Is Platinum Ticket Winner Kenedi Anderson ‘American Idol’s Next Big Star?
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol contestant Kenedi Anderson is the second contestant to ever win the newly minted Platinum Ticket. The 17 year old singer received a standing ovation from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, as well as Lionel Richie. Bryan told Kenedi that she might be “one of the biggest stars American Idol has ever seen.” Just who is this pint-sized singer with a powerful voice?
American Idol Season 20 promised to be one of the biggest seasons the show has ever produced. With two episodes in, producers are delivering on that promise. Idol has already seen the granddaughter of the queen of soul Aretha Franklin audition as well as a list of singers who have perfected their crafts.
On the second episode of the hit competition show, viewers met 17 year old Kenedi. The bright eyed singer walked into her audition full of confidence. Kenedi took her seat at the piano and performed a slow down version of Lady Gaga’s “Applause.”
The judges went wild. Perry could not believe what she witnessed. Bryan called her a “five star recruit.” In the end, Kenedi walked away with a twentieth anniversary Platinum Ticket. The new twist on Idol has three lucky hopefuls who wow the judges in their auditions earning a one-week pass during Hollywood week. The contestants are able to scope out the competition as well as pick their duet partner.
Who is the young star in the making?
Kenedi Anderson’s First Music Video
The singer’s first time ever recording a song as well as shooting a music video was a cover of Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me” in 2018. Kenedi was only 13 years old when she released her cover. The video has close to 10,000 views on YouTube. Since her Idol audition Kenedi has watched her subscriber count grow quickly.
Social Media Star
The singer is using social media to help jump start her singing career. Kenedi is growing her fanbase with over 100,000 followers between TikTok and Instagram. The singer was discovered on Instagram. Originally a producer recruited Kenedi to audition for America’s Got Talent. The same producer contacted Kenedi to also try out for American Idol this past summer.
Kenedi’s Musicianship
Idol contestants are encouraged to showcase their musicianship. Kenedi did just that when she walked into her audition. Kenedi plays the piano and the guitar. Fans have yet to witness the singer showcase her guitar skills, but viewers saw a glimpse of her piano talent. Kenedi played the piano as she sang “Applause” for her audition. The stripped down version of the song allowed Kenedi’s vocals to shine. She only took piano classes for one year before teaching herself both instruments as well as songwriting.
