21x01 - 601 (Auditions)

[bunniefuu]

[ Music playing in distance ]

Lionel:
Good night! Good night!

Good night!

God bless you!

Thank you, babes.
How are you?

What's this?

♪♪

[ Cheers and applause ]

♪ Baby, you're a firework ♪

Katy:
Are you ready to play?

♪ You had a bed made ♪

[ Cellphone vibrates ]

Are you seeing this?

Oh, I see it.

I remember turning 21.

You got one of these?
I got mine.

Woman: It's "American Idol's"
21st birthday.

♪ I'm going back home
to the place where I belong ♪

♪ There's nothing like it,
no, nothing like it ♪

♪ I'm going back home ♪

Lionel: We are back.
Can you believe it?

Man:
Welcome, talent. Very nice.

Let's go, baby.

Let's go!
Yeah!

I think you might
just be incredible.

[ Vocalizing ]

That was ridiculous.

So good.

[ Vocalizing ]

You are a star.

Oh, God.

Luke:
What I love about this show

is people come in
and bare their souls.

♪ There's nothing like it ♪

And people at home get to
realize that they're not alone.

♪ Take me back home ♪

Lucy: It took a long time
to believe in myself.

♪ Where the blood runs through
my soul, I can't describe it ♪

They love me.

And now I believe in myself.

♪ Take me back home ♪

Katy: All we ever want
on "American Idol"

is to feel connected to you.

Luke:
I had chills the whole time.

Here comes some good news!
Congratulations!

We have a crazy season.

Lionel: This class
is shaping up to be ridiculous.

[ Cheers and applause
in distance ]

Happy birthday,
"American Idol."

♪ I'm going back home
to the place where I belong ♪

You're going to Hollywood! You're going
to Hollywood! You're going to Hollywood!

Yes! Oh, my gosh!

Thank you, thank you,
thank you. Let's go!

We are going to Hollywood.
We are going to Hollywood.

♪ I can't describe it,
there's nothing like it ♪

Welcome home to
the party of the century,

because our show turns 21.

This is "American Idol."

♪♪

♪ If you could
walk on the water ♪

Luke: We're back, Day 1.

♪ If you could
hopscotch on the trees ♪

Lionel: Is that a
new set? Katy: Wow.

♪ If you could
♪ This is so cool.

Woman: You feeling nervous?
Yeah, I'm shaking in my boots.

I just want to run in
there and do my thing

and show the judges what I got.

No. [ Laughs ]

To me, this is a
chance to show my mom

there's always
light in the dark, so...

♪ You're superhuman ♪

The last five seasons, we
have found some amazing artists.

But this year is going
to be off the charts.

♪ You can do anything ♪

Katy: Let's get the first
person in here. I'm ready.

♪ Your share of battles
in the eye of the storm ♪

Welcome to "American Idol."

[ Laughs ] Thank you.

First one. ♪ You're superhuman ♪

Well, tell us who you are.

My name's Haven Madison,

and this is my
dad, Jason. Hello.

So, Haven, why is
he holding the guitar?

He's my accompaniment.

Really? Are you in a
band? Do you perform?

Yeah. I've been
touring for a few years.

Haven: My dad's a lead
singer of a Christian band,

so pretty much my whole
life was on a tour bus

watching him make
music and do shows.

Jason: She's always
wanted to be a musician.

She's always wanted to do
this. Haven: It's all I've known,

and I feel like it's
what I'm made for.

[ Giggles ]

But this is definitely the
biggest thing I've ever done.

♪ You're superhuman ♪

Woman: Alright.
We'll give you a shot

to sing for Katy, Luke,
and Lionel. Congratulations.

Oh, my God. It's still
even hard to believe,

and I'm standing in front of
an "American Idol" sign, so...

♪ You can do anything ♪

You can do it, babe.
I believe in you.

Love you.

♪ I just want you to see ♪

Well, we're excited to hear you.
What are you going to perform?

I'm going to sing
"Fifteen." It's an original.

Perfect. Yeah.

Very good.

[ Guitar playing ]

♪ Fifteen, they say
you've got time ♪

♪ Fifteen, they try to
change your mind ♪

♪ But what if I want it now?
What if I don't want to wait? ♪

♪ What if I don't want to waste
my time waiting on someday? ♪

♪ What if I want it now?
What if I'm not the same? ♪

♪ What if it's all a game and
nothing's ever gonna change? ♪

♪ What if I want it now? ♪

♪♪

♪ And I don't know
where I'm going ♪

♪ And I'm not sure
where this ends ♪

♪ But even when the
storms are coming ♪

♪ I'm gonna stand
against the wind ♪

♪ I've got a heart
that's full of questions ♪

♪ I guess I'll
find out as I go ♪

♪ I'd rather try to
run the distance ♪

♪ Than live in fear
and never know ♪

♪ But what if I want it now?
What if I don't want to wait? ♪

♪ What if I don't want to waste
my time waiting on someday? ♪

♪ What if I want it now?
What if I'm not the same? ♪

♪ What if it's all a game and
nothing's ever gonna change? ♪

♪ What if it's all a game
and nothing's ever ♪

♪ Gonna change? ♪

♪ What if I want it now? ♪

You can have it!
You can have it.

Yeah, you can have it right now.

You can have it right now.

Absolutely. In fact, let's
go to the studio right now.

Let's cut the song right
now. Can we cut that song?

Dad, are you okay?

You're not. Oh,
my God. I saw that.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Dad, there's reason to cry.

Oh, my God.

Oh, young lady, your
songwriting ability is incredible.

Guys...

Thank you.

You can be anything
you want to be right now.

It's believable.

Artist, voice, songwriting,
check, check, check.

I don't see anything wrong now

except the world doesn't
know anything about you,

but they will.

That was incredible. Thank you.

And I'm so happy you
came to "American Idol."

I'm so grateful to be here.

You understand? Katy?

The vocal decisions
you made. Oh. Oh.

Forget about it.

They were just like
so on another level.

And they're so you and authentic

and like coming from
your heart. Thank you.

That song has a lot of
opportunity to be something.

Thank you.

We're starting
this day off good.

Oh, my God.

I mean, I think
when a 16-year-old

can really speak the
16-year-old language

that all the other
16-year-olds want to hear,

it's really special. I mean,
whatever y'all are doing...

Whatever you're
doing, keep doing it.

Thank you.

Let Dad just hit
the record button.

That's it.

Yeah. Yeah.

Well, I can go on
and vote. I'm a yes.

Thank you.

I'm a yes.

Thank you.

I'm a hallelujah, yes, okay?

Katy: Yes, yes, yes.

Congrats. Congrats, you guys.

This diamond's ready to sparkle.

♪ The night is clear,
all of the stars ♪

Thank you guys so much.

Miss Haven Madison
from Clarksville, Tennessee,

guess what?

You're going to Hollywood! You're going
to Hollywood! You're going to Hollywood!

Thank you guys so much.

And bring your dad. Alright.

♪ Wanna stay here forever ♪

That's good news and
tears of joy and happiness

and smiles and
all the good stuff.

Congratulations.
Thank you so much.

What's the pride
level like over here?

Oh, it's like the proudest
I've ever been of her in my life.

♪ I wanna remember ♪

Well, congratulations.
Thank you so much.

Good job. Go
celebrate. Go call Ma.

Jason: It was her
moment. She owned it.

Oh! It was amazing. So good!

Thanks, Dad.

♪ I wanna remember ♪

First one.

First one, totally believable.

♪♪

Katy: Who would have thunk
Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan,

and myself together
for so many years?

♪ Oh, it's time
for breaking free ♪

We are so invested in this show.

I need you to fight for this.

Whoo! Yep.

And every time that door
opens, you never know

what that person's
life is going to become.

♪ Chasing tomorrow ♪

♪♪

What's up? Ah, here
we are. Here we are.

Salvation. Here's
salvation. Here's salvation.

Go, go, go, shawty.
It's your birthday.

Go, shawty. It's your birthday.
Go, shawty. It's your birthday.

We wanna party
like it's your birthday.

Oh, no. Who am I at the Super...

Oh, Super Bowl.

Who am I at the Super Bowl?

Lucy: Get it, get it, get it.

♪ You can find me in the
club, bottle full of bub' ♪

♪ Mama, I got what you need ♪

Hold on, Katy. The damn petal.

Ohh.

Oh, my goodness.
The flower's blossoming.

Oh, my goodness. Aiyee.

Wow. Oh, Lord.

Katy: Alright, who are you?

