Sonny Tennet reflected on his journey to American Idol as he prepared to perform Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” during Hollywood week, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the support he’s received along the way.
The 25-year-old singer/songwriter from South Shields, England won Idol judge Lionel Richie, who he named as a musical influence of his, over during his Idol audition with an impressive cover of “Easy” by The Commodores. “You made my song your song. It was beautifully done,” Richie gushed. Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan also praised the contestant for making the timeless hit his own.
Sonny Tennet Opened Up About Feeling Welcomed On American Idol
Ahead of his performance during Hollywood week, Sonny Tennet opened up about being accepted on the show. “Thank you for making someone from the UK feel so at home here. It’s really like being such a special experience,” Tennet stated, before graciously thanking everyone for being so welcoming to a guy from England. “So thank you all, and thank you for being amazing judges. Being English, coming over here, you’re already kind of at a disadvantage, but it’s actually crazy that I’m here right now and how far I’ve come.”
Music isn’t just a career for Sonny Tennet; it’s been a part of his life since childhood. “I’m so passionate about music, it’s been everything since I was a little kid. Everyone is a musician in my family or singer, so I just was surrounded by it,” Tennet shared.
Despite his parents’ divorce when he was just two years old, Tennet reflects fondly on his upbringing. “I don’t think there was any other option. I can’t actually remember my mom and dad being together. They got divorced when I was 2 years old, but I had a great childhood. I was brought up by my man and my sister. I’m almost glad I was raised by two strong woman. You know what I mean? I’m never afraid to say I love someone, or I’m like, I show me emotions and stuff.”
Performed Unique Rendition Of “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston
For his “Idol Arena” performance, Sonny Tennet decided to offer his own rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” a track written by David Foster and Linda Thompson that was made popular as part of The Bodyguard film soundtrack. He chose the song because he knew that he had to shine in the competition.
“I like to make it my own, so it’s totally different to Whitney’s version, which I think is important,” he explained. “She’s one of the best singers of all time. I chose that song because I knew that the competition was going to be high. How can I stand out? Let’s do a Whitney Houston song. It’s such a huge song, man, and it’s a bit of a risk, and I’m doing it. I need this to work. There’s no other option.”
He then delivered an incredible performance of the Whitney Houston classic, showcasing his unique vocals and putting his own spin on the iconic hit.
“But don’t make me close one more door/ I don’t wanna hurt anymore/ Stay in my arms if you dare/ Or must I imagine you there?/ Don’t walk away from me/ I have nothing, nothing, nothing/ If I don’t have you, you, you, you, you,” Tennet sang on the track’s chorus.
Earned A Standing Ovation
His exceptional performance earned a standing ovation from the Idol judges and his fellow Idol hopefuls. “It was a dream come true, honestly, getting a standing ovation in the theater. Thank you so much. I’m in shock. I’m in shock, to be honest,” Tennet admitted, reacting to the milestone moment.
Following Sonny Tennet’s performance, Lionel Richie gushed, “I loved what you did in your audition. I really love what you did here. You have a style. You did a fabulous job.”
Fate Revealed: Advances To Next Round
Sonny Tennet, whose real name is Stevie Jay Tennet, was among the 62 Idol hopefuls who advanced after what the show described as “the biggest cut in Idol history.”
American Idol returns on Sunday, April 6 for the “Showstoppers” round, where Jelly Roll will make his highly-anticipated debut as the first-ever artist in residence to offer guidance to the contestants. During the “Showstoppers” round, the remaining Idol hopefuls will face a career-defining challenge, where they’ll have the chance to prove that they have what it takes to captivate an audience with performances that could “make or break their journey to fame” and their shot at becoming the next American Idol.
American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday at 8/7c on ABC.
