The episode sees judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie visiting their hometowns, including Leesburg, Georgia; Tuskegee, Alabama; and Santa Barbara, California, meeting hopefuls during auditions.
- Feb 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" has returned for its highly-anticipated season 22! The premiere episode, aired on Monday, February 18, saw judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie visiting their hometowns, including Leesburg, Georgia; Tuskegee, Alabama; and Santa Barbara, California, meeting hopefuls during auditions.
First, the auditions took place in the auditorium of Luke's High School, a location on the Tuskegee college campus. The first singer hoping to impress the judges was Mackenzie Sol who sang "Bring it on Home" by Sam Cooke. Luke thought he had a "stardust personality" and skills, while Katy said Mackenzie could be in the Top 10. Mackenzie advanced to the next round with 3 yes from the judges.
Later, Triston Harper performed "Cover Me Up" by Jason Isbell. Triston, who is a member of the Choctaw Indian Tribe, offered the emotional performance while also playing a guitar. Lionel said he got a "storytelling" voice. Katy, meanwhile, called him authentic and connected. Triston got 3 yes.
Singing next was Kennedy Reid, who opted for "River Deep, Mountain High" by Ike Turner and Tina Turner. At one point during her performance, Katy yelled, "Wake us up!" Luke also sang along to a John Connelly song as the old lady played piano. Katy liked her voice, but she didn't think Kennedy was ready. Luke said no, but two other judges gave her a yes.
Meggie Iyer later belted "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. Katy was so excited that she spilled her drink. Lionel also praised Meggie, saying that she got "the whole package." Meggie was the next singer to advance after receiving three yes.
Sariah followed it up with a performance of "Over The Rainbow". She sang the song in an over exaggerated theatrical voice that got no from both Lionel and Luke, meaning she failed to get the golden ticket to Hollywood.
Ajii then hoped to get a golden ticket with his performance of "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims. "You had me on your opening note. Everything you do is so real, so fresh. It's so infectious," Lionel gushed. Luke added, "You sing like it's all on the line. You let it come from your soul and fly out." Ajii moved on with 3 yes from the judges.
Singing "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young at piano was Blake Proehl. Katy seemed to be in love with his sweet voice. Luke called him innocent and vulnerable, while Lionel said he's a natural. Unsurprisingly, Blake was given a golden ticket with 3 yes.
The judges were then stunned with Micaela McCall's performance of "Signed Sealed Delivered" by Stevie Wonder. "I've never heard that song done that way," Katy said, clearly impressed. Luke said, "The universe was saving her for us." The mesmerizing performance earned Micaela 3 yes from the judges.
Up next was Odell Bunton Jr., who belted out "Bring it on Home to Me" by Sam Cooke. He showcased his polished and soulful sound during his performance. "You have potential. That was real tight old school," Lionel commented. Odell couldn't help but cry when he got 3 yes, but what's more amazing was that the judges announced that Odell was given one of the three Platinum tickets, which allowed the awardees to skip the first round of performances during Hollywood Week.
Jack Blocker, meanwhile, chose to sing an original song titled "I Was Wrong". Katy pointed out his bad singing habits though she liked his voice. Lionel, on the other hand, called him an artist.
Jack was initially eliminated after Katy and Lionel gave him a no. Luke, however, then asked the crew to call Jack back. The judges gave Jack a second chance as Lionel changed his vote to a yes.
Concluding the night was McKenna Breinholt, who auditioned with "There Was Jesus" by Zach Bryan and Dolly Parton. It was such a stunning performance, so all three judges unsurprisingly gave McKenna a golden ticket to Hollywood.