I'm Lucy Love. I'm from
Holly Grove, Arkansas.

Holly Grove. I'm 28 years old.

And I'm... ready.

Okay, Lucy Love.

L.L., not Cool J.

Whoa, whoa, alright. Boss.

Bars. You got bars. Alright.

Well, what are you
going to sing for us today?

Marvin Gaye, "Heard It
Through the Grapevine."

You better go. No way. Okay.

This is your time.

Let's get it,
Phred. Freestyle it.

Do your thing, man.
Do whatever you do.

♪♪

[ Vocalizes ]

♪♪

♪ Ooh, I bet you're
wonderin' how I knew ♪

♪ About your plans
to make me blue ♪

♪ With some other
girl you knew before ♪

♪ Between the two of us girls,
you know I love you more ♪

♪ It took me by
surprise I must say ♪

♪ When I found out yesterday ♪

♪ Don'tcha know that I heard
it through the grapevine ♪

♪ Oh, and I'm just
about to lose my mind ♪

♪ Honey, honey, well ♪

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm.

Lucy Love.

L.L.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Katy: Lionel?

Lucy Love? Yes?

Lucy Love. Yes.

There are a lot of folks
that have to do a little...

A little comedy act to
make it kind of work.

But I heard some notes.
There were really some notes.

Okay? Yes.

Now, believe it or not,

if I stripped all of
that personality away,

you realize there's
an artist in there?

Yes.

I'm not playing.

This is not me joking
around with you.

Now, who are you?

[ Piano playing ]

♪♪

Lucy: I'm from a
long line of people

who never had the opportunity
to make something of themselves.

I did not have a dad.

And my mom, she was kind
of like in and out of our lives.

Music was my safe
haven. That was my refuge.

Music was the thing
that I did that I just knew

that I could have
self-esteem in.

Like, I could be
fat. I could be ugly.

But one thing you cannot
say is that I cannot sing.

1, 2, 3, whoo!

Being a mother of two,

I definitely have to change
the generational cycle.

If you take you serious

and concentrate on
delivering a incredible

soulful vocal... Mm-hmm.

I think you could do it.

I believe I can do this.

♪♪

We have different affirmations

We have, "I am
strong-minded," "I am humble,"

and my favorite
affirmation is, "I cannot quit,

because I have to keep
providing for my babies."

It took a long time for
me to believe in myself.

♪♪

And now I believe in
myself. And I deserve this.

♪♪

Take your time. No gimmicks.

Stop dancing. Just
sing me a song.

Gotcha. Okay?

I gotcha. What
would that song be?

What about Donny
Hathaway, "A Song For You"?

Yep.

♪♪

Katy: What's the
name of your babies?

Lucy: Noah and Mia.

Katy: Noah and Mia,
this is a song for them.

Gotcha.

♪♪

♪ I've been so many
places in my life and time ♪

♪♪

♪ I've sang a lot of songs ♪

♪ I've made some bad rhymes ♪

♪ I've acted my
life out in stages ♪

♪ With ten thousand
people watching ♪

Ah.

♪ But we're alone now ♪

♪ And I'm singing
this song to you ♪

♪♪

You're singing this song for?

My babies.

Finish it.

♪♪

♪ You taught me
precious secrets ♪

♪ Of a true love
withholding nothing ♪

Slow it down, now.

♪ You came out in front ♪

♪ Where I was hiding ♪

♪♪

♪ But now I'm so much better ♪

♪ And if my words
don't come together ♪

Huh.

♪ Listen to the melody ♪

♪ 'Cause my love is
somewhere hiding ♪

♪♪

♪ I love you where
there's no space or time ♪

♪♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ I love you for my life ♪

♪ You're a friend of mine ♪

♪ And when this life is over ♪

♪ Remember that we
were together, yeah ♪

Come on, girl.

♪ We were alone ♪

♪ And I'll be ♪

♪ Singing this song to you ♪

♪♪

[ Voice breaking ] Thank you.

I knew you were in there.

And guess what?

You showed up.

[ Crying ]

Thank you so much, bro.

You've got so much joy in you.

But you got so much
pain in you. Yeah.

And you can sing
from both places.

Yeah.

You're singing like a
Mary J. Blige on fire.

Girl, please. I'm sorry.

Thank you for making me
respect my judges more.

Thank you. Because
I had written you off.

Wow.

And you know what? Yeah.

This whole journey is
about proving people wrong,

and you just proved
me wrong. Absolutely.

Thank you. Absolutely.

So I'm a yes.

Thank y'all.

Katy? Thank you, Luke.

I see you, and I've
always seen you.

I believe in you.

You gonna show those babies

to never, ever give
up on their dreams.

Thank you.

It's a yes from me.

♪ I've been down
the darkest alleys ♪

♪ Been to the bottom ♪

Sister Love, it's a yes for me.

And more importantly,
I want you to hear

this song that we like to
sing at "American Idol."

You're going to Hollywood! You're going
to Hollywood! You're going to Hollywood!

♪ Oh! ♪

♪ At the finish line ♪

[ Squealing ]

♪ I've been down
the darkest alleys ♪

Hey, y'all.

Hey, Lucy! Hey, Lucy!

I gave it everything I had.

And thank y'all
for supporting me.

We are so proud of you, Lucy.

[ All speaking indistinctly ]

Yeah, you better be proud of
me, 'cause we going to Hollywood!

Boom. We going to Hollywood!

Yay!

♪ Until I saw you
at the finish line ♪

I'm so grateful that those
people gave me a second chance.

Katy, Luke, Lionel, man,

thank y'all for pushing
me to be who I am.

That was a moment
I couldn't let go by.

I know who she is.

Lucy: You want to see
something cool? Child: Yes.

A golden ticket.

A golden ticket. Child
#2: A golden ticket.

Whoo! Whoo-hoo.

♪ At the finish line ♪

Katy: And we're
back. Here we go.

[ Gulping ]

Now, be careful.

Caution.

[ Continues gulping ]

Katy? Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Oh, man, come on. Please, God.

Yes!

All the coffee's in the
body. I'm ready to rock.

[ The Who's "Who
Are You" playing ]

Wow, wow, wow.
Oh. Come on in here.

My name is Luke Bryan.

[ Laughs ] It better not be.

It better not be, bro.

It's definitely Luke Bryan.
I can promise you that.

No.

My name is Katey Parry.

Whoo! Yes!

Oh, my gosh.

Did I hit someone?
I'm so sorry if I...

My name is actually Lionel.

What? What?

Who are you named after?

I'm named after Lionel Richie.

Wait, wait, wait.
All I want to know is,

did they send the
checks to your house?

I got a couple. Oh,
don't play around.

Don't play around.
I want my checks.

I want my checks. Hey,
hey. He wants his checks!

I want my money, man!

Now, it's just my time. Whoa.

But I got a feeling this
boy might be able to sing.

[ Laughter ]

♪ Well, I was sittin' there ♪

♪ Well, I was sittin' there ♪

♪ Sellin' turnips
on a flatbed truck ♪

No, the second verse. Come
on, Luke Bryan. Get it right.

I can only take one Luke Bryan.

I actually shortened
my name to L-Rich.

That's what they
call him in the club!

"Yo, L-Rich." "Yo, L-Rich."

[ Rapping ] ♪ When I head
north, I hope they adore me ♪

♪ Down South, country
girl, shakin' it for me ♪

♪ When I head West, hit up LAX ♪

♪ You know I got to say
what up to Seacrest ♪

Hey!

Hold on. What
happens if you're good?

Well, one of us is gonna
have to change their name.

[ Whistles ]

♪ Can anybody find me ♪ ♪ Me ♪

♪ Somebody ♪ ♪ Somebody to ♪

♪ Somebody to ♪

♪ Love ♪

[ Whip cracks ]

Whoo, Katey Parry!

Lionel Richie... Yeah.

Katy Perry, meet Luke Bryan.

Katy: Oh, my God! No way!

No way! No way!

No way! I can't. I can't take
two Luke Bryans on one show.

[ All screaming ]

♪♪

Luke: I know it's too much.

I know, Katy. I
know it's too much.

Luke Bryan, can we...
This is like a fever dream.

It's a no for me this trip,
but that was very cool, man.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

It's a no for me
for now. For sure.

You know what? I'm not
gon' give Luke Bryan a no.

From one Luke Bryan
to another, it's a yes.

Thanks for coming
and having fun with us.

Thanks, guys. Have a good one.

If Ryan Seacrest
comes in and stands...

