Luke Bryan teamed up with 23-year-old mortician, Kennedy Reid, for an impromptu duet of an iconic country hit during the season premiere of American Idol on Sunday (Feb. 18).
Mortician With Dreams Of Becoming A Full-Time Singer
Kennedy Reid’s American Idol began with the contestant introducing herself to the Idol judges, revealing that she is a mortician with hopes and dreams of becoming a full-time singer.
“I am a mortician… I work at Spring Valley Funeral Home. My job is all about providing closure to grieving families. It is very sad just watching the loss of their loved one, but I know that I have to be strong for the families,” she shared ahead of her Idol audition.
Reid continued, “Not only do I meet with families and make arrangements, but I also embalm bodies so they can be preserved long enough to have a funeral. I was originally going to be a cosmetologist before I found my love for mortuary science. And I am applying what I learned in cosmetology school to my job now.”
She later added, “As much as I love being a mortician, my dream is to be a full-time singer.”
Auditioned Alongside Her Best Friend Jean Ann
For her audition, she brought along her best friend, Jean Ann, to play the piano as she performed. “I definitely could not be doing this audition without Jean Ann. Jean Ann and I have so much in common, which is why we’re best friends. We love clothes, we love shoes, we’re both divas. She is the funniest person I know. We are so excited to be here and if I get a golden ticket, I may just die right there, but hey I know where to go, and I’ll be well taken care of,” Reid said of her friend, who she met one year ago at a John Conlee concert.
After sharing details about her profession and expressing aspiration to become a full-time singer, Kennedy Reid was given the spotlight to showcase her talent and make an impression on the judges with a performance of Ike and Tina Turner’s “River Deep – Mountain High.” Jean Ann played the piano as Kennedy Reid belted out the lyrics to the hit song in front of the star-studded panel of judges that includes Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
They Met At A John Conlee Concert
Following her performance of the Tina Turner hit, the judges asked Jean Ann how her and Kennedy Reid met. Jean Ann revealed that the pair met one year ago at a John Conlee concert.
“John [Conlee]… You know he sang at funeral homes!” Bryan stated, to which the two friends replied, “yes, he’s a funeral director.”
Surprise Duet With Luke Bryan And Kennedy Reid On American Idol
Jean Ann then began playing the notes of Conlee’s iconic country hit, “Rose Colored Glasses,” which prompted Luke Bryan to join Reid for an impromptu duet.
Bryan began to sing the tune from his chair behind the judges’ table before climbing atop the table and lying down like a body would in a casket at a funeral home on display as Perry hugged Reid. He then got up off the table and made his way to Kennedy Reid with some help from Perry. Luke Bryan and the contestant then finished out the tune holding hands.
Did Kennedy Reid Earn A Golden Ticket To Hollywood on Idol? Fate Revealed
The American Idol judges then made comments on Kennedy Reid’s audition before revealing her fate.
“You have a big voice. You have all the tools. It’s just feeling a little bit Pageanty,” Luke Bryan admitted.
“I think that’s the wrong song… For me, you answered all the questions when you were singing with Luke because I got a chance to hear your texture. Okay. Believe it or not, you were relaxed, and you weren’t on,” Lionel Richie commented.
Katy Perry then admitted that Reid has a “great voice,” but is not sure that she’s “ready for it.” Later adding, “you’re the kind of character in person where I just want to throw you in there.”
The judges then voted on if Kennedy Reid should advance to Hollywood week. Richie said “yes,” Bryan said “no” and Perry declared, “Let’s give her a break from death and show her what life is all about. I’m going to give you a yes.”
Ultimately, Kennedy Reid earned a golden ticket and advanced to Hollywood.
American Idol will return on Sunday, February 25 at 8/7c on ABC.
