Wow. Okay, so you want it,
like, right now?

If you leave it on the piano,

that's where the sanitization
is. There you go. Yeah.

That's a hell of a deal. Your
dad is gonna love that jacket.

It feels like a good deal.

♪ Don't you know
I'm still standing... ♪

You have no idea ‐‐ her
dad's gonna love that jacket.

You might have to
make him a few more.

And then all of a sudden,

you're Katy Perry's
dad's costume maker.

Now, that's cool. That's
really something. That's cool.

Designer. Katy, why don't you
buy his shoes, too? They're nice.

Are you kidding me?

We might ‐‐ Shut up!

So the guy will go out of
here with no clothes on?

Ryan, thank you very much.
We'll see you. Bye, Ryan.

Thank you. We love you, man.

I appreciate it. Nice to meet you
guys. Love you. Thank you, man.

♪ I'm still standing ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

I sold my jacket.
You sold the jacket?

Katy Perry just
bought my jacket.

Well, come on.

The next time ‐‐ what happened?

I didn't get a ticket. Oh.

How many child labor
laws did Katy just violate?

He's 16. He didn't
make the jacket himself.

So I didn't get the
golden ticket today.

It's okay.

"Katheryn Hudson paid you."

"I love you and your
jacket." $400. That's cool.

I'm happy to have
had the opportunity

to demonstrate the
extravagance that I like

to put into my performances ‐‐ audibly,
visually.

I'm happy that Katy gets to
take home that extravagance

that I came here with.

And above all else,
treasure modesty.

Remember to treasure
modesty always.

♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ Thank you.

♪ I'm still standing ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

What an interesting time.

You can say that again. Ah,
dang, boy.

Hi. Aha!

Oh, mask, ah! Howdy.

It's okay. I was gonna say,
that would be interesting.

Go ahead,
you guys. I don't know.

Oh, you did good. Katy: It's okay. Hi,
everyone.

My name is Anilee List.

I am 20 years old,
and I'm from Los Angeles, California.

I started doing music when I was really,
really little.

I was always the outgoing child

who just wanted to be
onstage and perform.

Whoo‐hoo!

When I was 7,

I started developing
some facial and motor tics.

Darn it.

My parents started to
get a little freaked out.

Couldn't get my work
done. I couldn't go to sleep.

I just couldn't
control my body at all.

How were you diagnosed,
and how did how does it show up, and...?

So,
I was diagnosed when I was 10.

And so, Tourette's is a mixture of
body tics, facial tics... Yeah, yeah.

...and then vocal tics. Mm,
um, like that. Yeah.

♪ Some days I
look in the mirror ♪

I was little. I didn't even
know what I was doing.

♪ And I think the
meanest things ♪

I didn't want to be the kid with
"something wrong with her."

♪ And if battles can win a war ♪

It was Season 10
of "American Idol,"

and James Durbin was on the TV.

♪ Don't go ♪ Wow!

You go away when you sing.

When I was younger,
I was diagnosed with Tourette's.

And when I sing,
it just all goes away.

Yeah!

So before he was on the show,

did you think, "I can't do that.

It's not ‐‐ It's not for me"?

Definitely, like,
my confidence was really,

you know, hitting a low point.

I was only 10 years old,
too, so I was kind of like

a shining light... Wow.

....in the sea of, like,
confusion, you know? Right.

I am really actively involved

in the Tourette
Association of America.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Anilee List.

They were actually the
reason that I got to meet James.

And I was in shock
when I first met him.

It was incredible.

I hope to prove to people that

I am much more
than my Tourette's

and I am just as normal
and weird as everybody else.

Mm.

♪ Tiny victories ♪

It's funny because,
like, every time

I'm singing or I'm performing,

my tics completely go away.

Wow. And that feels
like it's a superpower.

Aww! Totally get it.

What are you
going to sing for us?

I'll be singing a song called
"Blue" by Aaron Taylor.

Okay. Okay. One, two.

♪♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪♪

♪ If you love me
like you say you do ♪

♪ Why do I feel so blue? ♪

♪ If you love me
like you sa‐a‐a‐y ♪

♪ You do, ooh‐ooh‐ah ♪

♪ Why do I feel so blue? ♪

♪ Oh, if you love me, baby ♪

♪ Why am I lonely, baby? ♪

♪ Are you holding
back from me? ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

♪ And if you want me, babe ♪

♪ Come and get me, baby ♪

♪ You're making it hard,
hard for me, yeah ♪

♪ 'Cause if you love
me like you say ♪

♪ You do, ooh‐ooh ♪

♪ Oh, why do I, why do I ♪

♪ Oh, why do I,
why do I feel so blue? ♪

Love it.

♪ Oo‐oo‐oo‐ooh, ooh‐ooh ♪

Ooh! ♪ Why do I‐I ♪

♪ Why do I‐I ♪

♪ Why do I‐I, why do I‐I ♪

♪ Feel so blue, ooh‐ooh? ♪

♪ Blue, ooh‐ooh‐ooh ♪

♪ Why do I feel so blue? ♪

That's it.

Six feet, six feet, six feet.

Amazing.

Amazing, amazing,
amazing. Whoo! Gosh.

Oh, my gosh! Thank you. Okay?

I had, like,
six waves of chill bumps.

Wow! Thank you. Wow.

Wow. Wow. That was one of
the most technically perfect vocals

I think we've ever gotten
here on "American Idol."

Yeah, yeah. Wow.

It's just completely
flawless. It was beautiful.

I mean, no one needs to critique you
on our voice. No. No, it's good, man.

I mean, we're all up here going,

"What are we going
to tell this child?"

I know. I mean,
at this point, it's about...

We're gonna look like fools. No.