I quit. I quit.

I'm Ryan. I'm Ryan.

Nice to meet you.
Yeah, I'm Ryan Secrest.

Nice to meet you.
You're Ryan Seacrest?

Yeah. Is that your name?

Yeah.

Oh, my God. It's just so weird.

I know. It's like
looking in a mirror.

Well, nice to meet you.

It was so nice to meet you.

R-squared. 1, 2, 3.

Seacrest out! Seacrest out!

♪♪

Iam: This was for my
dad. I know he's with me.

Through my music,
he'll always be with me.

Lionel: Take your time.
Take your time. It's okay, man.

♪ I think you should
know you saved my life ♪

[ Vocalizing ]

Only on "American Idol"!

Luke: Katy!

That performance
was so emotional,

so heartfelt, so
divinely guided.

You're making
these grown men cry.

Gosh, man, you
just got a great voice.

It's what "American
Idol" is about.

♪ I think you should
know you saved my life ♪

Alright, let's do this.

[ Chuckles ]

My name's Colin
Stough. I'm 18 years old,

and I'm from a little town
outside Amory, Mississippi.

♪ He was a boy
who was a dreamer ♪

So the house I live in, it's
got me, my mom, my stepdad,

and two dogs. It's
probably 30 feet

from my grandparents'
house over there.

♪ Goin' South ♪

Property's been in the
family for a long time.

My aunt and uncle
live down there.

My cousins live back that way.

I feel connected to this place

because so much
history here, you know?

♪ 'Cause they will
understand the words ♪

♪ That are pouring
from your mouth ♪

My dad, he really
ain't never been there.

♪ Goin' South ♪

He chose alcohol and
drugs instead of me and Mom.

And, man, that'll just
k*ll a family, you know?

And, you know, this
is where we had to go.

You know, we wouldn't
know where else. This was it.

♪ 'Cause they'll let you scream
your music real damn loud ♪

[ Thunder crashes ]

I used to have a
real bad problem

about just holding
onto everything.

Easy, now. Let's go.

And that's what horses
teach me, just let go of it.

It's kind of like you
can talk to them,

but you don't say nothing,
and neither do they.

Just a way to cope.

♪ There's a dream of home ♪

Big thanks to my family
here that welcomed us in

when we first come back.

It's hard to find people

that'll give you the
shirt off their back.

And I know right here
in this Gattman circle,

anyone of them
will do it for anybody.

♪ There'll be a time you'll
wish you could trade ♪

Good? Woman: Go for it.

This competition, man,
it could change my life.

Alright. We'll give
you a shot to sing

for Katy, Luke, and
Lionel. Congratulations.

Man, that's awesome.

I thank y'all so
much. I really do.

The main thing and the
reason why I want to be it

is because ain't really
nothing come from around here.

And, you know, I want
to... I want to change that.

♪♪

What's up? "Hellor."

Colin: What's going on,
man? How you doing?

I'm fine. What about y'all?

We're doing good.
Lionel: So good.

You know how to handle this one.

I got... I got this boy.

Alright, well, tell
us who you are.

My name's Colin
Stough. I'm 18 year old.

And I live small town right
around Amory, Mississippi.

It's called Gattman.

What do you do in Gattman?

You hang out, you know?

You ride horses, make
friends, and go to work.

That's about it. That's it.

Build fires and
burn tires, right?

Hey. I love it.

Well, who signed
you up for "Idol"?

My mom did.

Oh, Mama gotcha, huh?

Yeah, she got me good.

Well, good deal. What
are you going to sing today?

"Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Perfect. Oh, yeah.

Let's hear it.

[ Guitar playing ]

♪♪

♪ Mama told me
when I was young ♪

♪♪

♪ "Come sit beside
me, my only son ♪

♪♪

♪ And listen closely
to what I say ♪

♪♪

♪ And if you do this, it'll
help you some sunny day" ♪

♪♪

♪ And, baby, be a
simple kind of man ♪

♪♪

♪ Be something you
love and understand ♪

♪♪

♪ Baby, be a simple,
a simple kind of man ♪

♪ And won't you do this
for me, son, if you can? ♪

♪♪

Good, man. Very good.

Thank you. It's nerve-racking
right here, you know?

I mean... No, no,
no, listen, listen,

you're holding up really well.

It's what "American
Idol" is about, right...

Yes. I love it.

There. I love it. I love it.

Me?

Katy: Colin! Yes, ma'am.

You've got the magic in you.

Do I? Yeah.

100%.

You got the stardust.
You got the stardust, man.

Well, I thank you.
That means a lot.

Is your mama right outside?

She's right out there.
You mind grabbing her?

I'd love to. Yeah, go get her.

Yeah, you might bring her in.

I know. Don't you love
that? Don't you just love it?

I so love it.

Hey, Mama.

She's always wanted to meet you.

Oh, me? So this is great.

Lionel: Well, go on,
Luke. Go on, Luke.

Well, Mama, this is a
very important meeting

between you and I.

We are so thankful
that you signed...

Nara: Thank you.
This human being up.

Nice to meet you.

You, too. That's so good.

So good.

Thank you so much.

How long you been listening

to him play that
guitar in his room?

Whew, he wanted his first
guitar for his 5th birthday.

Now we've got a
house full of guitars.

I listen to guitar
playing and singing

all day and night
pretty much. Yeah.

Well, Colin is exactly
what we hope and dream for

in "American Idol." Wow.

Somebody that's
just raw, real, humble.

Thank you so much
for signing him up.

Thank you. Thank you.

Now, Mama, if he
goes to Hollywood,

what advice are you
going to give him?

There you go. "Move
over. I'm going, too."

[ Laughter ]

"Move over. I'm going, too."

Mama can see it. I can see it.

We can see it. This is going
to change your life, young man.

I'm going to tell you something.

I hope it does.

I gladly cast that
yes vote for you.

Thank you. Thank you.

It's a yes from me.

Thank you.

It's a yes, yes, yes.

Guess what?

You're going to Hollywood! You're going
to Hollywood! You're going to Hollywood!

With your mother.

Yes! Katy: With your mother.

We're going to Hollywood!

Whoo! Whoo!

Just amazing that
guy's out there.

I know. Yeah, right?

That kid was born to be a star.

♪ Oh, you can judge
the whole world ♪

♪ On the sparkle
that you think it lacks ♪

♪♪

♪ Yes, you can
stare into the abyss ♪

♪ But it's starin' right back ♪

Yeah.

I'm happy.

♪ When ♪

♪ My time comes ♪

Producer: We'll see
you in Hollywood.

Okay.

Colin: Let's go.

♪♪

♪♪

Katy: Music City!

Everyone in Nashville
has been discovered.

What are we doing here? No.

Lionel: Every
time we get here...

They move here every
day... I say the same thing

until somebody walks in
the door and, oh, my God.

Oh. See? What...
Hi. How are you?

I'm good. How are you? Aloha.

Well, you just...
You just slip right in.

Aloha? I have some leis for you.

I'm from Hawaii.

Come on. Well, come over here.

Thank you. This is a
kukui nut lei for you.

Alright. I'll take this.
Katy: Thank you.

Well, yeah. Lyric: Of course.

Katy: Oh, my God.
Did you fly with these?

Lyric: Yes, we did, all
the way from Hawaii.

Because these are fresh.

Lyric: Yes, yes. Okay.

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

Sure. My name is Lyric.
I'm from Honolulu, Hawaii.

I was born and raised
on the island of Oahu.

So, my dad was a
singer in the '80s.

What?

My dad's name's Glenn Medeiros.

His most popular hit was

"Nothing's Gonna
Change My Love for You."

How does it go? It goes...

♪ Nothing's gonna
change my love for you ♪

That's your father? That's him!

[ Humming ]

♪ I love you ♪ ♪ I love you ♪

♪ Nothing's gonna
change the ♪ Yes!

That was beautiful.

Mm...

I really do get my love
of music from my dad.

I'm excited to
experience it all,

because this is
once in a lifetime.

♪ Our dreams are
young, and we both know ♪

Everybody, get
ready for the chorus.

♪ They'll take us
where we want to go ♪

♪ Hold me now, touch me now ♪

♪ I don't want to
live without you ♪

♪ Nothing's gonna
change my love for you ♪

♪ You oughta know by
now how much I love you ♪

So you got a pop
singer in your house?

Definitely my role
model, for sure.

How far did your dad's
song go in the charts?

We have some platinum and
gold records around our house.

So very grateful for that.

