American Idol has shared an early release clip from this Sunday’s new episode of Season 23, featuring contestant Sam Sparks. The singer shared his emotional story of becoming paralyzed after a car accident, and how music helped him through it.
Sam Sparks Auditions for American Idol in Early Release Clip
Before his audition, 25-year-old Sam Sparks shared that he grew up in a small town in Arkansas and has been interested in cars for a long time. Two years ago, Sam was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Sam’s best friend Malik, who signed him up for Idol, said that he “knew that music was gonna get him through whatever he was gonna get through.” Sam shared that he played guitar and started writing music when he was in the hospital.
For his audition, Sam performed an original song called “Colorado Gray,” showing off a great voice. Judge Carrie Underwood praised his songwriting talent and vocal ability. Luke Bryan said Sam’s voice is “different than what we have.”
Lionel Richie asked Sam’s friend Malik to join them in the audition room, calling him “a pretty good agent.” All three judges voted “yes” to giving Sam a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.
American Idol has been airing Season 23 auditions since earlier this month, as new judge Carrie Underwood joins the panel. The season will continue this Sunday night on ABC, and streaming on Hulu the next day.
The singers who impress the judges enough to earn at least two “yes” votes will earn a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week, where the competition will narrow down even further. A select few contestants will receive an upgraded Platinum Ticket, which allows them to skip the first round of Hollywood Week.
So far this season, two singers have earned the Platinum Ticket — Kolbi Jordan, who received hers at a Tennessee Titans football game, and Filo, who received his during New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Have you been watching this season? What do you think of the talent so far? Let us know in the comments below.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