Wow. Should we just
make a vote on three?

Yes. One, two, three.

Yes! You're going to
Hollywood! To Hollywood!

Ah! Whoo!

I cannot wait to
see where this goes.

I am so excited. Amazing.
Amazing job. Okay?

I seriously can't thank
you guys enough.

Oh, my God,
congratulations. Thank you guys so much.

Thank you! Really great.

Thank you, sweetie. Love it.

See you guys!

See you soon.

Renewed my faith in the
new season.

There wasn't one... No.

...note off,
and those are all hard choices. Oh, geez.

♪ You'll never be alone ♪

Oh, my God. Hey!

What's up?! What's up?!

I got my golden ticket. I'm
super pumped. Whoo‐hoo‐hoo!

I'm so proud of you,
so happy for you.

Seeing you as, like,
a kid, and now, like,

look what you're doing
‐‐ it's amazing. Yeah.

I feel like,
if it wasn't for you,

I probably wouldn't
have auditioned.

Now's your chance to, you know,
show that next generation

what you've been diagnosed with.

It's not something
that defines you,

but it's something
that you can defy.

Thanks so much,
James. You got it, Anilee.

Have so much fun. Thanks.

I'm proud of
myself. I really am.

A magical moment
for an Idol past and present.

Hey!

I got to be myself,
you know? Yeah.

And we look
forward to the future...

I see something
very special in you.

...with more electric moments...

♪ Oh ♪

Oh, my goodness. Wow!

...as our Season
4 auditions unfold.

That's like magic.

Not only do we see you,
but the world sees you.

Thank you.

You give hope to so many people.

So keep being brave.

You never know what's going
to happen when they start singing,

and you never know how
magical it's going to be.

♪ 'Cause my daddy knows best ♪

We're here finally. Whoo!

Well, my name's Danica Steakley,
and this is my dad.

Do you feel confident
you'll be the next American Idol?

Yes, I do.

The first time I
heard Danica sing,

I knew that she was going to
be the winner of "American Idol."

So,
what kind of music do you do?

Danica's got a strong voice.

You know,
she's not set in any one genre of music.

What else do you want to sing?

Um, what about "Release Me"?

No,
let's do "You're the Only World I Know."

Huh? Okay.

That's a good song. Sonny James,
yeah.

♪ 'Cause my daddy knows best ♪

Okay, so,
how are you feeling right now?

I'm feeling good.
I know she's got it.

I'll be 73 the
29th of this month,

and that'd be a great
73rd birthday present ‐‐

that golden ticket.

Okay?

♪ Whoa‐oh ♪

Danica, what's going on?

I'm just so happy.

Oh, come on, baby,
you... Don't cry. Don't cry.

Now,
go in there and get that gold ticket.

No, don't, don't,
don't. You can't sing if you cry. Yeah.

♪ 'Cause my daddy knows best ♪

Good luck, you guys. We're gonna
send you in right now, okay? Okay.

Right in there. See
you on the other side.

And the winner of
"American Idol" is...

♪ I'm gonna wait till
you pass the test ♪

♪ 'Cause my daddy knows best ♪

...Danica Steakley?! Alright!

Oh, my God!

♪ Don't care what you say ♪

- Hey,
how are you? - How are you doing?

Doing great. How you guys doing?

Fantastic. Great
to see you. Whoo!

Welcome to "American
Idol." Thank you.

So,
tell us who you are and where you're from.

I'm Danica Steakley, I'm 17,

and I'm from Gulfport,
Mississippi.

And this is my dad.

How are you doing,
Dad? What's your name?

Dan. Dan?

Yeah. And you're retired Navy?

Yes. Went to boot
camp here in '68.

Wow. Wow.

Then went through a
little cruise over to Vietnam

a couple of times...
Wow. Really? Wow.

Retired in '91. I
was a lieutenant.

Oh, great. Very good.

Oh, whoa! Congratulations.

Lieutenant! Yes.

Well,
we're excited to hear you sing.

Mr. Dan, if you want to go hop on
that chair. Over there. That's the spot.

Lieutenant Dan?
Yeah. Lieutenant Dan.

I'm glad you guys picked up on that,
"Lieutenant Dan."

Wait a minute. Does
that sound in tune to you?

It's a little out of tune.
A little out of tune.

♪ Oh ♪

I wonder if you grab Phred's.

Yeah. Is that cool, Phred?

Oh,
my... good. Got to get it right.

Whew!

Yes, sir. Yes,
indeed. There we go.

Perfect.

Now belt it out,
baby. Do it. You know you can do it.

♪♪

♪ Today I passed
you on the street ♪

♪ And my heart
fell at your feet ♪

♪ I can't help it if I'm still ♪

♪ In love with you ♪

♪♪

♪ It's hard to know
another's lips will kiss you ♪

Oh, sing it, baby.

♪ And hold you just ♪

♪ The way I used to do ♪

♪ I can't help it if I'm still ♪

♪ In love with ♪

♪ You ♪

♪♪

Mm!

Alright!

That is good.

Okay.

Danica, you're very talented,

but I think you're 17 ‐‐

you can kind of hear it
in your voice a little bit,

the kind of little lack
of experience. Mm.

Mm‐hmm. Mm‐hmm. Mm‐hmm. Mm‐hmm. There's a bit
of a timidness or a shyness when delivering.

Yes. I think maybe, you know,

when you get around
other big singers,

you're going to go,
"Oh!" Danica: Yeah.

"This is what I got to do,"
you know? Yes.

You know how to go, "Oh,
I need to just dial this up

or be a little bit louder or
give it some more," you know?

Mm‐hmm.

I think you have a
fantastic high end.

