Isaiah Moore, a 22-year-old from Oneonta, Alabama, brought all three of the American Idol judges (Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan) to tears with a heart-wrenching story and an emotional performance of “Where The Wild Things Are” by Luke Combs.
The aspiring singer and worship pastor auditioned for Idol at The Graduate in Nashville. Ahead of his performance, he told the show’s host Ryan Seacrest that he and his wife of seven days, Abby Grace, actually canceled their honeymoon for him to audition for the popular singing competition show. Seacrest surprised the couple and served up some mocktails to celebrate their vows and allowing the couple a taste of a tropical honeymoon.
Isaiah Moore’s Life Story On American Idol
Moore then opened his emotional life story, sharing the challenges he faced growing up. “I have two brothers, but one of them live with me. When he was three months old, me and him were put into the court system, and we were about to go into foster care. It was a struggle during my younger years,” he detailed of his rough upbringing. “My mother was deep into drugs. She was in and out of jail a few times throughout my life, but by God’s grace and all his blessings, my maw-maw, my paw-paw took us in. Man. They raised us the best that they could, and I’m very thankful to have them today, and I’m so glad they’re here with me.”
Isaiah reflected on the difficulties of not seeing his mother growing up, but shared how she worked hard to change her life. “Having troubles with my mom, I struggled not getting to see her growing up. As I got older, she tried to do better. I can say today with a happy and joyful smile that she is free from drugs and rehab for three years.” He expressed his gratitude for having his loved ones present but admitted that he was missing someone special.
“The most important people in my life are here today. I’m missing one person that I wish was here. This song goes out to my brother [Joseph]. He’s been having a hard time the past year, I would say, and I worry about him. I love him. He was supposed to be here today. I know that he loves me, but I just don’t want him going down the same path that my mom went down, and so I’m singing this for him,” he continued before dedicating his audition to his brother.
Isaiah Moore Auditioned With “Where The Wild Things Are” By Luke Combs
Strumming an acoustic guitar, Isaiah Moore went on to deliver an unforgettable performance of “Where The Wild Things Are” by Luke Combs.
“Oh, it’s hearts on fire and crazy dreams/ Oh, the nights ignite like gasoline/ And light up those streets that never sleep when the sky goes dark/ Out where the wild things are,” Moore sang on the tune’s chorus.
Brought The Idol Judges To Tears
Moore’s audition brought Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan to tears with his touching story and impressive performance. The three Idol judges offered the young contestant praise for his exceptional delivery of the Combs’ track.
“I think there’s a story in that voice. That song kind of showcases a lot of parallels in your life and a lot of people’s lives, so I enjoyed it. Good job,” Bryan stated.
Richie then added, “I felt the passion. I felt the pain. You’re carrying a lot inside, but your blessing is that you can actually deliver it in a vocal that’s touching. I enjoyed your performance. I thought it was just smoking.”
“You have a very powerful voice. You were telling the story, you were connecting with us, which is hard to do, but you did it. I think we should bring your family in,” Underwood said, inviting his family to join him in the room.
His wife, mom and paw-paw and maw-maw then entered the room and Moore introduced the judges to each of them.
“You got a great boy here, Luke, you want to kick us off?” Underwood said, initiating the voting process.
“You’re going to Hollywood!” the Idol judges shouted.
Earned A Golden Ticket, Advances To Hollywood
Ultimately, Isaiah Moore earned three ‘yes’ votes from the Idol judges, scoring him a golden ticket to advance to Hollywood.
“Getting a golden ticket. Getting married, having my mom with me, having my family with me. It’s been the most exciting and best time that I’ve had in a long time in my life,” Moore said as tears streamed down his cheek after receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood.
American Idol airs every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.
