Trace Casanova brought the energy and stole the show on American Idol, delivering a high-energy rockabilly performance and grabbing Carrie Underwood by the hand to join him for a dance in the midst of his audition.
The 22-year-old lounge singer and senior citizen entertainer from Charlotte, North Carolina, describes himself as a performer who takes his career seriously, but not himself. “I was raised by bikers growing up in the dive bars [and] biker clubs. That’s where I get the leather vest from. My motto is, I take my career seriously, not myself,” Casanova shared.
He immediately launched into his Idol audition with “Wild One (Real Wild Child)” by Jerry Lee Lewis.
Rocking white suit pants with twin purple stripes, a purple button-up, a yellow-and-purple bowtie, and a black leather vest, Casanova launched into a flamboyant, high-energy rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis’ rockabilly classic.
“I’m a wild I’m Wild One!/ Ohhh yeah, I’m a Wild One!/ I’m gonna keep a shakin’/ I’m gonna keep a movin’ baby,” Trace sang. Bursting with energy, dynamic dance moves, and old-school showmanship, he even invited Carrie Underwood to dance with him mid-performance.
“Hey Carrie, I just wanted to say you are one of the most gorgeous judges I’ve ever seen, no offense, fellas. If we were to go out dancing, let me show you what would happen,” Casanova said as he took Underwood’s hand and brought her to the center of the room.
As the rockabilly tune came to a close, the contestant let Underwood return to the star-studded judges panel. “Why’d you give her back? You don’t give her back; keep her dancing,” Bryan shouted as Underwood laughed.
Trace Casanova’s performance of the Jerry Lee Lewis hit was met with a standing ovation from the Idol judges. However, they wanted more, so Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan requested that he perform another song to “keep the energy going.”
He then broke out into a moody, bluesy version of “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, sending the Idol judges into a frenzy as they freaked out and sang along with him from their chairs. Underwood gushed, “I like you, Trace.”
Luke Bryan enjoyed his lively performance but seems to think he’d be better as an entertainer than as a contestant on Idol. “Oh, Casanova. I think it’s probably a stretch for American Idol, but I can appreciate your ministry.”
Lionel Richie praised the joy and humor he brought into the audition room before sharing that while he loved what he did, it’s just not for Idol. “I love what you did. Thank you. Honestly, I’m going to tell you that, but unfortunately this is a competition,” Richie added.
Underwood then admitted, “I don’t want you guys to vote. I’m in charge here. I think we need you. I think you’re a morale booster for all of us. I’m thinking of myself and my fellow judges and all the people that work on this show and all the joy you would bring as you go forth. So I’m going to give you a yes.”
Bryan didn’t agree with Underwood’s decision, but Richie did, so Trace Casanova earned a golden ticket and advanced to Hollywood Week, which will take place in Music City this year. Of Richie’s decision, he said, “I feel that some things just have to be pursued. I followed you, Carrie.”
“I never thought I would have Carrie Underwood fighting for me, but hey, I guess I’m just a cowboy Casanova,” the contestant joked after receiving his golden ticket. “It’s one of her songs… This slice of Casanova cake is going to Hollywood Week.”
New episodes of American Idol air every Monday at 8/7c on ABC and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