Thank you. But
holding on to the lows,

you get lost and fade
out a little bit. A little, yeah.

But that's just not knowing
your voice enough yet.

You've got the goods.

I just think it's timing and
a little bit of experience.

And otherwise,
I just love your father's enthusiasm.

That's your PR agent,
no matter where you go in life, okay?

Yeah. Remember that.

Dad, I know this is probably
quite frustrating to hear ‐‐

and you, too,
Danica ‐‐ you have all the makings to grow

into a really,
really great singer.

Correct. The best thing
for you is to get out there

and gig and play.

'Cause you're 17,

and it may be one
of those scenarios

where you're not quite
ready to tackle this competition

that we're sending through.

And, um...

My gut tells me that
you're not quite ready.

It's a no from me. I'm sorry,
babe. I understand.

I want a good birthday present.

I just think you need to be
around other big vocalists

to really understand what
type of competition this is.

But I think you can
do it. She can do it.

So... it's a yes for me.

And you'll learn quick.

You're at that
wonderful age of life now

where you can be inspired
or discouraged. Mm‐hmm.

I agree with Luke.
Take the time.

Yeah. I understand.

Put it together and
really come back here.

'Cause I want you to
go all the way. Yeah.

So I'm going to have to
say no this time around.

Thank you for the advice. Dad?

Adiós, people. Do you
want us to just walk out, or...?

Lieutenant Dan.

Thank you. I
really appreciate it.

You got your thing to do,
and I got mine.

Thanks, Danica. Bye.

Bye, love.

No ticket? Nope, no ticket.

You're leaving? Yep,
I'm leaving.

Leaving with her? Dad,
can you come back?

I'm leaving with her.
Come on. Let's go.

Dad, we have ‐‐ You okay?

Yeah,
I'm okay. I'm okay. We're leaving.

Oh, well,
I think you just need some more time.

We need some more time,
timing. Da‐da, da‐da, da‐da‐da‐da‐da.

He's a little sad. Why didn't
they just say no right away?

I mean, I'm disappointed,
but as a singer,

you have to take criticism well,
and I understand that.

Dad wasn't having none of it.

Dad was not having any of it.

Well,
Pops needs to go practice the guitar.

Next time,
I'll have her audition for "The Voice."

♪ Papa, don't preach ♪

You shouldn't be nervous at all.

You're a natural,
and that's what they'll see.

We made it! Come on!

Yes!

Surprise!

We love you. I miss you.

I wish you luck.
We're so proud of you.

We know you're gonna
crush it. Thank you.

Best of luck. I love you.
Thank you. Love you.

My dad and I have
been doing music

for as long as I can remember.

♪ Shadows are falling ♪ Come on,
hey.

♪ And I'm running out of
breath ♪ The dads reign this year.

Dads are showing up. Both of you,
take a bow.

♪ Doesn't mean I love you
any less ♪ There you go.

I'm just along for the ride.

♪ Keep me in your
heart for a while ♪

It's okay.

It's so nice when a
dad can be graceful.

That was a dad.

Thanks for being
here. You're welcome.

And I'm glad I
didn't have to miss it.

♪ Sha‐na‐na‐na, na‐na‐na‐na‐na ♪

How are you? Hi.

Well.

♪ Keep me in your
heart for a while ♪

Welcome to the show.

Thank you.

Tell us who you are,
where you're from.

I'm DJ Johnson.
I'm 18 years old.

And I'm from Longview, Texas.

Tell us a little
bit of your story.

Tell about growing up.

Well, I'm one of 10.

One of 10?

Yes, sir. I'm number six. Whew.

We're all musically inclined.

We all get it from my dad. And he
was a worship leader. Right. Okay.

And so,
me and him used to sing together

up until last year.

Um...

Uh...

Our mom left last year.

I mean, just, like, one day,

she just, you know, walked out.

♪ I'm a long way from home ♪

Growing up,
I did want a relationship with my mom.

I just remember
wanting her to be there.

And she wasn't.

The way she would say things ‐‐

"You're not good enough.
Try to be somebody else."

I would sing,
and then she made it sound like

I wasn't good enough
to go anywhere.

Just always made
me feel worthless.

The hardest part
was I believed her,

everything that
she said about me.

I started hating music
and even myself,

and I would try to give up.

♪ I keep telling myself
that I'm better alone ♪

When my mom left,
you know, it felt like a relief,

and I was like, "Oh,
I can do music

and not have to worry
about anything that she said."

♪ When my father will carry me ♪

My dad has been there,
and he helps me with that all the time.

So,
how are you feeling about today?

Very nervous and excited.

I'm very proud of my daughter.

I'm so thankful that
she decided to do this.

You're my hero.

Thank you.

She's overcoming her fears.

She's a strong young woman,
and we're all proud of her.

Today,
I'm singing an original song.

It's called "Scars."

It's a new thing,
coming out and sharing my story...

...all the pain and everything.

Um...

It's hard, and that's why I'm
trying to push myself out there.

♪♪

♪ Mm ♪

♪ Mm ♪

♪ You didn't care when
you walked out that door ♪

♪ Looking back,
you never loved anyone but yourself ♪

♪ How could I have
been so blind? ♪

♪ We all see through you ♪

♪ And your lies ♪

♪ How could a mother be okay ♪

♪ Leaving scars
on her children? ♪

♪ How could a woman be okay ♪

♪ Leaving her
husband heartbroken? ♪

♪ How can you be okay ♪

♪ Causing us more ♪

I'm sorry.

Okay, take your time.

♪♪

Alright.

♪♪

You're gonna be okay. Alright?

You're gonna be okay.

Thank you. You got it.

Take your time.

I know it's heavy.

♪♪

It's okay.

♪♪

You're gonna be okay. Alright?