He did platinum. That's serious.

Well, congratulations
to Dad. Who's with you?

My mom is here with me today.
Alright. It's going to be good.

What are you gonna
do for us? I love country,

and so I'm going to be
singing Kelsea Ballerini's

"Love Me Like You
Mean It." Alright.

[ Piano playing ]

♪ Oh, hey ♪

♪ Boy with your hat back,
mm, I kinda like that ♪

♪ If you wanna walk my way ♪

♪ If you're gonna hold me,
hold me like I'm leavin' ♪

♪ If you're gonna kiss me,
kiss me like you need it ♪

♪ Baby, if you're not,
you best get to leavin' ♪

♪ If you're gonna love me,
boy, love me like you mean it ♪

Girl, you flew 10 hours
to be cute and safe?!

We know you got more than that.

I can sing another
song for you if you'd like.

We need it, 'cause
as of right now...

Give us a little... you're
flying 10 hours back.

How about some Carrie
Underwood, "Before He Cheats"?

Yes, yes, now, hallelujah.

♪ I dug my key into the side ♪

♪ Of his pretty little
souped-up four-wheel drive ♪

Come on!

♪ Carved my name
into his leather seats ♪

Louder!

Lyric: Louder? Yes!

Look, this is gon' be

really challenging
for you. Okay.

Have you ever made
an ugly face in your life?

Now, get...

♪ I dug my key into the side ♪

Look at Katy. See Katy?

♪ Of his pretty little
souped-up four-wheel drive ♪

Oh, God, here it comes.

♪ Carved my name
into his leather seat ♪

♪ I took a Louisville
slugger to both headlights ♪

♪ Slashed a hole
in all four tires ♪

♪ Maybe next time he'll
think before he cheats ♪

One more time!

♪ In all four tires ♪

One more time?

♪ In all four tires ♪

There it is. There it
is, there it is, there it is.

There you go. There you go.

Lyric, you're too pretty
for an ugly business.

Did your dad ever tell
you that it was hard?

'Cause it's hard. It's hard.

It is. Yeah.

What do you think, Lionel?

I think the only way
you're going to understand

what your potential is

is put you in a room
with some brawlers.

Okay. So I guess
I have to say yes.

Ryan: And y'all came
all the way for this?

Yeah. So, we flew out yesterday
at 6:05, and we got here today.

Lyric hasn't even eaten,
so she's, like, nervous.

I think you got to go get bars
and... and h*nky tonks and...

You don't want to throw her
into this soup? 'Cause she's...

I don't think she's
ready. I'm a no.

Ai, yai, yai.

What you got, Kate?

I need you to come up here

and slap me across the face
as hard as you possibly can.

No, Katy, no.

I'm just kidding. [ Laughs ]

No. What? God.

I'm just kidding. I knew
you wouldn't do that.

You're too polite and too sweet,

and I know you're
just putting that on.

And I don't think
that that's exactly you.

And I have been no

pretty much this
whole time. Yeah.

But there's something
inside of me that's like,

"I got to give her a shot."

♪♪

Lyric: Whoo!

♪ 'Cause I dug my
key into the side ♪

We made it! We're
going to Hollywood!

Congratulations!
Yeah, watch the plant.

You're going to Hollywood!

Whoo-hoo! You did it! Yes.

I'm going to give it. Grr.

The judges want to see me
get more rough around the edges

and... grr! Grr. Grr!

I'm feeling determined
to work hard

to give Katy, Lionel,
and Luke what they want

and what they want
to see from me. Grr.

Thank you so much.
Thank you very much.

So what will you
guys go eat now?

Eat? Um... What's
good in Nashville?

Everything.

[ Bell dings ]

♪♪

♪ I am your burger man ♪

Alright. I got two
double cheese.

Thank you. Yes, sir.

I got a surprise for y'all.

This old cat's
going to Hollywood.

Heck yeah, man.
I swear. Look at it.

I'm going to Nashville
and auditioning.

Really? Dude,
you gon' k*ll it, man.

Hey, appreciate it. I
wish you the best of luck.

Dude, that is awesome.

Two folks from the same town.

That's awesome. Yeah,
yeah, it's awesome.

♪ I am your burger man ♪

My name is Zachariah
Smith. I am 19 years old,

and I am the grill cook
at Bill's Hamburgers

in Amory, Mississippi.

Pretty much if you say
you're going to Amory,

everybody knows you're
going to Bill's Hamburgers.

It's family-owned.
It's been passed down

for over 75 years,
coming up on 100.

100 years? Cheeseburgers
have been around for 100 years?

I'm sure it's been
longer than that, but...

Yeah. How many
hamburgers do you cook a day?

A good day? About
400, 500 on a Saturday.

It's hard telling.

♪ I am your burger man ♪

[ Bell dings ]

Well, what are you
gonna sing today?

I'm gonna sing "Hurts So
Good" by John Mellencamp.

Oh. Okay.

♪♪

♪ When I was a young boy ♪

Holy crap-oly.

♪ Said put away
those young boy ways ♪

♪ Now that I'm gettin'
older, so much older ♪

♪ Well, I long for
those young boy days ♪

♪ With a girl like you ♪

Hoo!

♪ With a girl like you ♪

♪ Lord knows all the
things we can do, baby ♪

♪ Let's see what we can
do, come on and make it, uh ♪

♪ Hurt so good ♪

♪ Come on, baby,
make it hurt so good ♪

♪ 'Cause sometimes love
don't feel like it should ♪

♪ You make it ♪ Man, I love it.

I love it. ♪ Hurt so good ♪

So good.

He's gonna be so fun.

♪ Hey, baby, it's you ♪ Oh!

Hoo! Unh.

♪ Come on, girl, now, it's you ♪

♪ Stick your teeth right
through my bones, baby ♪

♪ Let's see what we can
do, come on and make it, uh ♪

♪ Hurts so good ♪

Hey!

♪ Come on, baby,
make it hurt so good ♪

♪ 'Cause sometimes love
don't feel like it should ♪

♪ You make it hurt so good ♪

Alright. Alright.

Thank you.

Um, go back to Amory.

That's right.

Get your damn apron.
Get a little lighter fluid.

Katy: Oh, no!

Burn the apron. Oh, no.

Oh, yeah. You're not
flipping no burgers.

Not again.

I don't have to flip
burgers anymore?!

You know...

You're fun.

You are so fun. But
you know what it is?

[ Muffled ] You're
not a gimmick.

You are so good.

Like, you know how many
guys walk into this room,

and we're like, "We hope
you have a sound just like that

that's so authentic, that
just is oozing out of you.

You can't even control
it. It's just coming out."

You have a rasp.
You have a growl.

And then on top of
it, you're having fun.

Yes. That's what it's all about.

Let's vote. Okay.

Katy? Well, I guess that means

you're gonna get a
yes from me. Thank you.

And the only way that works
is you got to get a yes from me.

Yes!

You're three for
three. Yes for me.

Hey! Come on! Yeah! Whoo!

You're going to Hollywood! You're going
to Hollywood! You're going to Hollywood!

Yeah! Someone's coming for you.

Zachariah: This is my wife. Hi!

Hi.

You made it?! Yes.

Aah!

You guys are so cute.

Congratulations.

Let's go! I'm
going to Hollywood!

I feel like I have
changed my life

in so many ways today
through this audition.

To all the folks inside
Bill's Hamburgers,

I love y'all. It's been
a heck of a ride.

[ Whispering ] But I'm
not coming back. Bye.

♪ Sing ♪

♪ One, two, three, four ♪

♪♪

Oh!

Trombone Shorty!

Oh!

♪♪

♪♪

[ Laughs ] Man, I'm scared.

I don't know why I'm scared.

Yeah! Trombone Shorty!

We got it.

Woman: All right. 3,
2, 1, you're going in.

Man: Go. Oh, sh**t.

Hi.

Katy: Hello. Hello.

How are you? I'm good.
I'm good. How are you guys?

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

My name is Iam Tongi,
and I'm from Kahuku, Hawaii.

Iam Tongi. Tongi.

Tongi. You pronounce the T's
like a D in the Tongan culture.

Oh, Tongi. Yeah.

So tell us about your journey.

How did... How did you get here?

Well, I grew up in
Kahuku, which is on Oahu.

And I recently, like
Well, not recently.

Like three years ago,
I moved to Seattle.

So it's not the same,
but it's still all right.

It's definitely...
It's not the same.

Different weather.

Why on earth would
you leave Hawaii?

Priced out of paradise.

