“American Idol” auditions concluded Sunday, with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan searching for talent in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and Savannah, Georgia — including the shocking return of a season-12 contestant.
Here’s some of Sunday’s highlights:
Pittsburgh native Gabby Barrett, 17, made the mistake of trying to sound like Carrie Underwood during her rendition of Carrie’s “Good Girl,” but redeemed herself when she switched to a gospel tune. Perry, noting the teen had “stage presence,” gave her a “yes,” as did the other judges. Gabby is off to Hollywood.
Caitlin Lucia is a waitress from Orange County, California, and a big Katy Perry fan. Her unique spin on ”I Kissed a Girl” was a gutsy move that paid off with Perry admitting Caitlin did a better job on it than she did. Perry also believed Lucia had “a bigger motor” than she was showing them and she and the other judges wanted a chance to see it in Hollywood. Lucia got three “yes” votes from the judges and a golden ticket.
.@RyanSeacrest is giving you a peek at tonight’s #HollywoodWeek drama on #AmericanIdol! Join us at 8|7c on ABC. pic.twitter.com/mBq35oWSdZ
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 26, 2018
Lee Vasi, a 20-year-old from Fayetteville, North Carolina, made the common mistake of trying a little too hard to win the judges’ approval, getting carried away with her version of Toni Braxton’s “Love Should Have Brought You Home.” The judges chalked up the mistake to a case of nerves, though, and gave her a pass. She earned a golden ticket and a chance to sing her favorite Commodores song, “Zoom,” with Richie himself.
The panel also fell in love with Carly Moffa, whose quirky personality impressed them as much as her voice. Moffa performed an original tune, “I’d Let the Lion Out,” dedicated to her mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. Richie declared Carly gave them “the whole package,” praising her vocal…