You're gonna be okay.

Thank you. You got it.

Take your time.

I know it's heavy.

What I want for her is
for her dream to come true,

but if this is a no,
whatever wisdom is given by the judges,

she needs to take
that and work on that.

♪♪

You want your dad to come in,
babe?

It's okay?

Yeah. Have Dad come in.

What's his name?

Don. Don.

Come on in, Don.

It's alright.

We just need you
for moral support.

Okay. Okay?

The bottom line is we want
to go over there and hug her,

but we're not allowed to.

Yeah, why don't you give
her a big hug, first and foremost?

Yeah, yeah,
yeah. I think she needs that.

What's wrong? What's
wrong? That's from all of us.

Huh? DJ: I broke down.

Okay. That's from all of us.

It's okay, baby.

It's okay, baby girl.

You got it.

You got it, okay?

♪♪

Nothing like Daddy's hug.

Alright,
Dad's right there with you, okay?

Do you want to do
a different song?

Um... No, I like that song.
I think that song is good.

I mean,
that song is amazing, but ‐‐

I think she needs
to finish that song.

Alright. Alright.

♪ How could a mother be okay ♪

♪ Leaving scars
on her children? ♪

♪ How could a woman be okay ♪

♪ Leaving her
husband heartbroken? ♪

♪ How can you be okay ♪

♪ Causing us more
grief and pain? ♪

♪ Ooh ♪ Geez.

♪ I've heard that time
heals all wounds ♪

♪ Well, I'm losing patience,
and I'm confused ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Oh, I'm tired of this pain ♪

♪ That keeps bringing
up your name ♪

♪♪

♪ How could a mother be okay ♪

♪ Leaving scars
on her children? ♪

♪♪

Phew. Thank you very
much. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Come back
to center stage right there.

I'm going to tell you something,
okay?

We have a journey
always in life.

We don't choose it. It
just ‐‐ Things happen.

Your dad, thank God,
is your rock.

We found that out, Don.

Something coming
undone in the family

is the most traumatic thing

you will ever
experience in your life.

That message in that
song is a hit record.

Your delivery was
completely honest,

to the point of you got us crying up here,
okay?

Please look at it as
just a step forward.

It's going to be okay.

I've given you my
magic handkerchief.

Yeah, that's true.

You understand me? That is it.

There are a lot of people
that are watching you tonight

that are going to relate
exactly to your story.

Thank you.

The key to any musical
journey is to be able

to tell your emotions
and be able to deliver it.

I mean,
when you're singing that song,

just before you broke down,
I told myself,

"I don't know how
she's doing this."

Exactly right.

And just be happy
you have an outlet

to let the pressure go.

You're very, very talented. You're very,
very special.

And I'm glad you're with us.

Some of the greatest
artists have become artists

because they have had
the most pain in their life.

♪♪

It's about if you
can take that pain

and turn it into a purpose.

You give hope to so many people.

So keep being brave.

♪ Sometimes your life feels
like a broken roller coaster ♪

Thank you.

Let's vote, you guys. Luke?

Yes.

♪ Look up ♪

♪ Do you see the sunlight? ♪

Yes.

♪ Look up ♪

Don, would you do me a favor?

Would you join your daughter,
please?

'Cause once I give my vote,

she's going to need a hug.

And we can't do it.

♪ Don't let it bring
you to your knees ♪

Young lady...

♪ Look up ♪

...it's a yes.

♪ Look up ♪

I'm so proud of you.

Oh, my God.

I got it.

Yeah, I'm speechless.

I'm very,
very proud of her. I knew she could do it.

She didn't believe in herself,
but I knew she had it in her.

♪ Do you see the sunlight? ♪

Mm! I am so proud of you.

♪ There's flowers in your hair ♪

Phew.

Wow. Intense.

Dad.

Whoo! You got it!

I know!

Good job, good job! Good job!

♪♪

Where are you going?
Where are you going?

Oh, my God. Wait, wait. Okay.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Moo. Oh, my God.

What are you ‐‐ What ‐‐ Katy,
Katy, what ‐‐

Luke? What?

Katy, what are you doing?

What do you guys
do late at night for fun?

Cow tipping! Moo.

What are you doing?

Moo.

What do you doing?

Oh, my God.

We're cow tipping.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

We're tired. It's late.

And I'm cow tipping.

You can't unsee
that. I'm so sorry.

You know what? I
should have let Lionel

do his first cow tipping. Yeah,
I should.

Hello. Hello.

Hello.

What's your name?

I am Nia Renée.

Nia Renée,
how young are you? Nia.

I am 17 years old,
and I am from Little Rock, Arkansas.

And to be here is
the biggest thing ever.

And to see y'all
‐‐ this is huge!

Like, I love all of y'all.

So you had all these
visions of what it would be like

to see us in person
for the first time,

and you walk in on...

Cow tipping... cow tipping.

Well,
you know... We are so sorry.

That first impression
may not ever be the same.

It's been a long day. Let's
get this show on the road.

I'm just ‐‐ Look here.
Watch this. Let's go!

Okay?

Okay. Give it to me. Come on.

♪♪

♪ For five long years ♪

Whoo! ♪ I thought
you were my man ♪

♪ But I found out ♪

♪ I'm just a link
in your chain ♪

Yes, you are.