That's what it is. Ahh.

Yeah, priced out
of paradise. I get it.

Got to move to a cheaper state.

We're fixing to get you
priced back in Hawaii.

Yeah. Any chance,
I'm going back.

I think he should buy an island.

Is your family there
or where's your family?

Most of my mom's siblings
She has 12 siblings.

I have family in Hawaii,

But my mom... we
all live in Seattle.

And your dad?

My dad passed away,
like, a couple of months ago.

Mm. Sorry, buddy.

That's all right.

Who got... Who
got you into music?

My dad. He taught me.

He's the reason
for all this, huh?

Yeah.

Okay. What's his name?

Iam: Rodney. Rodney.

Rodney, yeah.

I can tell... I can tell
he meant a lot to you.

Yeah. Sorry, buddy.

I got it, man.

What are you gonna do for us?

Um, the song... Sorry.

Take your time. Take
your time. It's okay, man.

You know, when
you love so deeply,

you feel so deeply. Katy: Yeah.

And so what you're
just giving us right now

is the fact that you
loved that man so much.

Okay? We're there
with you. Yeah.

The song I'm gonna be singing

is a song that's called
"Monsters" by James Blunt.

"Monsters." Okay.

Yeah. It's a song I'm
dedicating to my dad.

All right. Want to
take a moment?

You all right?

Yeah.

I'm good, I'm good.

Yeah, got to relax a little.

[ Laughs ]

♪♪

♪ Oh, before they
turn off all the lights ♪

♪ I won't read you your
wrongs or your rights ♪

♪ The time has gone ♪

♪ Oh, I'll tell you
goodnight, close the door ♪

♪ I'll tell you I love
you once more ♪

♪ The time has gone ♪

♪ So here it is ♪

♪ I'm not your son ♪

♪ You're not my father ♪

♪ We're just two grown
men saying goodbye ♪

♪ No need to forgive ♪

♪ No need to forget ♪

♪ I know your mistakes
and you know mine ♪

♪ And while you're sleeping ♪

♪ I'll try to make you proud ♪

♪ So, Daddy, won't you
just close your eyes? ♪

♪ Don't be afraid,
it's my turn ♪

♪ To chase the monsters away ♪

♪ Sleep a lifetime ♪

♪ Yes, and breathe a last word ♪

♪ You can feel my
hand on your own ♪

♪ I'm not your son ♪

♪ You're not my father ♪

♪ We're just two grown
men saying goodbye ♪

♪ No need to forgive ♪

♪ No need to forget ♪

♪ I know your mistakes
and you know mine ♪

♪ And while you're sleeping ♪

♪ I'll try to make you proud ♪

♪ So, Daddy, won't you
just close your eyes? ♪

♪ Don't be afraid,
it's my turn ♪

♪ To chase the monsters away ♪

Sorry.

That's all right, man.
That's all right, man.

Thank you.

I was not worried about

whether you were gonna
make it through the song.

I was worried about

whether we were gonna
make it through the song.

Your dad is very proud.

Thank you so much.

I mean, what a
fantastic song to pick.

Iam: Thank you. Oh,
God, I'm telling you.

I feel like you could
have written this song.

Thank you. I mean, you sang it.

You delivered it.

And you're making
these grown men cry.

You hit a nerve.

Thank you.

And that's what
great storytellers do.

That's what great artists do.

And your voice is
just so magnificent.

It really is. Thank you.

I cannot handle your heart
breaking about your dad,

because, you know, my
my nephew lost his dad,

and he came to live with me.

And just seeing you
missing your dad just sucks.

And, gosh, man, you
just got a great voice.

You got a great
voice. Thank you.

You just did everything perfect.

And I love you. And I want to...

Just want to see you have
fun in this whole thing, man.

And... Thank you.

It's just... Whew.

Just awesome. Awesome
what you just did.

I mean, you're 18 years old.

Yeah, yeah.

Let me just tell you something.

The story is one thing.

Your delivery of your
story was phenomenal.

Thank you.

Luke, what's your vote?
Obviously, I'm a yes.

You gonna be all
right, Luke. I'm a yes.

Thank you.

This one's for Rodney.

Yeah. I'm a yes.

Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.

It's a yes from me, and,

young man, you
take this into the world

and you're gonna
fracture some souls.

[ Laughs ] Thank you.
Thank you so much.

The greatest thing we can
say to you at this moment...

Together: You're
going to Hollywood.

Okay?

Thank you. Thank you.

Oh, I got to give him a hug.

I know. I know.

Man, that was awesome, buddy.

Thank you, man. Great job.

Thank you. Great job.

All my life, my dad
told me that singing is

the only thing that
was meant for me.

Cheehoo!

The main reason why I did
music is because my dad.

That's how me and my dad bonded.

But ever since he passed
away, you know, it's been hard.

♪ Dreams that you dream of ♪

This one's for Rodney.

Yeah. For my dad.

Yeah.

♪ Ooh, somewhere
over the rainbow ♪

People thought I cried,
you know, 'cause I miss him.

But it's 'cause I
hear him singing.

I can hear his harmony.

I can hear, like, how he would
harmonize with me in that song.

He always wanted me to
come to "America Idol" and sing.

So I want to try and
make him proud of me.

I know... I know he's with me.

Through my music,
he'll always be with me.

I love you, Dad.

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪

Where's Katy, Lionel?

I don't know. Have you seen her?

♪ Have you seen her? ♪

♪ Tell me, have you seen her? ♪

♪ Ohh ♪

Who is that? The Chi-Lites.

Something's up. I
smell something fishy.

Wait. Luke.

Ohhh. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

♪ I'm gonna keep on the run,
I'm gonna have me some fun ♪

That's fabulous. ♪ It cost
me my very last dime ♪

Unh, unh, unh.

♪ If I wind up broke, well,
I'll always remember ♪

Wow, why do I feel like we're
gonna get in trouble for this?

♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪

♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪

All right, now.

♪ Viva ♪ Hit it.

♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪

What?

Ohh!

Ouch.

Katy. Katy.

Katy, ladies.

She's beauty, and she's grace.

We need to get you.

Oh, God. Don't move.

No. Okay. Okay.

This is a lot.

Yeah.

Hold on.

I feel like we need a photo.

That was too much.
Man: All right, here we go.

Say cheese.

Katy: Let's go, girls.

♪ I'm gonna keep on the run,
I'm gonna have me some fun ♪

♪ If it costs me
my very last dime ♪

♪ If I wind up broke,
well, I'll always... ♪

You know what? I knew
there was a shenanigan.

You know what? I knew it.

Katy: Okay, girls,
that was great.

♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪

Dang. I got to warm up.

[ Buzzes lips ]

I feel like I'm really
nervous, but also, like,

it means the world to me
to have this opportunity.

Whatever happens is
gonna happen this point.

But I'm so excited. Yes.

One take only. Oh, my God.

Oh, you win some, you lose some.

You're really putting
in the extra effort, girl.

I had to do what I had
to do since we are in

♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪

♪ Who is the next one? ♪

What's up, guys? Lionel: Hey.

How's it going?

Katy's... Katy's
been doing a lot.

She still has showgirl costume
imprint marks on her body.

Sin City, buddy. Who are you?

I'm Michael Williams.
I'm 21 years old,

and I'm from
Mason, Ohio. Us too.

Hey! Everybody's 21.

Everybody's 21.
From Mason, Ohio.

Okay. Okay. Yeah, Mason, Ohio.

Small town. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

Well, what are you
gonna sing for us today?

I'm gonna sing "Talking to
the Moon" by Bruno Mars.

Okay. Let's do
it. All right, okay.

Michael: Let's do it.

♪ I'm feeling like I'm famous ♪

♪ The talk of the town ♪

♪ They say I've gone mad ♪

♪ Yeah, I've gone mad ♪

♪ But they don't
know what I know ♪

♪ 'Cause when the
sun goes down ♪

♪ Someone's talking back ♪

♪ Yeah, they're talking back ♪

♪ At night, when the
stars light up my room ♪

♪ I sit by myself ♪

♪ Talking to the moon ♪

♪ Trying to get to you ♪

Yes, sir.

♪ In hopes you're on the
other side talking to me too ♪

♪ Or am I a fool ♪

♪ Who sits alone ♪

♪ Talking to the moon? ♪

Mm. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Oh, hey. Hi. Yeah.

[ Laughter ]

Uh...

Oh, no. Oh, no.

[ Laughter ]

Uh, L-L-Luke,
what you jealous of?

