Ronda Felton brought Lionel Richie to tears after hearing her emotion-filled story and stunning vocals earned her a ticket to Hollywood.
The 19-year-old Milwaukee native auditioned for American Idol with “One Night Only” from the musical, Dreamgirls. Her performance was so impressive that it brought Richie to tears nearly immediately after she began to sing.
“I was doing really well until you came in and did something that no one has done tonight, which is touch me to the point to make me cry,” Richie told Felton. “My dear … that was the moment that will change your life.”
Felton was also in tears as Luke Bryan and Katy Perry gushed over her amazing vocals.
“That was a great performance, but I have a big old feeling it’s not your best performance to come,” Bryan added.
Watch the audition below.
Prior to her performance she told the judges her life story through tears which included hardships including being poor and homeless, only having her mom and nothing else at times. This prompted Richie to give her his black handkerchief to keep.
“I feel so blessed to be here with all of you,” Felton exclaimed ahead of her performance.. “It means the world to me.”
New episodes of American Idol air each Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