♪ Oh ♪

♪ You got me where you want me ♪

♪ I ain't nothin'
but your fool ♪

♪ Ya treated me mean ♪

♪ Oh, you treated me cruel ♪

♪ Chain, chain, chain ♪

♪ Chain of fools ♪

♪ Every chain ♪

♪ Has got a weak link ♪

♪ Mm ♪

♪ I might be weak, yeah ♪

♪ But I'll give you strength ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ You told me to
leave you alone ♪

♪ My father said,
"Come on home" ♪

♪ My doctor said,
"Take it easy" ♪

♪ Oh,
but your lovin' is much too strong ♪

♪ I'm headed to your chain,
chain, chain ♪

♪ Chain of fools ♪

Yes, ma'am. Yes,
ma'am. That's called ‐‐

I'm gonna steal a
line from Lionel Richie.

Please.

Let me see how many syllables ‐‐

bar‐be‐cue sauce.

Four syllables.

Barbecue sauce. Barbecue sauce.

Born to do it. Natural.

You're 17 years old? Oh!

Please. How long
you been singing?

Well,
I started singing when I was 18 months.

And ever since then,
I've been singing

in church and at school and
anywhere I can try to sing.

You got a power in
your hands in your voice.

I think we should take a vote.

♪ Made it through the
storm and the rain ♪

Yes, Queen of Soul.

Yes.

Yes, it is. Yes,
it is. Yes, it is.

You're going to Hollywood!

Whoo!

Mama! There's Mama!

Hug your child. Hug
your child. Mama!

Oh, there it is.

Oh, my goodness!

This is awesome!

This is magical.

Wow!

Y'all,
she may be our best soul singer ever.

Ever, ever, ever.

We've never had
anything like that.

Whoo! Hollywood!
Hollywood! Hollywood!

I am so proud of you.

Aw, thanks, Mom.

♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪

It's so amazingly amazing.

I disagree.

♪ Hit me with your best shot ♪

♪ Ohh, ooh ♪

He's got the hair, he's got the voice,
he's got the boots.

So all of those pitch problems,

you just didn't really
seem to hear that.

Oh, please, pitch?

You know what? It's a no.

It's a yes!

It is a no.

It's a yes for me, okay?

No.

♪ Ahh ♪

Your voice started shaking,
and notes started missing.

Personally,
I don't know what Lionel's talking about

down there.

It's not time yet.

Wrong.

Daisy Dove,
where are you pooping?

So help me God.

My name is Keith Trump.

Ohh! Yep.

Trump? Really? Yes,
that is my real last name.

♪ Walk in your
rainbow paradise ♪

♪ Paradise ♪

♪ I‐I‐I'd walk
through fire for you ♪

♪ Just let me adore you ♪

♪ Like it's the only
thing I'll ever do ♪

♪ Whoa ♪

Keith, Trumpster,
the old Trumper...

♪ Hit me with your best shot ♪

The old Trumpadee,
the Trumpaloo,

the Trumpity‐Trump‐‐ Got it!

We got it. We got it.

Thank you for coming in.
I'm a no for "American Idol."

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Thanks, Keith.

Hey, guys. I'm here at
"American Idol" ‐‐ confessional!

I have my audition soon.

Stay tuned for that.

Very,
very nervous but very excited.

Katy's drinking her
Grinch juice. Luke.

Luke.

Hi!

Yeah. Hi.

Hi. Are you okay?

No. No?

No.

But, yes, I'm so good.

Yes and no.

Yeah. What am I missing?

I'm Claudia Conway. I'm 16.

My parents are
high‐profile political figures.

My mother is Kellyanne Conway.

She worked for Donald Trump.

And my dad is George Conway.

He's a lawyer. He worked
against Donald Trump.

He's here with me, though.

Wow. Wow!

It's a lot, but, you know,
I only want to spread love,

and I love a compromise.

And I do agree to disagree
with my mom and my dad.

Hey, guys,
so you probably know me

as 15‐year‐old Emancipation Girl

or that blond woman
from Fox News' daughter.

I'm a little more
than that. Come.

I had to move to Washington,
D. C.,

when I was 12, and I hated it.

When your mom's working for
the President of the United States,

who you very much disagree with,
it's really hard.

And I love you back.

Claudia!

You getting ready to go,
baby? You excited?

Yeah, but I'm really,
really nervous.

You should be nervous, honey.

It's a very humbling experience.

Do you know how
many people like you,

when you were
a little girl till now,

dream of even
having the opportunity

to audition for "American Idol"?

This is your time to shine.

But, remember, honey,
winners are people

who are willing to lose.

With your mom
being the figure that she is,

do you still,
like ‐‐ Does she still hug you?

I mean, yeah,
she loves me. I love her.

It's just,
I feel like our relationship's a little ‐‐

it's a little iffy.

Most of my life,
my feelings had been suppressed. Yeah.

So then I got social media,
and I was like,

"Well, yeah,
now my voice is being heard," you know?

I believe that age
actually has nothing to do

with the willingness to
learn and educate yourself.

Okay, guys,
I'm actually getting off this app now.

I love you all, stay safe,
and take care of your well‐being.

The Internet can be a very,
very dark place,

but when life is all going downhill,
I have my music.

♪♪

Now, I kind of want to
get out of the controversy,

get out of the drama,

get out of the
political whatever,

and let people know that,
you know, I am a singer

and that this is
what I want to do.

You're gonna do great.

Thank you, Dad.

She loves music,
and I'm really thrilled that she's here

because, you know,
maybe this gives her an opportunity

to pursue it at another level.

So it makes me happy
to see her here doing this

one way or the other.

So...

Well,
what are you going to share with us today?

I'll be singing my take of
"Love on the Brain" by Rihanna.

Love is the answer.

It is.

♪ And you got me like oh ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ What you want from me? ♪

♪ And I tried to buy
your pretty heart ♪

♪ The price too high ♪

♪ Baby,
you got me like oh‐oh‐oh‐oh‐oh ♪

♪ Oh ♪

Okay, stop. Alright,
that song, you lost it.

I did, yeah. You did.