Pretty much head to toe.

Yeah. Michael: No way.

Nah, man. Listen. Great job.

Great all-around
singing. I mean, you got...

Yeah. You kind
of got your sound.

I can't understand why
we haven't seen you yet.

Good stuff.

Thank you. Wow.

Lionel? You know,
there's an old line.

You know, you're not just
a pretty face, thank God.

And so in this case, we're
looking for a package.

And you walked in the door.

I just want to say
congratulations.

Thank you so much. I like
the way you walked in here.

Thank you. Wow.

I just want to list off
a couple of people,

you know, like Shawn Mendes...

Ooh... Harry Styles...

Whoa... Michael Williams...

- Oh, my gosh.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Listen, I think you're
top 10 material.

Wow. I think your
vocals are amazing.

They're gonna get pushed. Yeah.

Yeah. But you can control the
room with a whisper, you know?

I think we're ready to vote.

I'm ready. I'm ready.
Oh, yeah. Absolutely.

I'll start off. Man, it's a yes.

Wow. Solid yes.

Thank you. Congratulations.

Yes. Come on, now.

Katy. Don't look at me!

Okay, sorry.

[ Laughter ]

It's a yes.

Together: You're
going to Hollywood!

Thank you so much.

And you're getting
a golden ticket.

Let's go. Any of them?

Any of them. Anything.

Whoo!

♪ I wanna feel what love is ♪

I love you, Orlando.

She does.

I do. She really does.

She does. I do.

Talking to Katy
Perry was so wild.

We just kept smiling.

And we started staring
in each other's eyes.

Like, I don't know
what was going on.

Hi, Katy.

He's top 10. Straight
down the ballgame.

I'm going to Hollywood!

♪ I want you to show me ♪

♪♪

Here you go, ma'am. And
what can I get you to drink?

Megan: I am a
waitress with my mom.

We both work at
the same restaurant.

You got to try that.

It's just a soul
Southern cooking place.

Why you standing
there, Mom? Get to work.

[ Laughs ]

My name is Megan
Danielle. I'm 20 years old.

And I'm from
Douglasville, Georgia.

My childhood, I would
always spend most of my time

at the shop with my grandpa.

He was definitely
one of my biggest fans.

It's just weird without
Pawpaw, but...

Very sad 'cause everything
reminds me of Daddy.

Look at that.

Megan: My grandpa
passed about a year ago.

He was the most
important person in my life.

When I was 18, I had a band,

and we were singing
at all different types

of bars and venues.

I didn't like performing
at bars because I felt like

I had to act like someone
I wasn't just so that people

would like what
they were hearing.

There was one
show I had one night,

and my Pawpaw was there.

He pulled me to
the side and said,

"What are you doing, baby?

This isn't what you're
supposed to do."

He looked at me dead
in the eye, and he said,

"Well, how can you sing
for God and sing for this?"

And then I finally
decided to totally switch

to Christian music.

Oh, God.

It's okay.

He's still supporting
me up there.

Do it for him today, baby.

Yes, ma'am. I will.

He's gonna be in there with you.

I know.

What was his name?

My grandpa's name is Chuck Page.

Oh, Chuck Page.
What a great name.

All right, well, what are you
gonna share with us today?

I'm gonna sing "You
Say" by Lauren Daigle.

Yay.

Okay. I got a surprise. Oh, God.

So Lauren Daigle had a show
here in Las Vegas last night.

So she's here right
now. Turn around.

Oh, my God. Lauren: Hi.

She's gonna go
crazy. I'm shaking.

I don't even know if she
knows what I look like.

Oh, yes, she does.
Honey, she loves you.

Hi. Good to see
you. How are you?

Well, what perfect
timing, right?

I was here season 9 and 11.

She's been at this door.
Doing what she's doing.

And we were in Las Vegas,

so it's like a full
circle moment.

It's a full circle moment.

♪ I keep fighting
voices in my mind ♪

♪ That say I'm not enough ♪

♪ Every single
lie that tells me ♪

♪ I will never measure up ♪

♪ Am I more than just the sum ♪

♪ Of every high and every low ♪

This is the good stuff.

Lauren, you should
go in and sing with her.

♪ Remind me once
again just who I am ♪

♪ Because I need to know ♪

♪ Ooh-oh ♪

♪ And you say I am loved ♪

♪ When I can't feel a thing ♪

Now, now. Go, go.

♪ And you say I am strong
when I think I am weak ♪

Both: ♪ And you say I am held ♪

♪ When I am falling short ♪

♪ And when I don't belong, oh ♪

♪ You say I am Yours ♪

Oh, my God. Finish it with me.

♪ And I believe ♪

♪ I ♪

♪ Oh, I believe ♪

♪ I ♪

♪ What You say of me ♪

♪ Oh, I believe ♪

Megan: That was you.

[ Luke laughs ]

Hi. Welcome to "American Idol"!

Only on "American Idol"!

This is insane.

You're awesome.
You're so pretty.

Well, she got us,
too, by the way.

I heard an echo. I was like,

"Is there an angel singing
somewhere with her?"

Oh, my gosh. Only
on "American Idol."

Well, Lauren,
thank you for doing.

Oh, I love it. So cool.

Your story reminds me of my
own so much with your grandfather.

You're so cool. Thank you.

Yeah, absolutely.

Well, I want to hear
what they have to say.

I want to hear that again.
That was, like, too magical.

I can't just hear
20 seconds of y'all.

Come on. I want
to hear the chorus.

And by the way, you
sang it so beautifully.

I feel like this is
not even happening.

I don't... I'm like,
"Thank you, God."

All right, let's do the chorus.
I want to feel the spirit.

One, two.

♪ And you say I am loved ♪

♪ When I can't feel a thing ♪

♪ You say I am strong ♪

♪ When I think I am weak ♪

♪ And you say I am held ♪

All right, now.

♪ When I am falling short ♪

♪ When I don't belong, oh ♪

♪ You say I am Yours ♪

Now sing your BGBs.

♪ And I believe ♪

♪ I ♪

♪ Oh, I believe ♪

♪ I ♪

♪ What You say of me ♪

♪ I ♪

♪ Oh, I believe ♪

Yeah! That was so awesome.

Yeah, girl! Wow.

Megan: You're awesome.
Thank you so much.

I just got to say, Lauren,
that is one of the coolest

things I've ever
seen an artist do.

That was real, real, and real.

Oh, y'all, it was great.
I loved "American Idol."

Well, Luke, what do
you think about her?

Well, Megan, you know,

what you have is a
real honest rawness.

It's like unpolished
diamond stuff going on.

And I think when
you start learning

and we start giving
you confidence

and you start realizing

you might can
really, really do this,

it'll... it's gonna be
fun to watch you grow.

Thank you. Thank you, Luke.

What you have is
this thing in your voice

that I am in love with.

And if I can get you
out of your shyness

and have it come
through your vocal cords,

okay, and all we're
gonna do right now

at this point is
push, push, push.

Girl, you serve
grits at that spot?

Yes, girl, with hush puppies.

'Cause you got some
grit stuck in your throat.

Lionel: That grit is good.

And that grit is
good. That's good grit.

That is that real,
authentic Southern grit.

Girls raised in the
South... GRITS.

Girls raised in the
South. That's right.

You've got that
grit in your voice.

It's so authentic.

And you're doing
right by yourself.

And you're doing right
by Grandpa Chuck.

What? Was your
grandfather's name Chuck?

Yes. That was my
grandfather's name.

That is... That's awesome.

That's crazy. That's
awesome. That's awesome.

Well, you know, God has a sense
of humor every once in a while.

The Chucks are upstairs
having a good time.

They're chuckling for sure.

Chuckling.

Let's vote.

Yes.

Hallelujah.

[ Laughter ]

Amen. Yes.

I'm a yes, too.

Oh, my God. Hey,
get this. Get this.

Get this. Together:
You're going to Hollywood.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Oh, look at all this.

Luke: Thank you, Lauren.

All right. Golden
ticket. Congratulations.

Lauren: That was fun.

I've never done
anything like that,

so I got a first
experience with you, too.

Really? Oh, my gosh. Yeah.

It definitely put me at ease
that you were... you were there.

And... And you're so unique
and, like, your music has definitely

brought me closer to God.

Come on. So, like, I love you.

I'm trying not to cry. I'm
trying not to. You can cry.

I thought there was
something wrong with the audio.

I was like, "There's
an echo in here."

Together: She's
going to Hollywood!

