‘American Idol’ Contestant Impresses the Judges with an Original Song
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol has shared an early release audition ahead of this Sunday’s new episode of Season 21, featuring 18-year-old singer Phil Kane. The judges were impressed by his original song, “Osage County,” which is a tribute to his hometown.
Phil Kane Auditions for American Idol with Original Song
Before auditioning for the judges, Phil told host Ryan Seacrest that he likes to write songs about dirt roads and girls. He sat at the piano to perform his original song, which he later shared was the first song he ever wrote at age 16.
The judges were clearly impressed by Phil’s performance of the heartfelt song. When he was finished singing, all three of them gave him a standing ovation. Katy Perry told him that even his “choices on the piano gave me chills.”
She went on to praise his storytelling ability, saying she “believed every word” and “really related to it.” Perry added that now she wants to visit Phil’s hometown. As she said, “It’s not about notes. It’s about telling a story.”
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ CONTESTANT OPENS FOR NOAH THOMPSON, HUNTERGIRL AFTER HER AUDITION
Phil Earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood
Lionel Richie told Phil that he “checked all the boxes” as a songwriter. Meanwhile, Luke Bryan told him, “People don’t have it. People got it. You got it.” Going forward, Perry encouraged him not to compete with others but instead to stay true to who he is.
Bryan also pointed out that last year’s Idol Season 20 winner, Noah Thompson, was “the simplest, most understated person in the competition, ’cause people believed.”
All three judges voted “yes” to giving Phil a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. You can watch Phil’s audition during the new episode of American Idol Season 21, airing this Sunday at 8/7c on ABC. This will mark the final round of auditions before the infamous Hollywood Week begins.