I was just a little nervous,
and my shoes are a little ‐‐

That's okay. Take
your shoes off.

- So, what other song do you
have? - There you go.

"When We Were Young" by Adele.

Okay,
when you sing this next song,

think about when you were young

and go back to that time,
and there's a sadness there. Mm‐hmm.

It's like you lost your youth

because you weren't able
to experience it on your own

without all of this noise.

♪ Pain cuts you deep ♪

Your dad's your dad,
your mom's your mom.

Who is Claudia?

♪♪

You have to calm the
storm that is around you,

'cause if you sing like

you want to read the social
media comments afterwards,

you're only ever going
to be a TikTok star.

Yeah.

We want an American Idol.

♪ Baby,
you got me like oh‐oh‐oh‐oh‐oh ♪

Okay, stop.

What other song do you have?

"When We Were Young" by Adele.

Okay,
when you sing this next song,

think about when you were young,
and there's a sadness there.

Mm‐hmm.

It's like you lost your youth

because you weren't able
to experience it on your own

without all of this noise.

So let's deliver "When
We Were Young"

a little bit.

♪♪

♪ Everybody loves
the things you do ♪

♪ From the way you talk ♪

♪ To the way you move ♪

Yes.

♪ And everybody
here is watching you ♪

♪ 'Cause you feel like home ♪

♪ You're like a
dream come true ♪

You know,
I couldn't imagine anything

that would make her
happier than to do this.

So, you know.

It gets to you.

♪ Before I go ♪

♪ 'Cause I've been by
myself all night long ♪

♪ Hoping you're someone I used to know,
oh ♪

♪ You look like a movie ♪

♪ You sound like a song ♪

♪ My God, this reminds me ♪

♪ Of when we were young ♪

♪ Let me photograph
you in this light ♪

♪ In case it is the last
time that we might ♪

♪ Be exactly like we
were before we realized ♪

♪ We were scared
of getting old ♪

♪ It made us restless ♪

Yes. Yeah, very good.

♪ It was just like a movie ♪

♪ It was just like a song ♪

♪ When we were young ♪

You've obviously been
through a lot as a young girl,

and you've obviously
been in the spotlight.

And you know what?

You're singing
like a 16‐year‐old,

which is great.

Now, on the Adele song,
when you first started,

you were really selling emotions really,
really well.

Yes. Mm‐hmm.

But then there's some
things that you're limited

a little bit by your range.

The second song was
much better... Yeah.

...because you
showed where you could

actually take coaching,

understand that the fear
factor just left you a minute,

and some qualities of
your voice came through

that I was really
impressed with.

Now,
is it going to be challenging for the rest

of the contestants
we have on the show?

I don't know.

There's a lot of
noise in your life.

You have to calm the
storm that is around you,

meaning, before you sing,
you need to get off your phone.

You need to stop reading
your comments... Yeah.

...push it aside, 'cause if not,

you may not ever rise
above your dad or your mom.

It's your choice.

Let's take a vote.

♪♪

I think you're a
little ways away

on the singing aspect,

but for right now, I'm a no.

I can get behind you.

I'm a yes.

Thank you.

I think what you're
doing right now

is stepping forward and
announcing who you are.

Mm.

You chose music.

I want to give you
a shot at music.

It's a yes for me.

Thank you. Okay?

Well, now here comes Dad.

I want you to know
that your daughter ‐‐

I give her giant props.

I do, too.

Claudia,
not going to D. C., honey.

You're going
straight to Hollywood.

Thank you!

♪ They're playing my song ♪

♪ I know I'm gonna be okay ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

Congrats, Claudia.

♪ It's a party in the U. S. A. ♪

We're going to Hollywood!

It's wild, like,
she's coming in here

with so much heat on her. Yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah.

I think if she can
keep that heat off,

quiet all the noise,

and remember the innocence
and the love in her voice,

I think there's something there.

I made it. I'm
going to Hollywood.

Whoo! What?!

Yes!

♪ Hollywood,
you're going to Hollywood ♪

I'm so proud of you.

We love you so much, sweetheart.

We're really proud of you.

Love you. Mm. I love you. Mwah.

She's definitely a scrapper.

I want to see her scrap.

Let's see her scrap
on "American Idol."

Let's go! Bam!

God, I love this job.

Now that Claudia
has a golden ticket,

she'll be joining us
at Hollywood Week...

Hi.

Hey, Claudia. How are you?

...where she'll receive
guidance from Bobby Bones.

He'll be lending his
expertise to help Claudia

and our other Hollywood
Week competitors succeed.

♪ No matter where you are,
I'll be there ♪

But to get a chance
to work with Bobby,

they must first show
their... stuff to the judges.

I've been
writing music all my life,

but I was so
afraid to put it out.

Getting a golden ticket today
would make me believe in people

not judging me for my looks,
but actually seeing my talent.

I know that when I walk
in and the judges see me,

of course,
they're gonna be a little thrown off

by my appearance.

Holy, holy.

But I want them to
not look at my body.

I want them to be
blown away by my voice.

I know a lot of Americans
are kind of like ‐‐

they do this,
what you're doing right now.

But I got to say, in Europe,
it's a lot more normal.

You know,
we're a lot more, like,

open about Speedos and stuff,
you know?

♪♪

♪ I came to the USA with a
big dream and a Speedo ♪

♪ I was modeling
for Fashion Week ♪

♪ Only to stroke my ego ♪

♪ But I just want to sing
because it is my dre‐e‐am ♪

♪ I'll do whatever it
takes with a smile ♪

♪ To be American Idol ♪

♪ It's not about money ♪

♪ I'm just tired of
walking the runway ♪

♪ I don't want to
be objectified ♪

♪ Music gets me electrified ♪

♪ Yeah, people think I only
have a six‐pack, zero talent ♪

♪ Just a really nice ♪

♪ People look at my butt ♪

♪ I'm a singer now,
so keep your eyes shut ♪ Yes!