[ Laughter ]

Ryan: Bye, Lauren.
See you. Thank you.

♪ Hold on to me ♪

I'm Willie Spence
from Douglas, Georgia.

Kya: We grew a very,
very close friendship.

He was actually supposed
to be here with me today.

When you go to sing, you
just sing like Willie's still here.

♪ Ooh, and I'm feeling good ♪

Lionel: All right,
this is Vegas.

It's got to be that day.

Where's Wayne Newton?

[ Cheers and applause ]
All right, all right, all right.

Well, it's a new day.

A new dawn.

And I hope my
petals all stay in place.

♪ I'm feeling good ♪

Hi. Hi.

Well, I'm loving
this. All right.

Welcome to the show.
Take a deep breath.

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

I'm Tyson Venegas.
I'm 17 years old.

I'm from Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada.

Well, how did you get started
in this crazy world of music?

Well, I always loved music.

My parents would
show me different music

from, like, the Beatles

to, like, Michael
Jackson to Stevie Wonder

to you guys. Wow. Wow.

And I did have speech
delay when I was younger,

and I used music to help me.

Oh, that's cool.

♪ A, you're adorable,
B, you're beautiful ♪

Iris: So Tyson was 3 years old.

The pediatrician noticed
that he wasn't speaking.

♪ I've been waiting
for the tides to change ♪

We knew that he loved music,

so we were using music
to help develop his speech.

Whenever he got on stage,
he got to be the person

who he really wanted to be.

And then from there, he
started to develop his vocab.

This has to be Tyson.

Like, the only way he can be
himself is when he's on stage.

♪ But we'll hold the line ♪

That's really amazing
that therapy is getting more

and more attention
because what they're finding

is that music straightens
everything out.

And I'm loving it.

We were so worried about
you. And now look at you.

You get to sing in
front of your inspiration.

Let's hear it.

One of his biggest concerts
growing up was Lionel Richie.

I remember that moment where
he looked up at me and he's like,

"This is what I want
to do. I want to do that.

I want to make people happy."

Like, I'm crying right now
because I still remember it.

And now he gets to
sing for Lionel today.

So, yeah, like, this is... It
can't get any better. Yeah.

♪ Some folks like to get away ♪

♪ Take a holiday from
the neighborhood ♪

♪ Hop a flight to Miami Beach ♪

♪ Or to Hollywood ♪

Ba-ba-ba-boom.

♪ But I'm taking a Greyhound ♪

♪ On the Hudson River Line ♪

♪ I'm in a New
York state of mind ♪

♪ Mm, mm ♪

♪ I've seen all of
the movie stars ♪

♪ In their fancy cars
and their limousines ♪

♪ Been high in the Rockies
under the evergreens ♪

♪ But I know what I'm needing ♪

♪ And I don't want
to waste more time ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm in a New
York state of mind ♪

♪ Mm, mm ♪

♪ It was so easy
living day by day ♪

That boy's voice.

♪ Out of touch with
the rhythm and blues ♪

♪ But now I need a little
give and take, give and take ♪

♪ The New York Times,
oh, The Daily News ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ It comes down to reality ♪

♪ And it's fine with
me 'cause I let it slide ♪

♪ And I don't care if it's
Chinatown or on Riverside ♪

Yep.

♪ I don't have any reasons ♪

Yep.

♪ 'Cause I've left
them all behind ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm in a New York ♪

♪ State of mind ♪

Oh, my God, man.

Okay. Okay. Hey. Hey.

Come on.

Now, that was amazing.

So, where's your mom?

Is she close by
outside that door?

Yeah, she's outside.

Okay, bring...
Bring your mom in.

He's his own thing.

All out there.

Now, Mom, I have
to verify something.

Yes.

Okay. You can
verify this is your child.

Now, he's claiming
to be 17 years old.

Yes.

But he's performing
like a 45 year old.

Okay, so give me
some validation here.

Who is this guy?

I mean, one of his very first
concerts was Lionel Richie.

No. Yes.

And then he was inspired by you,

and then that's where he learned

how to sing from his
heart and, like, tell stories.

Well, we flipped the switch
now. I inspired him back then.

He's just inspired us today.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Let me tell you,

that performance
was spot-on perfection.

You sang notes and
runs that I haven't felt

in my body in a long time.

And I felt so
connected. I felt alive.

Thank you so much, Katy.

You are exactly
what we look for,

what we pray for.

And... Lionel: You're there.

Yeah. Which puts
you into a little area

that we like to play with.

There's the golden ticket.

And then there's
the platinum ticket.

We're on the same
page, right? Oh, yeah.

All right, so the
platinum ticket means

you can actually coast through
one whole day of Hollywood Week.

Wow. What? Do me a favor.

Go over there and pick
that platinum, pick it up,

and then bring it
back to your mom.

We want to say something to you.

Oh, my God. Luke:
There you go. First one.

First one.

The only one in
all of Las Vegas...

Do you understand?

To receive the
platinum ticket, Tyson.

Now... You are it.

We have to anoint
you with these words.

1, 2, 3.

Together: You're
going to Hollywood!

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God. Thank you.

I don't know where
you came from,

but I'm sure glad you
came right by here.

Tyson, you're on fire.

You are the bar for Las Vegas.

You're the bar. Thank you.

Take care, you guys.
Thank you, guys.

Nice to meet all of you guys.

Thank you.

Luke: So great.

He may be one of our
most special I've ever seen.

I have never, since
we've been here,

seeing anything that gifted.

I mean, for 17...

And in control. 17.

17.17.

That's when you
know you're possessed.

So excited.

Together: Tyson, Tyson,
Tyson, Tyson, Tyson, Tyson!

Tyson: I don't know. I'm,
like, lost for words right now.

I still can't believe I
got the platinum ticket.

I can't wait to just
keep working hard,

and I'm just super grateful.

Congratulations to Tyson.

More auditions coming up
from Las Vegas right after this.

We'll be right
back here on "Idol."

[ Cheers and applause ]

Right next to me is Mango.

He's my favorite
bird that I ever had.

And the things he repeats
is so entertaining sometimes.

It makes me laugh.

He talks, so he
repeats stuff you say.

Want to come see me?

You want to come see me?

You want to come see me?
You want to come see me?

Want to come see me?

He's not saying it now,
but he usually does say it.

My name is Jack Nicora.

I live in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.

I'm 19 years old.

So the kind of music I
love is doo-wop music.

Doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wop.

Mango loves doo-wop music.

♪ Doo-wop, doo-wop,
doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wop ♪

♪ Doo-wop, doo-wop-wop ♪

He loves to dance to it.
He loves to dance around.

He always fluffs
up when he hears it.

♪ Shoo-bop, doo doo
doo doo doo doo doo doo ♪

Something like that.

Woman: If I play some doo-wop,
do you think Mango would dance?

Yes, if you play especially
"Rockin Robin" to Mango,

he would dance to it real
quick. He loves that song.

♪ Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee,
tweedle-lee-dee-dee ♪

♪ Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee,
tweedle-lee-dee-dee ♪

♪ Rockin' robin,
tweet, tweet, tweet ♪

♪ Rockin' robin,
tweet, tweet, tweet ♪

♪ Tweedle-lee-dee-dee-dee,
tweedle-lee-dee-dee ♪

I think that, like,
if I get through,

I can maybe bring doo-wop back.

Ahh!

Katy: Is Mango
a part of your act?

Yes. There you go.

Trust the finger there,
dawg. You want some of this?

Katy: Aah! Jack: All right.

Oh, no.

[ Laughs ]

Oh, there you go.

That's awesome.
See, he's on you now.

That's great.

Mango, come on, Mango. Come on.

Oh, my gosh.

Mango, that's the richest
hand you've ever been on.

Oh, my gosh.

He's on Lionel
Richie's hand right now.

Mango... Mango,

so now what we're gonna do is

we're gonna sit
right here, Mango,

and we're gonna listen to...

No, it's a part of the act.
Oh, it's part of the act.

Yeah, I usually put
him on my shoulder.

Oh, well, come on
over here. Come.

He misses his dad.

That was really cool.
Thank you very much.

All right, Mango, hit it.

Oh, he's so cute.
I want a bird now.

Jack: [ Laughs ] Yes.

Come on, Jack.

Bring us there.

