16-year-old Ryleigh Madison returned to American Idol with hopes to leave a lasting impression on the judges and she did just that after covering Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.”
Prior to her performance, Madison had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Idol alum Lauren Alaina and was immediately starstruck upon meeting her.
“Some of my biggest inspirations in the country scene today have walked these footsteps that I’m walking in,” Madison said.
Tears filled the North Carolina native’s eyes as she spoke with the “Getting Over Him” singer.
“Oh, don’t you do that, that’s what I did when I met Carrie Underwood, I’m not going to lie,” Alaina said. “I met Carrie when I was on the show and I cried like a baby, so, I never thought I’d feel like Carrie Underwood, so thank you.”
“This is crazy, like this feels like a dream,” Madison said as happy tears streamed down her cheek.
“I feel like you’re me 10-years ago,” Alaina replied.
“I feel like this could change my life like it did yours,” Madison told the “Getting Over Him” singer.
Madison previously stunned with a performance of Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones” during auditions. She also credited Barrett as one of her biggest musical inspirations.
Her audition earned praise from Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
“You’re super country and you’ve got a great voice,” Perry gushed.
“Listen, you’re sixteen and you’ve got a really great voice,” Bryan exclaimed, before Richie added, “you’ve got a great voice.”
American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday at 8/7c EST on ABC.