♪ People like me
for my underwear ♪

♪ Never see my talent,
this isn't fair ♪

♪ Yeah,
I'm still wearing underwear ♪

♪ But I'm a singer now,
so I don't care ♪

♪ Look at me, pec, bounce ♪

♪♪

Wait, there's more coming.

There's one more. There's more.

Luke, does he make you nervous?

Honestly, I think you'd look
great in a Speedo, as well.

Man, I'm lacking a little bit in the
frontal area to do that. No? No?

I'm all about body positivity.

There's nothing
to be ashamed of.

You know what I'm saying?

Before you make your decision,

I think it would also be a statement,
you know?

This goes out to all
the models out there

who think they cannot
be more than just models.

You know what I'm saying?

Well,
maybe we can have a walk‐off to decide.

A walk‐off? Oh,
you know what a walk‐off is.

- You mean me and
you? - You and I.

Like a battle? Yeah,
like a catwalk battle.

I'm going to destroy you,

but I'm down to do it, you know?

Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

Wow, wow, wow! Mamma Lucia!

Okay.

♪ I'm too sexy for my love ♪

♪ Too sexy for my love ♪

♪ Love's going to leave me ♪

♪♪

Oh!

♪ I'm too sexy for my shirt ♪

♪ Too sexy for my shirt ♪

♪ So sexy it hurts ♪

We love you, Luke! We love you!

♪ And I'm too sexy
for your party ♪

♪ No way I'm disco dancing ♪

Lionel Richie!

♪ I'm a model,
you know what I mean ♪

♪ And I do my little turn on the catwalk,
yeah ♪

♪ I shake my little
tush on the catwalk ♪

♪ I'm too sexy for this song ♪

This modeling is hard work.

I'm out of breath.

Alright, alright, alright.

Listen,
I don't care if you look like Harry Styles,

you don't sound
like Harry Styles.

Let's just be honest.

Okay.

If you were to hit
us some notes,

I'm telling you right now,

you could take over
the world in 15 seconds.

If that voice was coming out

and we're going,
"Holy crap!" Mm.

And by the way,
Speedos would be in that fast.

Yeah. But it's going to be a
no for me this trip around, okay?

Okay, appreciate it. Because I want
you to go practice and get it together.

Yeah. Alright.

Katy?

Who won that walk off,
by the way?

Did I? Did I?

I think you did,
and I think you're still winning.

And I think you
should still model

because you're so much fun. Yeah,
you are fun.

It's a no for "American Idol,"
but it's a yes for life!

Wow. I mean,
that's worth more than anything.

I love that. It is. It is.

It's a no for "Idol,"
but yes to plum smuggling.

Plum ‐‐ Plum smuggling.

- Okay. Mario,
thank you. - Okay.

Thanks, guys. See you around.

I'm still going to Hollywood. I live there,
by the way, so...

There we go. Yeah, cheers.

There we go.

We love you,
man. Thanks. Bye‐bye.

Just understand that your dad

is very,
very proud of you right now.

♪ Feel ♪

♪ Oh ♪

Oh, my goodness. Oh,
my goodness.

This is the first
time in four years

that just someone
singing made me cry.

♪♪

Alright!

Hi.

The last beautiful
child of the day,

Hi. This feels so weird.

I don't feel like this
is real right now.

Guess what. Take a breath.

It is real.

Take a breath. Crazy stuff.

Alright, tell us who you are.

My name is Grace Kinstler.

I'm originally from Chicago,
but I go to school in Boston.

Do you? Yes.

Uh‐huh, Boston, huh?

And how young are you?

I just turned 20 in August.

Who have been some
of your biggest supporters

in your music journey?

My biggest supporter
was definitely my dad.

He passed away last
February very unexpectedly.

Oh. So that was really hard.

I know that he would
be here right now with me

if he were still here,

so I'm going to do
this for him today,

and, hopefully, it goes good.

Well,
we're sorry to hear about that.

Thank you.

Growing up,
my dad was definitely

like my main cheerleader.

If you go into our den,
like, there's piles

of, like, my dance recitals,
my music recitals.

He wanted to be
around us all the time

because he just ‐‐
he loved his family.

♪♪

I used to watch "American Idol"
with my dad a lot and my mom,

and, like,
I always imagined, if I go,

like, he would be there.

But last February,
I was at school.

My brother called me at like
7:00‐something in the morning,

and he was like,
"You should look for flights home.

They just took Dad
to the hospital...

and he's not breathing."

Um, it was very unexpected.

Um. Sorry.

I'm sorry.

♪ I think I'm lost without you ♪

Sorry.

♪ 'Cause I've been
strong for so long ♪

♪ That I never thought
how much I needed you ♪

This necklace,
it's actually his.

It's a Leo. He was a Leo,
and I'm a Leo.

I know that,
if he was still alive,

he would be here right now, so

I have this with me,
'cause then he's here, too.

I feel like he's listening to
us through that necklace.

I know. I feel like he's here.

I feel like he's always
chirping over my shoulder.

Yeah, he's representing. Like,
"Go get 'em."

His passing, has it given you

a different kind of inspiration

for what you do now, musically?

I think him not being
here has kind of taught me

live every moment as if,
like, it's your last.

So take every chance,
every opportunity,

because you never
know what chance

you might get because of it.

I have a habit of getting
nervous to the point

of, like,
where I've literally thrown auditions

because, like,
my breath just stops working

and I hyperventilate.

