Sandwich Artist Scarlet Ayliz wowed American Idol judges with an original song on Sunday, March 27.
The 18-year-old contestant from Hartford, Connecticut, who previously audition for Idol, revealed to Lionel Richie that her Grandmother, Mary, who was with her for the audition is a huge fan of Richie’s. He promised the contestant that he would meet her following her audition, a promise which he made good on.
Donning a bucket hat, jeans and an orange jacket, Ayliz, seated behind a piano, auditioned with her original tune, “Bleeding.”
With a voice reminiscent of Alicia Keys, Ayliz is destined to take her singing career to new heights after earning praise from all three Idol judges: Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
Watch her audition below.
“Super duper commercial sounding voice!” Bryan gushed. “Like superstardom commercial.”
“Absolutely,” Richie said in agreement.
“I don’t think we made a mistake last time. I think you need to pick songs that stir emotions,” Perry said, offering the contestant advice. “Sing that song that is Grandma’s favorite song.”
“I am so happy to see show up at American Idol University,” Richie joked, before Ayliz added, “not flunking this time either.”
“No, you will not drop out, because we’ll come and find you,” Richie exclaimed. “But, before we vote, I would like to bring your Grandmother in, because she seems like a fantastic woman.”
After three unanimous ‘yes’ votes from the Idol judges, Ayliz earned a golden ticket and is going to Hollywood.
American Idol returns on Monday, March 28 for Hollywood Week at 8/7c on ABC.
