Mattie Pruitt, a 15-year-old high school student from Eagleville, Tennessee, made a memorable impression during her American Idol audition, bringing along a special guest, country singer Craig Campbell, to accompany her on piano.
Craig Campbell Makes Surprise Appearance On American Idol
Craig Campbell, who previously played keyboard for Luke Bryan before forging his own path in country music and securing his own record deal, joined Pruitt for her audition. “You brought a friendly old friend in here to me,” Bryan said, to which Pruitt introduced Campbell to the Idol judges and host, “This is Craig Campbell. He’s a friend of mine, and he’s a country singer.”
“I think she’s incredible and always have, and she’s got an exciting future ahead of her,” Campbell told the Idol cast, bragging on Pruitt, who has also delivered two sold-out concerts at Campbell’s Grindstone Cowboy Coffee Shop in her hometown.
Mattie Pruitt Performs A Cover Of Jessie Murph’s “How Could You”
Accompanied by Campbell on the piano, Mattie Pruitt went on to deliver a captivating cover of “How Could You” by Jessie Murph. During her impressive performance, the aspiring country singer allowed her gritty vocals to be put on full display.
American Idol Judges Raved Over Her Vocal Abilities
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan raved over vocal talents at the conclusion of her Idol audition.
“Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow,” Richie gushed. “You have that little raspy thing that happens every so often. Oh my God, I loved every minute of it. Outstanding.”
“You have a maturity in your voice that is a bit beyond your years, but it’s really cool. You have a really nice range [and] You seem super reserved. It’s super shy. And then I’m like, you’re 15, but I am super impressed,” Underwood gushed.
Underwood asked Craig Campbell for his thought, to which he stated, “I think she’s got a big ol’ future ahead of her myself. I think she did incredible, I was very proud of her. I was just over there sweating bullets, hoping that I didn’t you mess her up.”
Earned A Golden Ticket To Hollywood
Luke Bryan then allowed Campbell to cast his vote on his behalf. “I think it’s a yes,” Campbell chimed in.
“I mean, the question isn’t, are you going to be a successful country artist? The question is, are we going to be a part of it? And the answer is yes,” Underwood confessed.
Lionel Richie also allowed Campbell to cast his vote on her audition. “Now you know what? I’ve only met him this one time. I’m willing to put my vote in Craig’s hands as well. What do you think, man?” Richie asked Campbell. He quickly replied, “I think you need to go on and get that ticket.”
Ultimately, Mattie Pruitt earned three ‘yes’ votes from Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, scoring a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Received Advice From Carrie Underwood
Underwood offered Pruitt advice before she exited the audition room, saying, “Over the next while, just play between now in Hollywood. Get super comfortable in what you’re doing. Learn how to just work that stage and confidence in yourself. You’ve got a great voice.”
After Pruitt exited the audition room, Luke Bryan admitted, “I think she’s probably got a little more in the tank than that, too.” Just outside the audition room doors, American Idol host Ryan Seacrest asked what getting a golden ticket meant to her, to which she admitted, “It means a lot. I didn’t think I would get this, so I’m really grateful.”
American Idol airs every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.
