Even with the stakes running high, Genevieve Heyward, a Top 20 contestant on American Idol, managed to find a moment of calm during her stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii. The strong contender for the title, who grew up performing in Wisconsin before eventually moving to Nashville to pursue music more seriously, leaned into the peaceful surroundings to stay grounded ahead of one of the biggest performances of the season.
“Aulani has been absolutely incredible. Because we are here for a competition, it does help when you’re in those peak pressure moments to be able to look around and be like, ‘Okay, look at that palm tree,’” the singer said during a pre-recorded clip, which showed her getting in some outdoor stretches before taking the stage in front of an outdoor audience that included families, Idol judges, and industry experts and tastemakers. “That palm tree’s chilling. I’m going to be chilling. I’m feeling pretty zenned out. That feels good. This was a much-needed zen moment.”
Monday night’s episode on March 16 featured the Top 20 contestants performing for a chance to move forward in the competition, to land a coveted spot in the Top 14. Heyward was part of the first group of hopefuls to take the stage during the first week of performances, hoping to earn America’s votes and advance to the next phase.
Helping ease the nerves were guest mentors Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer, who worked closely with the contestants ahead of their performances. Both mentors were already impressed with Heyward after watching her practice round.
“I was floored by Genevieve,” Paisley shared ahead of the artist’s performance.
Palmer also offered some creative advice before Heyward stepped onto the stage.
“I’m not sure if there’s something they can do in the beginning before you get into the song, but I almost wanted to meet you in an intro before you get into the song because I feel like that’s you,” Palmer suggested before she hit the stage.
When the moment finally arrived, Heyward dazzled the crowd with Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” bringing her own rocker-girl energy to the rendition and making the song completely her own. She initially asked fans to sing along with her, though she ultimately didn’t need any assistance. Some judges even noted it was easy to spot Heyward from afar because she already carried herself like a star.
Wearing sparkling red boots and a black gothic-style dress, Heyward completed the bold look with fashionable lace gloves. Leading into the chorus, she had Carrie Underwood’s jaw dropping and mentor Palmer rising to her feet as she belted out the lyrics: “I’m just having fun / On the stage in my heels / It’s where I belong down at the / Pink Pony Club / I’m gonna keep on dancing at the / Pink Pony Club / I’m gonna keep on dancing down in / West Hollywood / I’m gonna keep on dancing at the / Pink Pony Club, Pink Pony Club.”
“It almost blew my wig off,” Lionel Richie applauded afterward. “There’s nothing more exciting than when someone opens their mouth, and it comes out clear, strong, and powerful. It was amazing. I love what you did.”
Underwood added, “I remember early on when you were talking about what kind of artist you wanted to be. You said you wanted to occupy that pop-rock space, and I love that you took this giant pop anthem and toughened it up a little bit. I love the gloves. I love the outfit. The second you walk out on stage, it’s like, ‘What’s this girl about to do?’ And it’s fun. You were having fun with it.”
Luke Bryan agreed. “Keep bringing the energy like that,” he said. “I whispered to Carrie, ‘Every time you’re on stage, my eyes are able to find you.’ When you walk out, my eyes go straight to you — and that’s what stars have to have happen to be a star. I loved how you commanded the stage, and you were clearly having fun in the moment.”
Palmer added, “I love the way you let the stage know right away, ‘Y’all, hey, we’re here to have fun. I’m going to need some help from y’all on this one.’ You’re so you on stage. You have such a unique vibe. You did excellent. I was in the Pink Pony Club.”
Heyward, a self-proclaimed big fan of pickles, first met fans during her American Idol audition with a performance of“Magic Man” by Heart. The rendition earned praise from the judges, including Carrie Underwood, who said, “That’s a tall order right there!”
Heyward has also showcased her talents with performances of “The Story” by Brandi Carlile and “Your Song” by Elton John.
Voting has changed this season, as the American Idol app is no longer available. Fans can vote in three ways: online at AmericanIdol.com/Vote, through social media (@AmericanIdol) by commenting the first name of the contestant they want to vote for on the pinned voting post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, or by text by sending the contestant’s number to 21523.
Fans can vote up to 10 times per contestant per voting method and social platform. Voting begins once the contestant appears on television and closes at 6 a.m. ET on March 17.
Over the next week, the remaining Idol hopefuls will sing for America’s votes at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii, hoping to advance to the Top 14 while guided by superstar mentors Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer.
American Idol airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