But I just keep thinking about

how much he believed in me

and trying to, like,
believe that much in myself.

♪ I've been strong for so long ♪

I think he would be
heartbroken if I just gave up

because I got sad,
so this is, like ‐‐ it's hard,

but it's also extra motivation
for me to keep going.

What are you
going to sing today?

I'm singing "Midnight
Train to Georgia."

Put us on that midnight
train to Georgia.

You got it.

♪♪

♪♪

♪ He kept dreamin' ♪

♪ Ooh,
that someday he'd be a star ♪

♪ Yes, he did ♪

♪ But he sure found
out the hard way ♪

♪ That dreams don't
always come true ♪

♪ Oh, no ♪

♪ So he pawned all his hopes ♪

♪ And he even sold his old car ♪

♪ Bought a one‐way ticket back ♪

♪ To the life he once knew ♪

♪ Oh, yes, he did ♪

♪ He said he would ♪

♪ Oh, he's leavin' ♪

♪ On that midnight
train to Georgia ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Mm, yeah ♪

♪ Said he's goin' back to find ♪

♪ Oh, a simpler place and time ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ And I'll be with him ♪

♪ On that midnight train to Georgia,
yeah ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ I'd rather live in his world ♪

♪ Than live without him ♪

♪ In mine ♪

♪♪

Grace.

What a voice.

Thanks.

What would be your second song?

I have "Natural Woman"
by Aretha Franklin.

Can I just give
a little critique?

Go ahead.

You're going to sing
"Natural Woman"?

Yes, ma'am.

- So, the legend that is Carole
King wrote it. - Yes.

The legend that is
Aretha Franklin sang it.

You need to sing it like
the legend you want to be.

Okay?

Tall order.

Don't just phone it
in. Make me feel it.

Absolutely. Sing
"Natural Woman" to me

like I have never
heard the song before.

You got it.

♪♪

♪ Looking out on
the morning rain ♪

♪ I used to feel so uninspired ♪

♪♪

♪ And when I knew I
had to face another day ♪

♪ Lord,
it made me feel so tired ♪

♪ Before the day I met you ♪

♪ My life was so unkind ♪

♪ But you're the key
to my peace of mind ♪

♪ You make me feel ♪

♪ You make me feel ♪

♪ You make me feel
like a natural woman ♪

♪♪

♪ Oh, baby,
what you've done to me ♪

♪ You make me
feel so good inside ♪

♪ And I just want to be, oh ♪

♪ Close to you,
you make me feel so alive ♪

♪ You make me feel ♪

♪ You make me feel ♪

♪ You make me feel
like a natural woman ♪

♪ Woman ♪

♪♪

Whoo! That's pretty damn good.

That was pretty good. Okay?

Oh,
my goodness. Congratulations.

Oh, my goodness.

Whoo, man.

I think my milk came in. Katy.

You actually have control
of that amazing instrument.

Thank you.

You know, I get brought to
tears by stories and backgrounds

of what people have been
through in their struggles.

But this is the first
time in four years

that just someone singing

made me cry, and...

Crushed it, right?

I mean, crushed it. Yes.

So just understand
that your dad is very,

very proud of you
right now. Okay?

Thank you.

And what a lot to
be proud of. Wow.

♪ You gave all that
sweat and blood ♪

Yeah. I mean,
there's not a whole lot

of critiquing that
I need to do...

I was gonna say.

...because I got a
full wave of chills,

full‐body chills twice.

That's music.

That's true magic.

That's got to be right up there

with the Kelly Clarkson audition... Oh,
no.

...the Jennifer Hudson audition.

No, we're coming. We're coming.

So... Thank you. Okay?

♪ You got it in you ♪

Grace, yes, Grace.

Yes, Grace.

Yes, Grace. Thank you so much.

You're going to Hollywood!

Yay!

Hey,
I'm getting... There it is right there.

I'm gonna hug you like ‐‐

I need a tape measure
for six feet with you.

That's our six foot. No,
at this spot. There you go.

Alright. Whoo!

Grace. Man!

Wow.

Do me a favor. Go
pick your ticket up.

What are we doing?

That's right. Come on.

Thank you. Thank you.

Have a great day.

Hi. I got a ticket.

Whoo!

Ooh, I almost cried,
but I didn't.

I stopped myself.

That was badass.
That was badass.

Whoo! That was amazing.

That's what that was.
That was amazing.

Okay? I loved that.

I definitely feel like I
made my dad proud.

I felt him when I was in there,

and that really helped
me feel like he was here

and, like, I could do it,
and I did.

So he would be really happy.

♪ You should know what you got ♪

♪ 'Cause you got it
at your fingertips ♪

You know,
everybody here, we are so sorry

for what your
family has dealt with

and the loss of your husband.

You're in our prayers.

And, listen,
this is my fourth year of doing this,

and it's the first time
someone has made me cry

while they were singing.

Yes! Yes!

Y'all see your girl?

We feel like she's up there

with some of the biggest
voices in the history of "Idol,"

and we're so excited to have
her in the family, so good job.

Thank you so much.

We wish we were there,
too, honey. Us, too.

Yeah, I wish Dad was here,
but I love you all very much.

We love you, too,
Grace. We love you, too.

Bye! I love you!

Bye!

♪♪

♪ You got it in you ♪

♪ Ah ♪

Next Sunday...

Are you with me?!

Victory at Valhalla!

...we pick up the pace...

It's on! Come on!

...to find the most
incredible talent...

You're an undeniable star.

...from all across the country,

discovering amazing voices...

I think she's the damn winner.

...and revealing
powerful journeys...

I don't see myself

being anything but a singer,
you know?

...that tell your
American story.

I love it.

Yeah!

Good night, everybody.