The Top 7 had a chance to showcase their talents once again on American Idol on Sunday evening and Huntergirl wowed the judges and audience alike with her cover of a viral TikTok hit.
The 23-year-old Tennessee native is an avid user of the social media application and explained her song choice to the superstar mentor, Will.I.Am.
“I post videos singing, being goofy, just whatever comes to mind,” the contestant said of her TikTok profile.
“I’m actually doing a pop song, I heard it on TikTok, it went viral and it’s called ‘You Broke Me First’ by Tate McRae,” added.
The Black Eye Peas member and lauded music producer complimented HunterGirl’s vocals and delivery.
“You have a really awesome voice, the control is pretty superb,” Will.I.Am gushed of her vocal abilities. “I like the country twang you’re putting on the pop song. You’d be a perfect artist to record because perfect recording voice, but when you go and see someone perform it hits you right. Just make sure with every emotion you’re feeling, you convey that to the audience.”
Huntergirl appreciated his advice as well as the opportunity to spend some time with him.
“I was so excited to meet Will.I.Am and he gave me some of the best advice that I’ve gotten,” she shared. “He said whatever emotion you’re feeling, you need to bring that to the stage because that’s what will make somebody feel something.”
She then explained her reason for auditioning, revealing that it was her grandmother who purchased her to pursue the opportunity.
“I remember watching the show with my Nana and she was like ‘maybe you’ll be on the show one day Hunter,’” she recalled.
“Hey Nana Pat, you got a superstar,” Will.I.Am. said in a video message to HunterGirl’s grandma.
“I got to make Will.I.Am and Nana proud this week,” she said.
Donning a black leather jacket with fringe with a sequin black and silver mini dress, HunterGirl put her powerhouse vocals on full display with a performance of Tate McRae’s viral TikTok hit, “You Broke Me First.”
Her performance earned praise from Idol judge Katy Perry.
“You’re just such a natural on that stage,” Perry gushed. “You don’t even need the fringe, but you got the fringe so it’s twice as nice. You got power poses, I’m so grateful that all of you are using up the stage tonight. You are becoming the artist that you dream of. So congratulations, you’re there for me.”
Huntergirl ultimately earned a spot in the Top 5 and will soon be mentored by American Idol alum and country superstar, Carrie Underwood.
American Idol airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.
