Ava Maybee, a college student from Los Angeles, California, earned a ticket to Hollywood with her stunning American Idol audition.
On Sunday, March 27, the 20-year-old, who’s father Chad Smith is the drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers, performed a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Lately” for Idol judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
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Joined by a guitarist, Maybee flawlessly belted out the lyrics to the Wonder hit.
“Good deal! Ava Maybee,” Bryan said as she concluded her audition.
“You’re a real alto,” Perry gushed, which Maybee replied, “yeah, I’ve had this voice since I was born.”
“You had remnants of CHER, when she’s singing, she’s down here and it’s solid,” Richie said, comparing Maybee’s vocals to pop icon, CHER.
“It’s very deep, but it’s very cool,” Perry added. “It started to really open up when the chorus hit. It’s a cool alto sound. I think if you went for it, you’d be challenged a lot.”
“I do feel like you’re an artist,” Bryan said. “I’m interested to hear and see more of what you’ve got going on.”
“I think I’m going to go against your family, you’re not going to be a Maybee, you’re going to be a for sure,” Richie joked.
After praising Maybee’s audition, Richie, Perry and Bryan all shouted, “You’re going to Hollywood.”
The contestant then grabbed her golden ticket to Hollywood and exited the room.
American Idol returns on Monday, March 28 for Hollywood Week at 8/7c on ABC.
