Did American Idol just discover the next female country superstar?
23-year-old HunterGirl (also known as Hunter Wolkonowski) left a lasting impression on the Idol judges with a cover of Rascal Flatts’ “Riot.”
The Winchester, TN native, who works with veterans as a music therapist, earned a standing ovation from Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie and they couldn’t help but gush over her vocal abilities.
“Hunter, your voice cuts through, it is like a sharp knife. It’s just so nice to listen to, you can tell the story through and through,” Perry told her. ”It’s authentic… You’re obviously a good-hearted person with what you do helping Veterans. You check so many different boxes. All you need is a shot.”
Bryan was so impressed with Hunter Guy that he compared her to one of country music’s biggest stars.
“I wrote Top 10 on my sheet… It’s like a new age Miranda Lambert deal going on,” Bryan exclaimed. “It’s my fifth year doing this and that is my favorite female country voice I’ve heard in five years.”
READ: 12 Fun Facts About HunterGirl
The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year then presented her with the golden ticket after she earned a ‘yes’ from each of the superstar Idol judges.
“That’s real country right there,” Richie pointed out. “She will have a solid career in country.”
“That is serious right there…” Bryan added. “Straight out of the country.”
After earning her ticket to Hollywood, Hunter thanked veterans for supporting her.