♪ In the still of the night ♪

♪ I held you ♪

♪ Held you tight ♪

♪ How I love ♪

♪ Love you so ♪

♪ Promise I'll never ♪

♪ Let you go ♪

♪ In the still of the night ♪

♪ The still of the night ♪

♪ Oh, I remember ♪

♪ That night in May ♪

♪ The stars were
bright up above ♪

♪ And I'll hope and I'll pray ♪

♪ To keep ♪

♪ To keep ♪

♪ Your precious love
♪ ♪ Your precious ♪

♪ In the still of the night ♪

♪ In the still of the night ♪

Yes.

Thank you, Jack. Wow.

Katy, tell us what you're
thinking there about Jack.

You have a nice
timbre in your voice.

Jack: Thank you. Katy:
It's got that beautiful shake.

You have to work
on some breathing.

Because I think
you're chopping it up.

Every single syllable,
you're kind of breathing.

Your fingers are
using all the oxygen.

Yes, exactly. Katy: Yeah.

You know, I think the doo-wop
thing's fun. It's lounge-y.

I felt like I was sailing the
ocean blue on some cruise line.

Yes. At the end of
the day, it's all about

really sealing
those vocals up, too.

Yes. I think we got to get
those buttoned up a little bit.

Thank you. All right.

Okay, so, Jack, what I'm
thinking, for "American Idol,"

it's such a narrow...

Wait. There's
another bird. Hold on.

What? There's a bird over there,

and there's a bird right there.

What are you talking
about? Jack: Oh, my gosh.

There's another bird.
Mango, you see that, Mango?

No, there's literally a bird.

Lionel: Oh, the
little sparrow. Yes.

Jack: Speaking of birds,
there's one right there.

Lionel: Right there. Katy,
now, don't scare the bird.

Jack: She's going up to
it. Oh, God, here we go.

Where is it?

It should be right in
front of you, right there.

[ Whistling ] Okay, don't...

Oh, don't freak him out. Okay.

God. Okay.

Where is it? It's
right over there.

He just went that way.

In front of you now.
It's in front of me?

Sneaking up to it.

It's in here now? You should
be standing right on top of it.

We got to find that bird.

Am I losing my damn mind?

No, no. Katy, let's vote first.

It's a no for me, Jack.
Okay, that's okay.

I appreciate it. Jack,
it's a no for me, buddy.

I got it. Jack,
it's a no for me.

You guys have a
wonderful day. Thank you.

Katy: Can someone get this bird?

That's okay. It's
okay. It's all good.

Lionel: Oh, Katy, Katy,
Katy. Keep it going.

Yes, we are. We're
never giving up on this.

There's the bird over here.
There's the bird right there.

See the bird right there?
It's trying to make an exit.

[ Katy whistling ] Oh,
don't freak him out.

I love this guy.

This little guy's awesome.

[ Whistling ] Where is it?

Jack: I had a
fantastic time in here,

and I'm gonna continue
singing doo-wop.

How was it, Mango?
Did you like it?

Want to come see me?

[ Katy screaming ]

No, no, no, no, no, don't scare
it. Don't scare it. Oh, my God.

I want a bird on my finger.

Don't we have a little net or
something we can catch him?

Right here. It's right here.

Oh, he's right
there. Don't hurt him.

Right over here. Where?

That way.

Oh!

Did we get the bird?

No. Of course not.

Luke: It's a great day.

It's been a good one.
Maybe the best one.

I mean, honestly, we
found some amazing talent.

How many more we got?

Uno mas.

All right.

How are you? Hey, hey.

Hey.

You made it. Yes, I did.

To the Oval. Yep.

Who are you?

My name is Kya Monee'.

I'm from Watson, Texas.

And I'm here today to
share my gift with you all.

Since I left y'all, I don't
know if y'all remember me.

I was Willie's duet partner.

Ohh.

It feels so good to be back.

You might have seen me on
season 4 of "American Idol."

I auditioned in San Diego.

Howdy. Hello, Sparkles.

Sparkles. Looks great.

[ Vocalizes ]

I got three yeses.

I'm going to Hollywood!

[ Laughs ]

Hollywood Week was so amazing.

Like, I met so many
different people

that I'm still friends with.

I'm Willie Spence
from Douglas, Georgia.

And I'm Kya Monee',
and I'm from Austin, Texas.

The judges picked me and
Willie to be duet partners.

[ Both vocalizing ]

♪ I want you to ♪

That song, it meant
so much to me.

And I think it meant
so much to him.

From there on, we grew a
very, very close friendship.

You both are going
through with flying colors.

Thank you. Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you.

Losing Willie was just
very, very hard for me.

He passed in a
tragic car accident.

And I'm still trying to,
you know, cope with that.

♪ Sometimes you love ♪

♪ Like your life depends on it ♪

Sorry.

Willie, he always told me,

"No matter what, you
will always be a singer."

♪ You'll never be alone ♪

But three days before he
passed, Willie was telling me,

"You have to go back.

You have to chase your dreams.

I'm gonna go with
you to 'American Idol.'"

He made me want to do it.

And I'd really love
to make it further.

But most of all, I want
to make Willie proud.

And I want to thank y'all so
much for pairing me with him.

He was actually supposed
to be here with me today

for my audition.

It's just very hard to not
have that support anymore.

But I know that he would want
me to be here and keep pushing.

And also, this song
that I'm singing today

is a song that we
picked together.

So I'm singing "I'm Here"
from "The Color Purple."

♪ I've got my angels ♪

♪ I can't hold them now ♪

♪ They may not be here ♪

♪ But they're still mine ♪

♪ And I hope ♪

♪ You know I still ♪

♪ Love them ♪

♪ Got my house ♪

♪ It still keeps the cold out ♪

♪ Got my chair ♪

♪ When my body can't hold out ♪

♪ Got my hands ♪

♪ Doing good like
they s'posed to ♪

♪ Showing my heart ♪

♪ To the folks
that I'm close to ♪

♪ Got my eyes ♪

♪ Though they don't
see as far now ♪

♪ They see more ♪

♪ 'Bout how things really ♪

♪ Are now ♪

♪ I'm gonna ♪

♪ Take a deep breath ♪

♪ I'm gonna hold my head up ♪

♪ I'm gonna put
my shoulders back ♪

♪ And look you
straight in the eye ♪

♪ But most of all ♪

♪ I'm thankful for ♪

♪ Lovin' who I, I really am ♪

♪ I'm beautiful ♪

♪ And I'm here ♪

That's how you
sing through crying.

I was anticipating
this, so I brought two.

Thank you.

What you... What
you have given us

was everything we've been
trying to tell all of these kids.

That performance
was so emotional,

so heartfelt, so divinely guided

in the glorious name of
our dear brother Willie.

You did props. Thank you.

Thank you so much for that.

Way to tribute him
and way to tribute

what you guys were
planning to do together.

You know, I've lost
some people in my life,

and when you go to sing,

you just sing like
Willie's still here.

It was on another level. It
was so connected to the pain,

and everybody's
feeling this loss.

But we also feel
connected together

because you are
authentic, just like he was.

Can I vote, please? Please.

It's a yes for me.

Thank you.

It's a yes from me. Thank you.

It's a yes from me.

Welcome back to... Thank you.

Together: Hollywood.

Thank you. Whoo!

Hollywood. Thank you, my love.

Thank you, Kya, for
putting in the work.

Kya: I feel like I was
able to honor Willie tonight

singing the song and also
getting my golden ticket again.

Thanks for honoring
our friend, your friend,

and keeping the candle burning.

Thank you. We'll
see you in Hollywood.

All right. See you later.
We love you, Willie.

You did it. Congratulations.

Thank you.

That was so good.

Kya: I don't think
I would be here

if it wasn't for my
best friend, Willie,

because he made me
more confident in myself.

I believe every single
thing, every single note.

I love you. Love you too.

Kya: Willie, thank you
for not letting me give up.

This is for you.

Ladies and gentlemen,
if you got any more talent.

I don't even know, we
might have a double...

Double album. We might
have to do two seasons.

I don't know what this is.

We're naive because these
kids are gonna keep coming in.

Season 21 is here.

♪♪

We have a crazy season.

Let's go, baby. Bring it home.

Oh, no.

Lionel: The kids are coming
in now from everywhere.

Katy: This is why we go
to the nooks and crannies

and leave no
American Idol unturned.

Together: You're
going to Hollywood!

Yes!

Luke: The last person that I
saw approach singing like you

was Willie Spence.

Congratulations. Thank you.

Willie, I love you.

I love you, too. I
love you, too, Luke.

Love you, too, Lionel.

Lionel: He was a wonderful angel
that God brought to the world.

And he was that beacon of what
"American Idol" is all about.